OVERVIEW: The Manager of Operations & Strategic Initiatives reports directly to the Executive Director and oversees the day-to-day operations and administration of the facility. The ideal candidate is an organized and proactive individual with strong organizational and communications skills, and a commitment to the museum mission, with a drive to succeed. This position supervises two direct reports, the Facility Maintenance Coordinator and Visitor Services Manager. This position is well suited for someone who is detail-oriented and enjoys working on a variety of projects. The ideal candidate will take the initiative to familiarize themselves with all aspects of the organization and with the Executive Director, work collaboratively to establish systems and processes.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM: Founded in 1952, the Yakima Valley Museum (YVM) provides residents and visitors with impactful exhibits and programs that focus on central Washington's unique cultural and natural history. The Museum is one of only three museums in Eastern Washington accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and with a 65,000 square foot facility, is one of the largest cultural history museums in the state. The Museum's collection consists of over 48,000 objects, including an art collection of 1,400 works, and a large regional archive and library.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
General Operations Management:
- Ensure YVM is a clean, healthy, organized and professional work environment with adequate equipment, supplies, and other resources for staff to perform their duties.
- Order office supplies for all staff and keep the Copy Room organized and stocked.
- Manage accounts payable and receivable, generate invoices as needed, and ensure timely submission to the contract bookkeeper while completing weekly deposits and maintaining financial records.
- Manage vendor and contractor relationships while maintaining and updating the staff and contractor phone list and museum calendar.
- Assist the Executive Director in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance YVM operations.
- Coordinate staff onboarding with the Executive Director, including benefits administration.
- Facilitate volunteer onboarding and ensure accurate tracking and timely entry of volunteer hours into the database, working with program area staff as needed.
- Maintain YVM files, both electronic and paper, ensuring they are properly organized, archived and accessible.
- Provide oversight for Visitor Services program and Facility Maintenance, which includes: the facility rental program, Museum Store, Admissions, and Facility Maintenance.
- Collaborate with staff to support the implementation of Strategic Plan initiatives.
- Provide logistical and administrative assistance for internal events as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support museum operations and Executive Director.
Board of Trustees Support:
- Support Executive Director with all Board Member communications, including developing monthly board calendars, board handbooks, and meeting invites.
- Provide logistic support for monthly Board Meetings, including setting up tables, printing board packets, etc.
- Take meeting minutes for monthly Board of Trustee meetings and other Committee Meetings when assigned.
- Maintain and update Trustee contact list and Committee assignments.
Advancement:
- Manage the YVM Membership Program, including processing new and renewed memberships and ensuring timely correspondence with members.
- Supervise membership promotion including renewals and membership drives.
- Work with the Visitor Services Manager on membership promotion opportunities and member-only events
- With the Executive Director, prepare and implement annual giving campaigns.
- Track grants and administer fulfillment requirements and file follow-up reports on behalf of the museum, while providing support to the Executive Director with grant applications as needed.
- Manage donor database including: accurate data entry, detailed gift processing and acknowledgments, and donor file maintenance.
- Support the Executive Director with marketing and communications initiatives, including fundraising materials, public event promotions, and donor communications.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least three years of relevant administrative or operations experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; familiarity with QuickBooks Online and/or Bloomerang CRM (or similar cloud-based platforms) preferred.
- Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational, record-keeping, and data management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster a positive work culture.
- Strong communication, customer service, and project management abilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to contribute to a positive work culture.
- Capable of representing the museum professionally in all interactions.
- Skilled at managing multiple priorities under pressure while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to work efficiently and courteously with diverse audiences including staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and the public.
- Flexible schedule, including availability for weekends and evenings as needed.
- Understanding of non-profit organizations, museums, or arts and cultural organizations.
- High level of discretion when handling confidential information.
- Enthusiastic team player with a proactive and collaborative approach.
EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION:
This position is full-time salaried exempt and compensated $69,306/yearly. This position includes health and dental insurance (employee only, employer paid at 90% for health insurance and 100% for dental), up to 3% match with museum Simple IRA plan, 11 paid holidays, paid time off and sick time which can be discussed during the interview process. While this position will mainly be a Monday-Friday position, there may be occasional evening and weekend work required.
Yakima Valley Museum encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Diverse perspectives and experiences enhance the richness of our work and reflect our community. We expect that not all candidates will meet every criterion in this job description, and some candidates may decide not to apply if they do not meet every line in the description. We encourage you to apply anyway!
Yakima Valley Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references to Liz Hobson, Executive Director, liz@yvmuseum.org by April 18th, 2025.