Background:
The SS United States Conservancy is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and commemorating the historic ocean liner SS United States, the largest passenger ship built in her namesake nation and holder of the transatlantic speed record. The legendary ocean liner endures an icon of mid-century modern design, maritime excellence, technological innovation, and an iconic expression of American post-war history and culture.
Florida’s Okaloosa County is currently preparing to deploy the SS United States as the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Conservancy, which owned the historic ocean liner for over a decade, is now advancing plans for a museum and visitor experience that will explore the history of the SS United States and serve as an enduring memorial to “America’s Flagship.” The museum will feature highlights of the Conservancy’s extensive collection of art, archival documentation, and artifacts from the ship and incorporate high tech immersive and interactive experiences and simulations. Some of the ship’s most iconic features, such as her signature funnels, radar mast, propeller, and anchor will be incorporated into the building’s design. The Conservancy has retained world-renowned Thinc Design to conceptualize the museum and its interpretative program and anticipates partnering with Florida’s Okaloosa County on museum site selection, marketing, and financial support.
Guided by a prominent board of directors and advisory council, the Conservancy currently has a small team primarily based in the Philadelphia area. The organization’s members and supporters hail from all 50 states and 40 nations. For more information about the organization and its mission, visit www.ssusc.org.
What we are looking for:
The SS United States Conservancy seeks a visionary, creative, and experienced consultant with significant fundraising expertise and previous experience leading or guiding cultural/educational organizations. Reporting to the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, this leadership role will guide the SS United States Museum and Visitor Experience’s initial development, program plans, and organizational structure. The role’s short-term focus will be on facilitating an initial “pop-up” exhibition in Okaloosa County, Florida, and developing and executing an inaugural capital campaign.
While we are seeking an individual who is excited about embracing a dynamic start-up opportunity, the position could convert to a longer-term role based on mutual agreement.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Leadership
● In partnership with the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, finalize the development of a three-year organizational workplan, including policies, budgets, operations, and benchmarks for the museum’s design and development, and translate the vision into action.
Fundraising
● Lead the development and launch of a comprehensive capital campaign to raise in the range of $50-100 million for the creation of and long-term sustainability of the museum.
● Articulate a compelling case for support and oversee the production of fundraising and marketing collateral.
● Build and cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors, individual donors, government officials, and institutional partners.
● Establish a museum membership program to provide sustained annual support, including subscription-based models and tiered benefits.
Curatorial & Programmatic Development
● Advise on the museum’s permanent site planning, designs, and programming in collaboration with museum consultants and architects.
● Review current storage arrangements for Conservancy collections and develop recommendations for enhanced access and consolidation.
● Oversee the development and installation of an initial “pop up” SS United States-focused exhibition and marketing plan in tandem with the ship’s reefing deployment in late 2025 or early 2026.
Transition Planning
● Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of a permanent executive director and key personnel
Required Qualifications:
● 10+ years of progressive senior-level museum or cultural/educational organization leadership experience
● A proven record of personally directing and closing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships in support of multi-million-dollar capital campaigns
● Expertise in strategic planning, museum operations, and nonprofit governance
● Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Preferred Qualifications
● Successful experience launching or leading new cultural/educational initiatives or institutions
● Geographically located in Okaloosa County or in the Southeast U.S.
● Advanced degree in museum studies, historic preservation, cultural management, or related field
Start Date, Duration, and Compensation
● Position to begin as soon as possible; negotiable.
● Initial six-month commitment with opportunity to renew based on mutual agreement
● Some travel to Florida’s Destin-Fort Walton Beach area will be required with advance notice.
● Time commitment flexible but expected at least 25/hours week.
● Compensation anticipated in range of $75-$100/hour, negotiable commensurate with experience and fit. If you have different compensation requirements, please include them in your cover letter for consideration.
To apply, please send a resume and a cover email explaining your interest in this opportunity and how your skills and experiences equip you to succeed in this role to positions@ssusc.org with “Senior Fundraising & Organizational Consultant” in the subject line. We will review all applications, although only those selected for interviews will be contacted. We kindly ask that inquiries be submitted by email.
