The Winter Park Historical Association (WPHA), operating as the Winter Park History Museum, seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and community engagement.

The mission of the Winter Park Historical Association is to collect, preserve, promote, and research the history of Winter Park and its surrounding area and to share that history with the public through educational programs and the operation of a museum.

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Association and reports directly to the Board of Directors. This individual provides strategic leadership while overseeing the Museum's daily operations, fundraising, financial management, educational programming, community outreach, and staff leadership. The Executive Director works closely with the Board to implement the Association's mission, achieve strategic goals, and strengthen the Museum's role as a vital cultural resource for the community.

WINTER PARK HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DUTIES:

PROGRAMS/MUSEUM

• Provides direction to the Museum Manager for daily operation of the museum including operating hours, staffing, docent training, etc. Directs staff on logistics of events (arrangement of speakers, locations, registrations, refreshments, etc.)
• Oversees development and implementation of the Association’s educational outreach programs 
• Presents the Board of Directors ideas for exhibits, community events and outreach programs for approval.

DEVELOPMENT

• Responsible for grant submissions including the City of Winter Park, State of Florida, and other recurring programs. Develops and manages short term and long-term fund-raising programs for the Association 
• Oversees research, applications and management of grants
• Maintains and grows relationships with grant funders, patrons and recurring donors and sponsors.
• Directs fund-raising events including annual gala
• Develops new fund-raising programs, including patrons and grants

• Leads yearly Association dues solicitation
• Manages donor cultivation and sustains donor relationships for WPHM

FINANCES

• Collaborates with the WPHM Board and Finance Committee to create the annual budget

• Manages expenses, works with President and Committee Chairs to ensure all costs are within budget guidelines.
• Manages and reviews membership dues 
• Ensuring grant funding is used and reported on accurately

COMMUNICATIONS/COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Represents the WPHM in all negotiations with the City of Winter Park

• Responsible for press releases for Association programs and events
• Directs all formal correspondence on behalf of the organization
• Directs staff to maintain and update the Association website
• Serves as the Association’s community relations representative; spokesperson for the Association with patrons and at business and community functions and presentations
• Presents a professional appearance and attitude when representing the Association
• Leads Museum Manager and Social Media Coordinator in maintaining consistent marketing

STRATEGIC PLANNING/BOARD SUPPORT 

• Acts as the primary advocate for implementation of the mission and objectives of the Association 
• Maintains regular individual communication with board members

• Helps schedule and set agenda for board meetings 

• Attends all board meetings; makes recommendations from a management perspective; helps implement strategies and policies set by board 
• Participates and provides leadership in the creation of short and long-range strategic plans for the Association
• Offers creative insights for the development and implementation of Association events
• Cultivates new board prospects

OPERATIONS/ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Responsible for all leases pertaining to museum and association offices, including off-site storage  

• Maintains regular communication with landlords and property representatives

• Ensures that the Association facilities and equipment are maintained in appropriate condition, with the help of the executive assistant
• Maintains and uses Association property and offices solely for Association related business
• Ensures that all insurance policies are up to date
• Leads staff, interns, and volunteers
• Presents all negotiated contracts to the President for board approval and authorization

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES PREFERRED:

• Minimum of five years museum or nonprofit management experience
• Minimum education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Knowledge of sound administrative and management practices
• Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to 501c (3) organizations
• Skilled in leadership, motivation, and teamwork development
• Strong public, organizational and interpersonal communication
• Experience in museum administration, exhibition, and event planning
• Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for Winter Park History
• Ability to handle all aspects of a small non-profit organization including delegating duties to an additional staff, board members, and volunteers
• Proficiency in PC skills with software packages such as: Windows, Word, Excel, Quickbooks, etc.

• Ability to assist with securing funds from various sources including grant writing
• Ability to promote innovation, improvements, and new ideas 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community leaders, the public, other local non-profit organizations, agencies, governments, and businesses 

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary commensurate with qualifications and experience with range starting at $70,000
• Full time, exempt position
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick days per Association policies
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan

Ideal Candidate

• The successful candidate will be an energetic, collaborative leader who combines strong nonprofit management experience with excellent fundraising ability and a passion for preserving and sharing local history. The Executive Director should be equally comfortable engaging donors, managing day-to-day operations, leading staff, and serving as the public face of the organization. Occasional evening and weekend hours required.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit: board@WPHistory.org

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three professional references

Application deadline: Sept. 14, 2026