Executive Director

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art•St. Petersburg, FL

25d

About The Position

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art seeks a visionary, relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the museum through its next era of growth and influence. Reporting to the Board of Directors, chaired by founder Tom James, the Executive Director serves as the museum’s chief executive and public face. The role oversees approximately 45 employees, a $6.8 million annual operating budget, and the museum’s departments and functions, and works closely with founders Tom and Mary James to steward their vision while helping shape the institution’s future. The Executive Director will set and carry out the museum’s strategic direction, including developing and implementing a comprehensive long-term strategic plan. The leader will strengthen philanthropic support, expand community partnerships, enhance the visitor experience, grow attendance and engagement, and improve the museum’s visibility and impact throughout Tampa Bay and beyond. The role also focuses on building a high-performing, mission-driven culture; developing staff; strengthening diversified revenue; and positioning the museum as an essential cultural institution, educational resource, community gathering place, and philanthropic priority. The successful candidate will be a visible ambassador and spokesperson who can build authentic relationships with staff, trustees, founders, donors, civic and cultural leaders, educational institutions, and diverse audiences. Candidates may come from museums, cultural institutions, higher education, foundations, destination organizations, nonprofit enterprises, or other mission-driven organizations, provided they bring the leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational development experience needed to lead a growing cultural institution.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior executive role.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated success leading complex organizations through growth, innovation, and change.
Ability to articulate a compelling vision, translate strategy into measurable results, and develop and implement strategic plans.
Strong executive presence and ability to inspire and unite diverse stakeholders around a common purpose.
Entrepreneurial mindset and record of identifying and pursuing opportunities for growth and impact.
Demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships with civic leaders, cultural organizations, educational institutions, government officials, and community partners.
Exceptional public speaking, storytelling, and communication skills.
Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors.
Ability to inspire philanthropic investment through relationship-building and storytelling, with understanding of donor-centered fundraising and long-term relationship management.
Experience working effectively with founders, philanthropists, influential board leaders, or entrepreneurial stakeholders; emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and sound judgment in founder-led environments.
Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and building high-performance, mission-driven organizational cultures.
Strong financial and operational acumen, including budget oversight, resource management, and revenue growth.
Ability to leverage data and analytics in decision-making.
Commitment to integrity, accountability, openness, and organizational excellence.
Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse communities the museum serves locally, regionally, and beyond.
Ability to balance respect for institutional history with a forward-looking perspective and to honor the founders’ legacy while helping the institution evolve.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience in museums, cultural institutions, higher education, foundations, destination organizations, nonprofit enterprises, or other mission-driven organizations preferred.
Experience leading capital campaigns, endowment initiatives, comprehensive fundraising efforts, or transformational gift strategies strongly preferred.
Appreciation for the opportunity to partner with Tom and Mary James during an important period in the museum’s history.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a compelling long-term vision and comprehensive strategic plan for institutional growth, priorities, and impact.
Build and sustain a high-performing, mission-driven organizational culture.
Increase the museum’s visibility, relevance, and impact throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond.
Strengthen relationships with community leaders, cultural organizations, educational institutions, government officials, civic partners, and other stakeholders.
Expand philanthropic support through major gifts, donor cultivation and stewardship, foundation relations, campaign leadership, and long-term donor relationships.
Strengthen and optimize diversified revenue streams, including earned income from the museum shop, food and beverage offerings, and facility rentals.
Grow museum attendance, membership, and audience engagement while ensuring exceptional visitor experiences.
Partner with the Board of Directors to advance strategic priorities and governance excellence.
Lead, inspire, and develop staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, innovation, and professional growth.
Serve as the museum’s chief spokesperson, advocate, and ambassador in public forums, media interviews, donor events, and community gatherings.
Oversee approximately 45 employees, a $6.8 million annual operating budget, and the museum’s departments and functions.
Work closely with founders Tom and Mary James, honoring and advancing their vision while helping the institution evolve for future generations.
Use data and analytics to support decision-making and apply financial and operational acumen to budget oversight, resource management, and revenue growth.