Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer

Position Description:  Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer

                                   Coastal Discovery Museum

                                   Hilton Head Island, SC

Salary:                         $80,000-$100,000 Yearly

                                    Full-Time

Min Experience           10 years with progressive responsibility

Description                      

The Coastal Discovery Museum includes six renovated historic structures and outbuildings on a 70-acre campus. Covering history, nature, culture, and art, this multidisciplinary museum incorporates public gardens, outdoor habitats, living animal collections as well as constantly changing exhibitions and an extensive offering of public programs.

Ideal Candidate             

The ideal candidate will have broad experience in museums, covering multiple areas such as collections, exhibitions, education, facilities, and/or public programming. CDM is a small museum, and the Deputy Director will be expected to work hands-on within their areas of expertise and effectively manage and lead staff across the institution. This position requires an individual who is highly motivated and can switch between broad operational oversight and strategically focused museum work. They will have a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. The ideal candidate will lead by example and be innovative in positioning the Museum as the heartbeat of our community.

Summary of Position

Reporting to and working in partnership with the Director and CEO, the Deputy Director and COO will lead all operations and will have the following overall responsibilities: Serve as the leader of the organization's day-to-day operations, and provide for all staff a strong day-to-day leadership presence; Identify best practices and improve internal systems with an eye toward future needs and budget realities; Facilitate museum’s continued growth and fulfillment of its mission; In the Director/CEO's absence or unavailability the COO/Deputy Director would provide guidance and support to all Museum Departments as well as the Board of Directors. The Director/CEO will be focused on fundraising efforts and may be traveling up to 15% of the time.

Skills and Experience Requirements

Ten years of leadership experience in roles of increasing seniority

Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal

Experience serving as an external spokesperson, outlining institutional vision, mission, and priorities to a variety of key stakeholders

Robust budgetary management experience to effectively oversee museum resources

Strong management skills and a management style that fits the needs of the museum

Key Responsibilities

This individual is responsible for leading and managing the Museum, its exhibits, collections, programs, as well as engagement with stakeholders and the community in the Lowcountry and beyond. They will champion our Strategic Plan, our DEIA efforts, work with Board committees and help develop and manage the overall museum budget. The Deputy Director will support and advise the CEO in decision making, oversee organizational performance metrics, and oversee all operational departments of the museum.

Work Demands

Must be able to lift 50 pounds, traverse rough terrain on our 70-acre property, represent the museum on radio and television, work independently without supervision.

Education

College degree required, advanced degrees may reduce years of experience required.

To Apply

Please send an application letter and resume to rgarniewicz@coastaldiscovery.org with “Deputy Director” in the subject line. Finalists will be contacted and asked to submit three references.