Thanks to the hard work and generosity of its volunteers, the Wayne County Historical Society has grown significantly over the past decade and a half, adding new buildings to the campus, increasing the size and scope of its exhibits, including the Permanent Collection, and expanding services and programs. Now, after careful analysis and study, the Historical Society’s board has decided the time is right to take an important step to secure the organization’s continued vitality and long-term sustainability, by hiring a part-time executive director.
Using a portion of a bequest recently received, the Historical Society is seeking an executive director to work 20 hours per week for three years, with the goal of making the position self-supporting by the end of that time. A full position description and information about the search process can be found here.
The Wayne County Historical Society is the only organization of its size representing county history in this area without a paid director. Historical museums in Loudonville, Ashland, Holmes, and Stark counties all have paid executive directors.
Twenty years ago, when the Historical Society had fewer buildings and fewer displays, annual funding from the county supported paid staff who worked more than 30 hours a week. Recent board presidents have averaged 25 hours of work per week at the Historical Society, a substantial commitment for a volunteer position, and report still feeling like they “left more undone than done.”
An executive director will help WCHS better serve the community by developing new programs, implementing museum best practices, and pursuing more fundraising and grant opportunities – including those that will make the position self-supporting after three years.
