Museum Association
of Arizona

Basics

Position Title: Executive Director, Museum Association of Arizona
Position Type: Contract, Part-Time (approximately 20 hours per week)
Reports to: Museum Association of Arizona Board of Directors
Location: Remote, but candidate must reside in Arizona
Salary: $30,000
Anticipated Start Date: January 2, 2027
To apply: Send resume and cover letter to: MAA Search Committee at azmuseums@gmail.com.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting on September 21, 2026.

The Museum Association of Arizona (MAA) is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to guide the organization into its next chapter under a new Executive Director.
MAA serves as a trusted partner to Arizona’s museum professionals, facilitating collaboration, sharing best practices, and advancing the field through innovative programs, advocacy, and professional development.
The MAA Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief administrative officer of the organization, responsible for the day-to-day operations, and initiating and implementing policies and programs approved or defined by the MAA Board.  
Representing MAA throughout the state and building relationships with museums, cultural organizations, professional associations, funders, government agencies, and community partners, the ED provides visible, collaborative, and inclusive leadership and ensures that MAA’s programs and services provide meaningful value to its members.
The ED reports to the President of MAA and works closely with the MAA Board and its Committees, providing a long range vision for the association through its Operational Plan. (MAA Operational Plan)

This is a part-time contract position averaging approximately 20 hours per week, with flexibility in scheduling based on organizational needs, programs, meetings, and events.  The position includes limited state-wide travel.   Reimbursement will be made for travel expenses.  MAA does not have a brick-and-mortar facility.  It is anticipated that all work will be done remotely.   

Specific Responsibilities:

Resource Development  (Membership and Funding)
- Provide administrative support for to the Resource Development Committee in implementing the annual development plan.
- Maintain the membership database (Wild Apricot) and oversee membership renewals and communications.
- Provide administration support to the Resource Development Committee in obtaining member feedback and identifying opportunities to expand and diversify MAA membership.

Professional Development
- Support the Professional Development Committee in providing relevant educational programs, workshops, symposiums, and other professional development opportunities.
- Provide administrative support for Annual Conference (contracts, publicity, registration)
- Share professional development information from and/with regional, state, national, and international museum organizations and professional associations. 

Communications
- Serve as a primary spokesperson and public representative for MAA in coordination with the MAA President and Board.
- Work with the Communications Committee to develop and implement a social media strategy.
- Maintain the MAA website
- Create and disseminate e-Newsletter
- Manage MAA’s social media accounts and maintain an active, consistent, and professional presence across appropriate platforms.

Advocacy
- Serve as an effective and informed advocate for Arizona museums and the museum profession.
- Monitor issues, legislation, policies, and public discussions affecting museums and cultural organizations in Arizona on municipal to federal levels.
- Work with the Board and Advocacy Committee to establish advocacy priorities and develop appropriate materials, communications, and events.
- Build collaborative relationships with policymakers, government officials, community leaders, professional organizations, funders, and other partners. 

Administrative Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support for Committees, Task Forces and Working Groups Attend all meetings as ex officio participant.
- Manage contractors, consultants, interns, and volunteers as appropriate.
- Maintain organizational records, contracts, equipment, and other administrative resources.
- Manage subscriptions and memberships
- Ensure appropriate tax, and other regulatory filings are completed.

Financial Management
- Work with the Treasurer to develop annual budgets for Board approval
- Work with the Treasurer to review financial reports and projections, and identify potential concerns or opportunities.
- Work with the Treasurer to maintain financial records (Quicken).  
- Ensure appropriate insurance coverage is maintained

Desired Qualifications

Leadership Characteristics
The successful Executive Director will be a visible, accessible, ethical, and collaborative leader who understands and values the diversity of Arizona’s museum community. The ED should demonstrate:
- Strong commitment to museums, cultural organizations, and the communities they serve.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- An inclusive and welcoming leadership style that values diverse perspectives and ideas.
- Strong professionalism, judgment, integrity, and executive presence.
- Initiative, adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach to working with Board members, Committees, members, partners, volunteers, and contractors.
- The ability to represent MAA confidently and effectively in public and professional settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Nonprofit leadership, management, and administration
- Membership development
- Budget development and fiscal managementn
- Board governance and stewardship
- Program and conference planning
- Marketing, social media, and external communications
- Written and verbal communication
- Advocacy and community engagement
- Partnership and coalition building
- Project management and organizational systems
- Understanding of museum operations 

Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in museum studies, nonprofit management, public administration, business, arts administration, history, or a related field.
- At least five years of progressively responsible management or leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, membership association, museum, or related cultural organization.
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting, organizational administration, program management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors, Committees, volunteers, and diverse organizational partners.
- Knowledge of  (or willingness to learn) Wild Apricot, Quicken and Vertical Response 

Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience in the museum or cultural sector.
- Experience with a membership-based organization.
- Experience in advocacy or government relations
- Experience with event planning  
-Experience with grant administration
- Knowledge of Arizona’s diverse museum and cultural landscape.

Work Environment and Travel

This is a part-time position averaging approximately 20 hours per week. The schedule may vary according to organizational priorities, including Board meetings, conferences, programs, deadlines, and other MAA activities.