Director of Development
Ship History Center
Warwick, Rhode Island

Background

Situated in the Ocean State with nearby Providence and Newport, Rhode Island, Steamship Historical Society of America is a treasured repository for maritime information. SSHSA’s Ship History Center consists of a library, archives and exhibits featuring tens of thousands resources within its vast collections. It is a connecting link where children, families and researchers can learn about ships, passengers and crew, and their roles within our country’s Immigration, Trade and Leisure experiences.  Since its founding in 1935, SSHSA has served thousands.

Now the organization seeks to use the Ship History Center’s success as a launch pad for building a more robust annual, major gift fundraising program and sustainability campaign. For more information about SSHSA, visit the websites at sshsa.org and shiphistory.org.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a full-time position that will be accountable to the Executive Director. The Director of Development will support the goals and objectives of SSHSA through visionary and strategic leadership in the areas of donor management, fund development and marketing. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing plans, creating processes and recruiting the people needed to ensure success in each area. Versatility and a can-do attitude will be necessary for the successful candidate.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate an annual comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Solicit individual, foundation and corporate donors.
• Nurture relationships with donors and potential donors through visits, facility tours and updates on programming to promote deeper engagement in the organization.
• Assist in Ocean Liner Gala, a signature special event.
• Foster positive connections through effective community relations, building bridges with strategic business, service, media and partner organizations.
• Coordinate organizational marketing efforts, including print and social media activities.
• Occasional travel required.

Professional Qualifications & Personal Characteristics

• Passion for the mission of Steamship Historical Society of America and commitment to providing the resources necessary to engage and educate children.
• History of successful fundraising in annual giving, special events, grant writing and major gifts, with particular interest in demonstrating a track record of success leading capital campaigns.
• Highly motivated and able to work without close supervision, but willing to accept direction and guidance from the Executive Director.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing processes and procedures for a high-functioning development program.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to attract people to the organization, including the ability to network and partner with a broad and diverse representation of the community.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Collaborative team player who values open communication and two-way sharing with colleagues.
• Understanding of donor database management. Donor Perfect is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Vacation policy and health insurance plan are competitive with sector norms.

Non-Discrimination Policy

SSHSA provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants. Their treatment of all employees and applicants shall be without unlawful discrimination as to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment except as provided by law.

Application Process

To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Matthew Schulte, Executive Director, SSHSA via email to mschulte@sshsa.org,

 

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/545183500

 SEAWOLF PARK, GALVESTON, TEXAS – Galveston Naval Museum announced its Board of Directors has appointed Ann E. Hobing as Executive Director. She has joined the leadership team of the Museum after the departure of Master Chief Ross Garcia, USN (ret.). Hobing previously held the position of president & CEO of the National WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, Texas, where she led the Museum into the second phase of a multi-million dollar expansion project, including an exhibits master plan.

“We are delighted Ann has joined our team to help preserve these historic naval vessels and the legacy of those who valiantly served our nation,” said Captain Gary Bell, USN (ret.), Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cavalla Historical Foundation, which manages and maintains the Museum. “I know Galveston Naval Museum will be well served with her at the helm”, Bell added.

Hobing is an advocate for historic preservation and lifelong learning, beginning her museum career at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal where she served as senior director of business growth. During her tenure, Ann dynamically engaged the museum’s guest services team to focus on delivering premium guest experiences to impact member loyalty, fundraising growth and earned revenue operations. Then, at the National WASP WWII Museum at Avenger Field, Hobing hosted a transcontinental air race, created the museum’s most successful online fundraising campaign and headed a victorious national crusade to keep Women Airforce Service Pilots in Texas schools.

“After careful evaluation of the qualifications for this position, we determined the best candidate is one with extensive museum expertise to serve our vision of innovation and growth,” said Commander Bryan Lethcoe, USN (ret.), president & CEO of the Cavalla Historical Foundation. “Ann has tremendous passion to share the legacy of WWII heroes and shape the future of our Museum. She understands the scope of our operations and the impact we want to have on our community and across Texas. We are confident
that she is the right person at the right time to lead Galveston Naval Museum into the future,” stated Lethcoe.

Located at Seawolf Park on Pelican Island, the mission of Galveston Naval Museum is to preserve historic naval vessels, to remember the enduring legacy of those who served during WWII and to educate generations about naval heritage and innovation. Through a partnership between the Cavalla Historical Foundation and Galveston Park Board, Galveston Naval Museum is home to the submarine USS Cavalla (SS-244) and the destroyer escort USS Stewart (DE-238), the only surviving ship of its class in the world.
Each of these vessels is on the renowned National Register of Historic Places.

 

“I am delighted the Cavalla Historical Foundation, our partner at Seawolf Park, has chosen Ann Hobing to become the next executive director of the Galveston Naval Museum,” said Kelly de Shaun, executive director of the Galveston Park Board. “Ann shares an engaging enthusiasm for learning and community impact, and I have developed tremendous regard for her leadership, her intellectual grasp of the key
strategic issues, her decisiveness and her energy. The Museum could not be in better hands.”

Joining the team at Galveston Naval Museum are Captain Keith Roberts, USN and USCG veteran, as maintenance coordinator, and Rick Ehler, Ed.D., as education coordinator. Roberts is a former submariner and brings extensive expertise in ship preservation, including serving in his previous position with the National Historic Landmark, Elissa. Dr. Ehler earned a doctorate in education and shares a passion for inspiring students of all ages to embrace their curiosity and deepen their knowledge.

“We will continue the remarkable work of the volunteers who have tirelessly donated their time, talent and treasure for decades to preserve these ships which symbolize the bravery and modernization of the Greatest Generation. The impact of naval heroes on science, marine technology and engineering continue to inspire today and empower all to pursue their aspirations,” said Hobing. “Our museum has limitless potential to generate appreciation for those who served our country in astounding ways. I am
deeply honored to accept this position and am grateful to be surrounded by a talented and passionate team.”

The new team recognizes the unique breadth and depth of knowledge the Museum’s collections represent. They are challenged with developing a design to showcase these artifacts and to enhance community knowledge and national appreciation for these vessels and their legendary impact on our nation’s military and maritime heritage. Through these two historic naval ships, the stories of sailors and submariners of WWII will be honored as future content, exhibits and programs are kept relevant, fresh and abundant for generations.

For more information, visit galvestonnavalmuseum.com or follow @galvnavalmuseum on Facebook.

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, the largest maritime museum on the Great Lakes, announced today that the Board of Trustees elected Cathy Green in a unanimous decision to become the museum’s Executive Director effective July 1, 2019.  Cathy will step into this leadership role at the museum after serving as its Deputy Director and Chief Curator throughout 2018 and filling the Interim Executive Director position for the past six months.

The timing coincides with the museum celebrating its 50^th anniversary. “After a thorough and deliberate national search process, the Board of Trustees is delighted that Cathy will lead our treasured museum into its next 50 years,” said Rear Admiral Jerry Clusen, USN (Ret.), President of the Board of Trustees. “Cathy is uniquely qualified to lead the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. She possesses the vision, leadership skills, and content knowledge needed to lead the museum through the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

As Executive Director, Ms. Green will work with the Board to Trustees to develop a strategic vision for the museum’s next chapter and will assume the responsibility for articulating the museum’s mission, vision and values to all constituencies.  Leading a vibrant staff of museum professionals and dedicated volunteers, she will continue to advance the strategies needed to build the Wisconsin Maritime Museum into an institution that inspires and enhances the community, serves as a focal point for heritage tourism, and expects itself to be counted among America’s most innovative maritime museums.

Ms. Green brings over 20 years of experience in the fields of Great Lakes maritime history and archaeology, coupled with leadership roles in experiential learning programs, cultural resource management, institutional development, and grant writing and management. She came to the museum from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where she worked for the National Marine Sanctuary Program, ultimately serving as the Federal Program Officer for the Great Lakes region of NOAA’s Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program.

Ms. Green’s experience in Wisconsin maritime history was forged as a maritime archaeologist in the Office of the State Archaeologist.  Her belief in the power of experiential education programs was established as an instructor of maritime history and literature of the sea on Long Island University’s semester at sea program.  She holds a B.A. in History from Indiana University and an M.A. in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University. Additionally, her recent work as the Administrator for the Council of American Maritime Museums reinforces the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s connection to a dynamic national group of maritime organizations working to protect and promote the country’s rich maritime heritage.

“I am excited about the opportunity to play an essential role in the continued success of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum,” said Cathy Green. “I welcome the challenge of working with the staff, the Board of Trustees, and the broader community to generate a foundation of infrastructure and partnerships that will accelerate the museum’s growth and ensure its sustainability. More than anything else, I am excited to share the stories of Great Lakes maritime history with visitors to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.”

 

Wisconsin Maritime Museum Background

Located in Manitowoc along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a great place to learn, play and explore the rich maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors a unique experience learning about schooners, sailors, shipbuilders and submariners.  Its interactive exhibits offer many opportunities for family fun. Founded in 1969, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has grown into one of the largest maritime museums in the Midwest. In addition to commemorating the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area and the submarines built in the area during World War II, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is a leader in preserving the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region.

For more information, visit www.wisconsinmaritime.org or call 920-684-0218.

Maine Maritime Museum has successfully raised $3.37 million in support of the transformative five-acre renovation currently underway on the museum’s campus, exceeding the fundraising goal by nearly $35,000. The “First Impressions” project encompasses a complete redevelopment of the front entrance and south side of the museum’s campus to enhance the visitor experience, create an ecologically friendly and attractive landscape, and improve handicapped accessibility.

The project is the capstone to a seven-year effort to significantly upgrade and improve the museum’s exhibits and historic shipyard. Beginning with the museum’s 50^th anniversary in 2012 when the six masts of Wyoming were raised, the museum has added one or more major new buildings, exhibits, or programs annually; most recently acquiring and restoring the historic schooner, Mary E.  “Maine Maritime Museum has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best museums in Maine, and among the top maritime museums in the country because of the unique historic shipyard and compelling exhibits that celebrate the coastal Maine experience. The First Impressions project ensures the excellent visitor experience will start as soon as they enter the parking lot,” explains Executive Director Amy Lent.

Phase 1 of the roughly year-long project began in March and is anticipated to be completed by mid-July. The main parking lot of the museum was filled to become nearly level with the main entrance—eliminating the need for front steps—and reconfigured to provide ample handicapped parking. A new concrete arrival plaza at the main entrance includes an inlaid map of the Kennebec River. From Moosehead Lake to the mouth of the river at Popham, visitors can walk along the river’s path and trace the history of this remarkable body of water. Commercial landscape architects Richardson & Associates of Saco created the design; Crooker Construction of Topsham is managing the project.

In addition to redesigned parking areas, the south campus of the museum will be transformed into a landscape that blends with the natural surroundings and utilizes interactive elements to provide an appreciation of the history and ecology of the Kennebec River. Unique features of the landscape plan include groves of native tree species that were used in traditional shipbuilding, a beautiful boardwalk along the riverbank providing views of the coastal wetlands, and a special garden honoring Navy families adjacent to the exhibit, BIW: Building America’s Navy. New native Maine plantings will include more than 70 trees, 2,000 shrubs, and 1,500 perennials and grasses. The park-like south campus will be open to the public and free to enjoy.

The project will be substantially completed by this fall; with the final paving coat applied next spring so the museum’s new look will be ready in time for the Maine Bicentennial. A special event will celebrate the newly renovated campus in spring 2020.

“Maine’s maritime heritage is critically important to the state culturally and economically, and deserves the best representation we can provide,” said Executive Director Amy Lent. “This project will have a lasting impact on thousands of visitors and locals for years to come. The new landscape and arrival experience will beautify the south end of Washington Street, celebrate our unique connection to the Kennebec River, and will be accessible to everyone. Finally, the exterior appearance of the museum will reflect the world-class experience found inside.”

Donations to the project are still being accepted to grow the reserve fund that will ensure long-term maintenance of the landscape, and some naming opportunities are still available.

About Maine Maritime Museum                                                 

Maine Maritime Museum (Bath, Maine) is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of Maine’s maritime heritage. Visit www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org for more information.

  Independence Seaport Museum, the Philadelphia region’s leading waterways institute, has been awarded a $160,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation. Funds from the Foundation will be used to offer eco-tours on the Delaware River, expand the Museum’s River Ambassadors program, a hands-on science learning experience for underserved Philadelphia high school students, and extend the existing Floating Wetlands in the river basin.

The programmatic funding will support increased public access to the Delaware River and expand the on-water programming along the waterfront at Penn’s Landing to help increase environmental awareness, promote a shared sense of responsibility, and support the Seaport Museum’s watershed restoration goals.

“The William Penn Foundation continues to believe in and support the Seaport Museum’s efforts to connect visitors with the Delaware River Watershed and share the importance of our local waterways,” said John Brady, President and CEO of Independence Seaport Museum. “By adding to our programming and extending our wetlands, we will be able to empower our guests and local students with firsthand experiences on the water and strategies to help protect and conserve this vital resource.”

The watershed education and preservation work aligns with the William Penn Foundation’s work to empower those living in the area to protect our shared watershed, a strategic vision accomplished through grants toward research, advocacy, communications, conservation, river access, and strong environmental education. With this funding, the Seaport Museum will seek to empower visitors with knowledge about watershed science and conservation efforts. In turn, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how changing actions in their daily lives can positively impact the environment.

“We are proud to support the Seaport Museum as they provide the opportunity for Philadelphians and regional visitors to experience the Delaware River and learn about our role in conserving it,” said Andrew Johnson, Watershed Protection Program Director at the William Penn Foundation. “The Foundation has made a concerted effort to help provide direct access for people to explore and learn about the water and inspire them to help protect it.”

About Independence Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum deepens the understanding, appreciation, and experience of the Philadelphia region’s waterways through history, science, and art, plus experiences on the water. Along with National Historic Landmark ships Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna, the Museum is home to a boatbuilding workshop, Citizen Science Lab, and a MakerSpace.  Guests can also explore the river with small boat rentals, on-water programming, and one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America. Independence Seaport Museum is the premier, year-round destination on the Penn’s Landing waterfront. Visit daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and see our full schedule of programs and events at phillyseaport.org.

About the William Penn Foundation

The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that increase educational opportunities for children from low-income families, ensure a sustainable environment, foster creativity that enhances civic life, and advance philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. In partnership with others, the Foundation works to advance opportunity, ensure sustainability, and enable effective solutions. The Foundation’s assets exceed $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2017.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio is seeking a Director of Communications and Development.

Position Closed 5/30/19

Who We Are:
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is owned and operated by the Great Lakes Historical Society which was established in 1945. The mission of the organization is to preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes. We achieve that mission by (1) Operating the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo Ohio; (2) publishing our award winning quarterly journal, Inland Seas®; (3) conducting ground breaking underwater archaeology on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and (4) offering educational
programming to thousands of children and adults each year.

While our staff is small, we have achieved incredible success over the years winning local, regional and national awards across the spectrum of our many activities. From creating nationally recognized exhibits, to uncovering important historical developments, to discovering the most important shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, employment with our museum offers candidates the chance to be part of history not just working in and for an historical organization. With a small staff, this organization provides a potential candidate with a unique opportunity to use existing skills and develop new ones in a team centered effort at organizational excellence.

General Position Description:
As a part of the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) the ideal candidate will be responsible for leading and managing marketing communications activities that are aligned with the museum’s strategic plan to drive membership, visitors, and charitable giving. The candidate will work with the executive director and marketing committee board chair to develop and implement integrated strategies and campaigns to increase awareness of NMGL programs and mission to potential donors, members and visitors. The candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and other board members to
develop and implement the annual and strategic fundraising activities of the organization.

Experience:

• Demonstrate a track record of increased responsibility in creating and delivering a marketing communications strategy
• Demonstrate superior organizational skills particularly in event management
• Demonstrate superior written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrate expertise in digital graphic design and layout, experience in Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Be a storyteller with a passion for non-profit, history and/or the Great Lakes region
• Must be an approachable, motivated and self-manager with the ability to communicate to all stakeholders including the board, members, media, visitors, donors, and the local community
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between marketing, public relations and development.
• Demonstrate a track record of working collaboratively with others across occupational disciplines.
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to embrace and overcome challenges.

Required and Desired Qualifications:

• Degree from an accredited four year institution of higher learning; degree in public relations a plus
• Have 3-5 years minimum experience in public relations; experience with not for profits and or development a plus.
• Accreditation and member of PRSA or similar organization a plus

Specific Work Expectations:

• Manage, evaluate and adapt existing marketing plan for the organization.
• Manage existing fundraising activities including special event and annual fund campaign.
• Serve as the organization’s spokesperson in media inquiries.
• Serve as the organization’s ambassador to the philanthropic community though community outreach.
• Candidate will be expected to start no later than August 1, 2019 but employer would prefer July 1-15, 2019 start date.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Based on education and experience. Anticipated range: $48,000-$60,000 per year
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off for Vacation and Personal
• Paid Major Holidays

Inquiries and Applications:
Please email questions to business@inlandseas.org
Applicants can send cover letter and resume to business@inlandseas.org by June 10, 2019  Position Closed 5/30/19

LAST CHANCE FOR EARLY BIRD CONGRESS FEE!

REGISTER BY TUESDAY 30th APRIL

The early registration fee for the next ICMM Congress in Stockholm and Aland (15-20 September) expires on 30 April. Don’t miss out!

Additionally, see below for the current Open Call for Bursary applications (deadline Monday 13 May.)

The ‘Earlybird’ fee is Euros €525.  After 30 April you will be charged at the ‘Slugabed’ fee of €565 (NOTE – The fee for non-ICMM members is €650.)

Click here to Register

OPEN CALL FOR RICHARD FOSTER BURSARIES

We invite applicants for the Richard Foster Bursaries, to assist with attendance at this year’s ICMM Congress.

Deadline for applications: Monday 13 May  (Note – Successful applicants will be able to register at the earlybird rate).

The Richard Foster Bursaries are named in memory of Richard Foster, a former ICMM President who tragically died 20 years ago.

The ICMM Executive Council has increased the amount of money available for bursaries for this Congress. Individual awards will be made depending on need.

To apply, please email secretarygeneral@icmmonline.org with the following:

1.      Name, title and institutional affiliation

2.     Contact details

3.     A brief résumé together with a statement of how and why attending the Congress will benefit your career or your institution

4.     An abstract of your proposed contribution to the Congress, if it has been accepted for the programme

An estimate of your costs to attend the Congress (flight, accommodation etc.)

Click here for Congress programme, including travel & post-conference tours

A final program schedule for the 2019 Council of American Maritime Museums Conference taking place at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin April 24-27 is now available.

Download a pdf. of the schedule here.

or visit the Conference website for more details.

Space is still available for the Door County bus tour taking place Saturday.  Details below:

Saturday, April 27, 2019
9:00am -3:00pm         Optional Trip to Sturgeon Bay, Door County, Wisconsin
$40 – Please contact Cathy Green to reserve a space.

9:00AM           Meet at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Lobby

9:00am-10:30am
Bus ride from Wisconsin Maritime Museum (Manitowoc) to the Door County Maritime Museum (Sturgeon Bay) – Includes en route narration by Maritime Archaeologist Tamara Thomsen.

10:30am-12:30pm
Tour of the Door County Maritime Museum, led by DCMM staff, including the exhibits The Water Defines Us: DCMM@50 and Shipwrecks of Door County, and gallery lecture by Larry Herbst of the Sturgeon Bay Model Shop (tent.). www.dcmm.org

12:45-2:00pm
Lunch at the Door County Fire Company restaurant, including a presentation from the creative team behind the musical Windjammers, inspired by tales and tunes of 19th century Great Lakes sailors; courtesy of Northern Sky Theater.
www.doorcountyfirecompany.com/
www.northernskytheater.com/shows/windjammers/

2:00-2:15pm
Drive past Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding – Tracing its history back to 1918, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding is an industry leader in the construction and repair of large ships and is a highlight of the working waterfront of Sturgeon Bay.                         www.fincantieribayshipbuilding.com/

2:15pm-3:30pm
Buses return to Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Manitowoc