Executive Director

The NATIONAL INDO AMERICAN MUSEUM [NIAM] builds bridges across generations and connects cultures through the diverse, colorful stories of all Indian Americans.

The vision and dedication of founders and advisors spending months in the discovery process, established the newly named “Indian American Heritage Museum” in 2007 with IAC continuing its role as incubator and providing free space for a small display area/board room and serving as the fiscal agent. Expanding visions and programs led to encompassing Indian Americans from across USA and renaming Indo American Heritage Museum to National Indo American Museum in 2019.  NIAM will be transitioning from a virtual museum to a location at 815 South Main Street, Lombard, Illinois in September 2021 with opening of the Umang & Paragi Patel Center [Center].  More information can be found at www.niam.org.

POSITION

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: President, Board of Directors

Supervises: Current and Future Staff

General Summary:   This is a full-time position at the Center. Variance from regular hours may often be necessary to meet the Museum’s needs.

The Executive Director is a high-energy leader who embodies NIAM’s values and motivates the community to execute its mission. The Executive Director is responsible for providing operational and administrative oversight for the Museum’s expanding programs and funding sources, implementing new options suggested by the board that lead to stable and expanding revenue generation for the overall well-being of the Museum. Although components of these responsibilities may be delegated to staff, the ultimate responsibility is that of the Executive Director.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintains and nurtures the mission of NIAM through effective management:
   1. Be aware of the Indian festival calendar and what is happening in the Indian American community in the US
   2. Communicate with and support the Board of Directors in various Museum activities
   3. Manage external communication of information with Chair of Marketing and the Board of Directors.
   4. Attend events that support the mission of the Museum.
   5. Raise visibility of NIAM in the community represent the Museum with various constituencies that support the mission of the Museum.
   6. Work closely with Vice President of Development and the Board of Directors for the major annual fundraising event.

1. Ensures the Museum’s fiscal viability by:
   1. Approving and monitoring the budget and financial resources in co-operation with the Board Treasurer and the Board of Directors.
   2. Monitoring Museum’s cash flow and all major expenditures in cooperation with Board Treasurer.
   3. Preparing monthly financial reports in cooperation with Board Treasurer
   4. Participating in the annual audit, if required by the state.
   5. Identifying & recommending opportunities to monetize program offerings to the Board of Directors.
   6. Work closely with NIAM’s grant writers to identify, coordinate and manage grant applications

1. Enable the Board of Directors to effectively oversee the Museum by:
   1. Working with staff to provide regular and specific information
   2. Initiating discussion of new program and funding opportunities and policy changes.
   3. Implementing Board approved policy and programs and communicating this with staff.
   4. Working with staff to coordinate and direct short- and long-term planning in cooperation with the board.
   5. Assist with recruiting, training, and managing volunteers.
   6. Schedule and prepare agenda for Annual Meeting in June, followed by a New Board-Old Board handover meeting shortly thereafter.

1. Supervise and support staff by:
   1. Providing challenges, affirmations, and performance reviews in a timely manner.
   2. Encouraging staff development and training.
   3. Implementing personnel policies and salary structures.
   4. Approving new hires and terminations.

1. Manage major contracts/leases and rentals at the Center
   1. Serve as the point of contact for lessees, vendors, real-estate mgmt. company, etc.
   2. Manage liability insurance and other insurance contracts.
   3. Evaluate, recommend and renegotiate contracts as needed.
   4. Communicate with vendors in a timely manner and approve invoices in cooperation with Director of Finance.
   5. Maintain databases of members, directors, interns, vendors, and others in cooperation with Board of Directors.

1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
   1. A minimum of 5 years substantial demonstrated experience with the management of a non-profit organization, preferably in the arts.
   2. Experience with fundraising, including donor cultivation and monetizing opportunities.
   3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills including conflict management and problem solving.
   4. Ability to make thoughtful, productive decisions employing an inclusive process.
   5. Ability to adapt to change and the evolving nature of a position.
   6. Ability to approach people in a manner which creates harmony and cooperation.
   7. Ability to prepare and deliver written and oral reports and presentations in a variety of settings.
   8. Effective organizational skills and work with a Board of Directors.
   9. Ability to move around the Chicagoland area for meetings and conferences.

Application deadline: December 15, 2021
Send the application to: jobs@niam.org
Please send three references!