Mission: The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation preserves and promotes the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware and the Delaware Valley for the education and enrichment of all. 

Vision: To provide a premier maritime and cultural experience and destination for all

TITLE: Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer

DEPARTMENT: Executive

SUPERVISOR: Chair of the Board of Trustees

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the organization. The Executive Director, in partnership with the Board of Trustees, ensures the organization’s success. Together, they develop the overall strategy for the Foundation, maintain the organization's relevance to the community, fulfill its mission and vision, and ensure accountability to its diverse stakeholders.

The Executive Director directs ongoing programs, initiatives and operations. This work includes implementation of Board policies, supervision of directly reporting staff, financial management, fund development, communication with a wide variety of constituencies and marketing and human resource management, including the critical constituency of over 200 volunteers.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Collaborate with the Chairman, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Board of Trustees to develop and implement organizational objectives and long-term strategies;

2. Direct the Foundation’s programs, initiatives, and operations to meet established goals;

3. Create supporting workplans, delegate tasks, and provide necessary oversight and guidance to team members to ensure the achievement of objectives:

4. Work with the Treasurer to prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with non-profit status;

5. Oversee and enhance fundraising efforts to both attract prospective donors as well as maintain robust relationships with existing donors and stakeholders. Serve as the primary contact with major donors;

6. Work in collaboration with professional ship staff to ensure safety of ship and crew;

7. Effectively manage the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies;

8. Promote a culture of continuous improvement by monitoring program results and leveraging customer, volunteer, and staff feedback;

9. Ensure a safe and compliant working environment, upholding the Foundation’s Code of Conduct and Child Safety Policy;

10. Act as a primary spokesperson, enhancing the Foundation’s public image and expanding its network of support;

11. Provide support to the Board and its committees and execute special projects as assigned by the Chairman, Executive Committee, or Board of Trustees;

12. Maintain a positive work environment. 

Direct Supervision Responsibilities:

- Captain and Master of the Ship

- Port Captain

- Senior Historian and Director of Education

- Marketing and Public Relations Director

- Administrative office staff and contract personnel, where applicable

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Minimum of five years in executive leadership with a track record in staff management and administrative leadership.

2. Extensive experience in non-profit management, either as a volunteer or employee.

3. Demonstrated ability to raise operating and capital funds: business and individual giving, government and foundation grants, fundraising events and membership programs.

4. Strong ability to build relationships within and outside of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation community.

5. Resilient and able to work with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders.

6. Flexible and able to address multiple objectives.

7. Excellent communication skills (written and oral).

8. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree (M.S., MBA, MPA) preferred.

9. Experience with maritime-oriented museums and educational programing is advantageous.

10. Must pass a criminal background check and drug test.

11. Sense of humor

Expectations:

Commitment of 40 hours per week, including some weekends and evenings.

Responsive when situations arise outside of business hours.

Contact: office@kalmarnyckel.org