Gallatin History Museum

Summary

Executive Director for the Gallatin History Museum in Bozeman, Montana

The Gallatin History Museum is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Executive Director to lead a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and bringing to life the rich history of Gallatin County and the many contributions its citizens have made to Montana history. Located in the historic county jail at 317 West Main Street in Bozeman, the Gallatin History Museum has been a part of the community since 1979.

The Position

This is a 30-hour-per-week position with a starting salary of $65,000 but with the opportunity to become a full-time position. Retirement and health benefits are not offered.

Key Responsibilities

Given the dynamic and challenging circumstances that non-profits face, a candidate should have experience and expertise in the following:

Financial Leadership duties include:

• Overseeing the financial health of the organization and being able to read and understand financial statements.
• Working with the Board to prepare and monitor the annual operating budget, currently approximately $275,000.
• Identifying creative and sustainable ways to strengthen the museum's financial position. The museum receives no local government funding but relies on memberships, admission fees, gift shop sales, grants, and the generosity of private donors to support its work.

Marketing duties include:

• taking a leadership role in developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program in partnership with the Board and staff by coordinating annual appeals, strengthening membership programs, pursuing grants, developing relationships with individual donors and businesses, and identifying new sources of financial support.
• working with the Board to develop a forward-looking plan for the museum that builds on its strengths and positions the organization for continued growth and relevance.

Management duties include:

• Providing thoughtful, effective leadership for the museum's day-to-day operations.
• Managing staff and volunteers.
• Fostering a positive, productive, and harmonious working environment.
• Ensuring that the museum's programs, operations, and priorities are carried out effectively.
• Overseeing the museum's collections and the publication of four issues of The Quarterly each year.

Community Engagement includes:

• Serving as the public face of the Gallant History Museum and an ambassador for its m1ss1on.
• Building and strengthening relationships throughout Gallatin County, from individual community members and museum supporters to businesses, civic organizations, educational institutions, foundations, and other community partners.
• Meeting people, telling the museum's story, building relationships, and helping others understand why preserving local history matters.

A love of local history would be an additional asset. It is not essential, but a genuine interest in Gallatin County's history and the stories of the people who have shaped our community would be a welcome quality in our next Executive Director.

Applications should be received by November 30, 2026.

Job Description

Executive Director for the Gallatin History Museum in Bozeman, Montana

The Gallatin History Museum is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Executive Director to lead a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and bringing to life the rich history of Gallatin County and the many contributions its citizens have made to Montana history. Located in the historic county jail at 317 West Main Street in Bozeman, the Gallatin History Museum has been a part of the community since 1979.

The Position

This is a 30-hour-per-week position with a starting salary of $65,000 but with the opportunity to become a full-time position. Retirement and health benefits are not offered.

Key Responsibilities

Given the dynamic and challenging circumstances that non-profits face, a candidate should have experience and expertise in the following:

Financial Leadership duties include:

• Overseeing the financial health of the organization and being able to read and understand financial statements.
• Working with the Board to prepare and monitor the annual operating budget, currently approximately $275,000.
• Identifying creative and sustainable ways to strengthen the museum's financial position. The museum receives no local government funding but relies on memberships, admission fees, gift shop sales, grants, and the generosity of private donors to support its work.

Marketing duties include:

• taking a leadership role in developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program in partnership with the Board and staff by coordinating annual appeals, strengthening membership programs, pursuing grants, developing relationships with individual donors and businesses, and identifying new sources of financial support.
• working with the Board to develop a forward-looking plan for the museum that builds on its strengths and positions the organization for continued growth and relevance.

Management duties include:

• Providing thoughtful, effective leadership for the museum's day-to-day operations.
• Managing staff and volunteers.
• Fostering a positive, productive, and harmonious working environment.
• Ensuring that the museum's programs, operations, and priorities are carried out effectively.
• Overseeing the museum's collections and the publication of four issues of The Quarterly each year.

Community Engagement includes:

• Serving as the public face of the Gallant History Museum and an ambassador for its m1ss1on.
• Building and strengthening relationships throughout Gallatin County, from individual community members and museum supporters to businesses, civic organizations, educational institutions, foundations, and other community partners.
• Meeting people, telling the museum's story, building relationships, and helping others understand why preserving local history matters.

A love of local history would be an additional asset. It is not essential, but a genuine interest in Gallatin County's history and the stories of the people who have shaped our community would be a welcome quality in our next Executive Director.

Applications should be received by November 30, 2026.