Job Opportunities

Looking for meaningful work in a unique and inspiring setting? Historic Lewes offers the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization focused on preservation, education, and community engagement in the heart of coastal Delaware.

Open Positions:

  • About Historic Lewes

    Historic Lewes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded as the Lewes Historical Society in 1962. Concerned by the loss of significant local structures and the deterioration of historic buildings following a surge of development and growth, this collective has grown into the Historic Lewes of today.

    Today, Historic Lewes serves as the steward of twelve historic properties throughout Lewes, each sharing the dynamic and rich heritage of the First Town in the First State. It also operates a new Maritime History Museum and a small archival facility, in addition to offering a variety of tours and special event programming.

    Position Summary

    Historic Lewes (HL) is seeking a self-motivated, experienced, and innovative Executive Director to lead HL while working collaboratively with a dedicated Board of Trustees, motivated full and part-time staff, volunteers, and diverse community and regional affiliates.

    As the senior executive staff member, the Executive Director will report to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees and work with the board as a whole to ensure effective implementation of the organization’s mission, strategic plans, and the cultivation of strong relationships with all stakeholders. The incumbent will be responsible for the overall strategic, programmatic, financial, and operational management of the organization.

    Key Responsibilities

      Leadership

      • Provides leadership and program management direction for the Society in coordination with the Board of Trustees
      • Oversees the financial stability of the Society
      • Hires, manages, evaluates and inspires staff
      • Assures maintenance, responsible use and preservation of historic assets
      • Assures ongoing acquisition, accessibility and curation of historic manuscripts and objects
      • Develops and enhances relationships with national, regional, state and local professional, cultural, educational and governmental institutions
      • Positions the Society as a leader among historical societies, small museums, and preservation organizations
      • Promotes the history of Lewes and the Delmarva region

      Financial Management & Fundraising

      • In coordination with staff and Board, creates and implements short- and long-term strategies for pursuing and tracking donor bequests, grants and other financial support
      • Serves as the point person for soliciting private financial support for the Society’s programs, activities and city-wide facilities
      • Serves as liaison to Lewes City, Sussex County and Delaware state government and elected officials for purposes of continuing grant and budget support

      Programs

      • Manages and assures program managers, staff, volunteers and/or teams covering major program areas — including education, interpretation, marketing, preservation, maintenance, accounting, operations, events and curation — are effectively developing and delivering mission-appropriate activities
      • Assures programs and events are designed and operated with fiscal controls and responsible budgets

      Community

      • Seeks to strengthen community ties with neighbors, local government, Chamber of Commerce, associations, businesses and individuals
      • Serves jointly with the Chair as spokesperson for the organization
      • Collaborates with local and regional organizations as appropriate

      Governance & Board Relations

      • Works closely with the Board of Trustees, providing timely and accurate information to support their governance responsibilities
      • Supports the Chair and Executive Committee in developing meeting agendas and materials
      • Serves as ex-officio member of all committees
      • Maintains accurate records of all Board of Trustees, committee meetings, and other official gatherings
      • Keeps the Chair and Board fully informed on the condition of the organization and facilitates effective communication between the Board and staff
      • Implements Board directives and policies

      Staff & Volunteer Management

      • Responsible for hiring, managing, developing and implementing performance measures to build and maintain an effective staff
      • Mentors staff and fosters a positive and collaborative work environment
      • Collaborates with staff and board members to oversee the recruitment, training and engagement of volunteers, recognizing their vital contributions
    Requirements
    • Master’s Degree in historic preservation, history, museum studies, non-profit management or a related field (or equivalent experience)
    • At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a non-profit organization — preferably in historic preservation, museum management, or other arts or history-related organization
    • Demonstrated experience as a manager/supervisor of staff at various levels within an organization
    • Demonstrated experience as the leader/coordinator of volunteers within an organization
    • A successful record of managing a medium-size non-profit history-related society and/or museum as defined by the American Association of Museums, including management of multi-facility locations
    • Demonstrated experience in financial and staff management
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
    • Proficiency and/or comfort with modern software and technology including Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Donor Perfect, Adobe, etc.
    • Ability to multi-task, work flexible hours to cover special events, and to inspire staff to do the same
    Employment Terms & Compensation
      Salary: $90,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience
      Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, 403(b) program
      Schedule: Full-time · 40 hours per week · Evening and weekend availability required
      Location: In-person position; Lewes, Delaware
    How to Apply

    Please submit a cover letter, résumé, three references, and a writing sample to Human Resources at Historic Lewes.

    Send your application materials to: hr@historiclewes.org

    Historic Lewes is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.