The Wisconsin Maritime Museum (WMM), founded in 1969, is located on Lake Michigan at Manitowoc and is home to the World War II submarine USS Cobia. WMM is seeking an Executive Director with proven passion to provide dynamic leadership for one of the largest maritime museums in the Midwest preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

The Executive Director must have entrepreneurial vision and is responsible for the consistent achievement of the organization’s mission and financial objectives to include but not limited to building and implementing a development and fundraising strategy for sustaining ongoing operations and revenue generation; delivering clear and consistent messaging; and providing leadership to and overall management of the museum staff and volunteers.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter to  HR@wisconsinmaritime.org by May 1, 2024. Salary is $80,000 – 90,000 annually plus a comprehensive benefit package, commensurate with experience.

Summary of Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

Management and Operations

• Deliver entrepreneurial vision and be team management oriented
• Provide leadership to a staff including full and part-time employees and volunteers
• Manage day-to-day functioning of the staff in achieving museum goals and objectives and maintain accountability to that end
• Operationalize projects, decisions and plans made at the Board level
• Manage the financial resources of the museum including contributing to the development of the annual budget and being accountable for adhering to the budget
• Demonstrate fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget and ensures maximum resource utilization
• Manage resources to include the direct supervision, hiring and retention of competent qualified staff
• Establish employment and administrative policies and procedures for all of the functions and day-to-day operation of the museum
• Lead two capital projects underway: the dry-docking of the WWII submarine USS Cobia and the redevelopment of the Maritime Heritage Center at Franklin Street

Development

• Assist with the development and implementation of the museum’s fundraising plan under the direction of the Board of Trustees
• Cultivate effective personal relationships with private donors, foundations and businesses
• Provide input to the Board of Trustees for short- and long-term goals of the museum
• Regularly meet with Board of Trustees and museum members to report progress towards meeting museum goals and objectives
• Represent the museum in public forums, maintain media relationships, and raise and maintain public awareness of museum accomplishments and goals
• Represent the museum in the community to promote programs, initiatives and events
• Build and promote a successful membership program
• Create and tell the stories of Wisconsin and Great Lakes maritime history to a diverse audience

Desired Leadership Attributes (including but not limited to)

• Leadership – nurtures a staff team that focuses on the best interests of the organization as a whole, understands the role of the team and the individuals on the team, and follows the imperatives of the strategic plan
• Passion for Mission – demonstrates and communicates passion for the organization’s core purpose – “engage and educate the public about the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin’s World War II submarines and USS Cobia”
• Strategic Thinking – cultivates a culture of strategic action including recommendations on timelines and allocation of resources to move forward on annual planning and budgets
• Results-Driven Mindset – improves and sustains the organization’s performance, develops and follows through on priorities, delegates appropriately, holds staff accountable and makes sound decisions
• Demonstrated Success in Community Networking – develops strong community relationships to leverage good will, financial support, and program and service development
• Financial Management Expertise – ensures the organization maintains adequate reserves and accumulates sources of capital to invest in needed future changes, understands and diligently attends to all budget and financial matters and can manage operations within budget constraints including making difficult financial decisions when required

Qualification Requirements

• A degree or equivalent work experience in business management, marketing, non-profit management, museum studies, maritime studies, or historic preservation
• Business management skills including budgeting, financial and human resource management (knowledge of QuickBooks preferred)
• Proven track record in program management and meeting strategic goals and objectives
• Experience in fundraising and development including successful grant writing preferred
• Knowledge of maritime history, maritime transportation systems/industry and the military sea service would be a plus
• Success and experience in effectively leading and working as part of a team
• Solid verbal, written, networking and interpersonal communication skills
• Professional communicator skills for leadership and community outreach purposes
• A talent for networking with financial donors, grant makers, community leaders and key stakeholders
• Exemplary organizing and planning skills
• Sound analytical thinking and problem solving skills including those pertaining to financial management
• Ability to translate the Board of Trustees goals and objectives into actionable and measurable outcomes

About Manitowoc:

Manitowoc presents a mix of affordability, natural beauty, cherished cultural attractions, and a vibrant community spirit. Situated within a short drive of major cities and additional tourist spots, residents enjoy access to a wide array of amenities and enriching experiences. The city’s lower cost of living, influenced by housing, utilities, and transportation expenses, provides a more budget-friendly lifestyle, making Manitowoc an appealing place to reside and work. For more information on Manitowoc and the surrounding area visit:

Coolest Coast® Wisconsin’s Coastal Communities

City of Manitowoc 150th Anniversary: Look at Where We Live (youtube.com)

Wisconsin Cost of Living | The New North

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment 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.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment

Join other AASLH members and friends for a free and informal conversation, networking, and community-building event on Tuesday, March 26 at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

March is a great time to chat about civics at museums and historic sites. Museums Advocacy Day was at the end of February and Civic Learning Week was the week of March 11. During this month’s History Hour, participants will discuss these civics initiatives and others, including how museums and historic sites can serve as election polling stations, participate in voter registration drives, and participate in other civics activities and resources.

While free, registration is required to participate.

Programs & Events Coordinator Job Description

Status: Full-time, salaried
Salary: $34,000-36,000
Benefits: PTO (9 Paid Holidays + 15 PTO days), Health Insurance, Retirement /

401K Plan

Reports to: Director, Museum Operations
Location: On-site at NMGL
The National Museum of the Great Lakes seeks an energetic and organized individual to join
our team to support programming and events. The Programs & Events Coordinator organizes
group bookings and tours; coordinates the execution of on and off-site programs and events;
and works collaboratively across museum departments. The ideal candidate should have
previous experience organizing and facilitating public programs and/or events, strong
organizational skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and an interest in Great
Lakes history. Bachelor’s Degree preferred, but not required.
Position Purpose / Summary:
The Programs & Events Coordinator ensures that all museum programs, events and tours
operate smoothly by working collaboratively across departments, coordinating bookings,
supplies, staff and facility needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
● Coordinates bookings for group visits, field trips and site rentals.
● Plans event and program logistics, including supplies, staffing and facility needs for all of
the organization’s events and programs.
● Maintains effective external communication with key stakeholders, including teachers,
tour operators and event partners.
● As needed helps facilitate programs including, leading guided tours of the museum
exhibits and historic lake freighter and tugboat, with customized tours for different
audiences.
Working Hours and Environment:
● This is a full-time, salaried position, working 40 hours per week, with a schedule that will
need to flex to meet the needs of programs and events, including evening and weekend
hours.
● Requires the ability to climb stairs and lead groups through our historic lake freighter and
tugboat, working outdoors, even in inclement weather.
How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter, resume and 3 references to hr@nmgl.org by Mar 13, 2024 . No
phone calls.

Pre-Conference Tour on Tuesday, April 23

The Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston, the preservation and restoration facility for USS Constitution, is offering a pre-conference tour to CAMM members. The tour, from 12.30-1.30, will include the production floor and rigging loft of the 1847 historic Building 24 which houses the Detachment’s worksite. The tour is limited to 20 and will include walking, standing, and climbing a flight of stairs from the 1^st to the 3^rd floors of the building.

The tour will gather in front of the USS Constitution Museum and be led by Margherita M. Desy, Historian, NHHC DET Boston/USS Constitution.

The tour is free but pre-registration is required since there is a limit to the number participating. Contact the CAMM Administrator at maritimemuseums@gmail.com to register. You must be registered for the conference to participate.

Post-Conference Tour on Saturday, April 27

The Peabody Essex Museum and Salem National Maritime Historical site are offering a post-conference tour to CAMM members. This will include guided tours of both venues, including an on-board visit to Friendship of Salem.

Take the 09:30 train from Boston North End station to Salem, arriving at 10:00. You will be met there by Dan Finamore from the Peabody Essex Museum, who will lead the tour. Jennifer Hardin from the Salem National Maritime Historical will co-lead.

Lunch will be on you own either at the Peabody Essex Museum’s Café or at any of the many local restaurants. There are regular trains from Salem returning to Boston North End station.

The tour is free but pre-registration is required. Contact the CAMM Administrator at maritimemuseums@gmail.com to register. You must be registered for the conference to participate.

COLLECTIONS MANAGER

Location: Wisconsin Maritime Museum: 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Job Title: Collections Manager
Job Type: Full-time (40 hours per week) non-exempt
Compensation: $24/hr with full benefits available
Reports to: Executive Director
Application Deadline: March 22, 2024

BACKGROUND:
Collections Manager at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum performs and manages essential
museum-related collections and management tasks. Designated as the state’s maritime museum,
the Wisconsin Maritime Museum cares for a collection of over 20,000 objects. In addition, the
collection includes 60,000 photographs, 7,000 books, 15,000 periodicals, 9,000 blueprints, and a
large manuscript collection. It is one of the largest maritime collections on the Great Lakes and
reflects the museum’s mission of documenting the role of Wisconsin in maritime history.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Responsible for the care, accessioning, cataloging, and general management of museum
collections. Assists the public and museum staff with research and the study of museum
collections. Assists the museum in formulating policy that affects collection management.
Supports and implements the institutional goal of increasing public access to, and relevance of,
museum collections and curatorial research. Trains and manages collections volunteers. Reports
to the WMM Executive Director.

POSITION DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS:
General Collections Management
● Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and best practices for the care, handling, and
documentation of the museum’s collection.
● Work collaboratively with the Submarine Curator to catalog and rotate artifacts aboard
the USS Cobia submarine.
● Oversee the acquisition, deaccession, and registration processes, ensure compliance with
legal and ethical standards.
● Oversee collections-related budgets in coordination with the Director / Chief Curator.
● Facilitate collections integration into exhibit planning and execution.
● Facilitate the Board of Trustees Collection Committee Meetings and supervise the
preparation of all documents for the meeting.
● Make recommendations on potential incoming acquisitions based on internal storage
capacity and ongoing stewardship.
Documentation and Research
● Conduct and supervise collections research and documentation.
● Facilitate and support WMM collections-based research requests from scholars, curators,
and the public.
● Add documentation to the collection management system (PastPerfect) to make existing
research and documentation easily accessible.
Registration and Record Management
● Supervise all registration activities related to the collection.
● WMM collections database, including maintaining and updating records and providing
staff with training in system use as needed.
● Work with a website team to maintain a collection presence online.
● Supervise fulfillment of reproduction requests, including rights and reproduction.
● Work with the Director and Curators to review and facilitate loan requests.
Compliance and Ethics
● Stay informed about industry standards and legal requirements related to museum
collection management.
● Uphold ethical and professional standards in all collection-related activities.
Collections Care
● Conduct and oversee locating, pulling, and displaying objects and documents for
research.
● Conduct and oversee safe handling of collection objects. Manage handling, packing, and
transportation of collections for exhibitions and loans.

Storage
● Ensure proper housing and storage of collection objects.
● Identify areas of the collection that are not stored in a manner that meets best practice and
systematically upgrade their housing.
● Work collaboratively in planning and logistics with the ongoing collections storage
upgrade project at the Wisconsin Maritime Heritage Center (Manitowoc).
Conservation
● Be aware of and maintain preventative conservation best practices to monitor and
maintain appropriate environmental conditions and pest management protocols.
● Serve as liaison to, and work closely with, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s
conservation and collection care staff, who work in partnership with the Wisconsin
Maritime Museum as a state repository for salvaged submerged cultural resources.
Team Management
● Provide team supervision, including training and leadership, to the Collections team part
time staff and volunteers.
● Maximize educational possibilities for summer student assistants, ensuring that they are
assigned tasks that align with their interests and goals whenever possible.
MINIMUM CONSIDERATIONS
● A minimum of 3 years of museum collections management and/or care experience or an
equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
● Demonstrated knowledge of professional practices in collection management.
● Excellent interpersonal skills and positive attitude that supports department and museum
goals.
● Ability to support team and management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
● Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and oversee work-study students, interns, and
volunteers.
● Self-directed with high ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed; ability to
exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and be a team player in an active museum
environment.
● High attention to detail and excellent time-management and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key donors,
colleagues, peers, and the public.
● Working knowledge of collection management databases (PastPerfect preferred).
ADDITIONAL DESIRED EXPERIENCE
● Masters Degree in Museum Studies, Maritime History, a related field, or relevant
combination of education and experience.

● Demonstrated expertise, including handling and storing, in one or more areas of focus of
WMM collections (for example: photographs, works on paper, maritime objects,
maritime archaeological materials).
● Experience in collaborating or devising preventative conservation plans as it relates to
collections care.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
Our mission is to connect all people with Wisconsin’s waterways, by engaging and educating the
public about the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s maritime history, Wisconsin’s World War II
submarines and USS Cobia. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum was founded more than 50 years
ago as a small submariners’ memorial that would recognize Wisconsin’s contributions to WWII
efforts. Since then, we’ve grown to be one of the largest maritime museums in the Great Lakes
region, with exhibits on shipwrecks, maritime industry, ship models, art and more. The
institution is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate
based on race, gender identity, age, class, sexuality, religion, ability or national origin. WMM is
committed to advancing equity and diversity both in the organization and in the museum field.
We welcome applications from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) candidates, people
with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals and others with experience in meaningful diversity,
equity, inclusion and accessibility engagement.
ABOUT MANITOWOC
Located along the western shore of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc is a vibrant community of nearly
40,000 residents with a thriving downtown filled with unique restaurants and business. The city
is 90 minutes north of Milwaukee and 40 minutes south of Green Bay. Shipbuilding has played a
role in Manitowoc’s past from the schooners of the 19th century, to the world-class, luxury
yachts built by the Burger Boat Company of today. Stroll the riverwalk to the lake and watch
freighters move tons of materials in and out of our hard working port.
INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS
Please send a cover letter and CV/resume to WMM Business Manager, Amy Fettes.
afettes@wisconsinmaritime.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 22, 2024

The Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey Museum and Memorial is seeking a dynamic leader for its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Home Port Alliance (HPA) is responsible for the restoration and management of the Battleship New Jersey (the USS New Jersey (BB-62), our nation’s largest and most decorated Battleship. As a 501(c)(3) organization, and as a museum and memorial, the Battleship New Jersey is a unique blend of history, education, entertainment, and hospitality. Guests of all ages and interests enjoy their visits to this floating U.S. Navy museum, which earned distinction in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and conflicts in the Middle East. See detailed history here: https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/the-ship/full-history/.

“The mission of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is to restore, preserve, and exhibit the continuing history of the USS New Jersey and those who worked and served on her so their service will continue to educate and inspire future generations.” The primary responsibilities of the CEO will be to ensure that the Battleship fulfills its mission by serving as a leader of staff and volunteers, maintaining it as a source and site for community engagement, and leading fundraising efforts.

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in History, Public or Business Administration, or a discipline related to one of the Ship’s areas of operation is required. The salary range is $175,000 – $205,000 commensurate with experience.

Registration for the 2024 conference at the USS Constitution Museum in Boston April 24 to 26 is now open. Please note that Google’s pdf viewer does not support the full functionality of the registration form – an ongoing pretty much insoluble problem.

To register, go to https://councilofamericanmaritimemuseums.org/annual-meeting/

Please remember that the hotels in Boston for which there are room blocks at special rates have deadlines in March. The deadline for both the Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill and the Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf  is March 1 and for the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station is March 22.