Job Summary:

The President & Executive Director of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) is responsible for implementing the overall strategic planning and vision, sustainable financial management, personnel administration, fundraising, program development, and community relations for the interdisciplinary museum. The President & Executive Director will report to the museum’s Board of Trustees and will supervise multiple museum departments.

LASM seeks an experienced, creative, and collaborative leader who will be deeply invested in the museum’s interdisciplinary mission and programs, is able to cultivate current relationships and build new partnerships, is committed to providing educational opportunities that enrich the lives of all people, and has a demonstrated history of fostering a positive work culture that leads to organizational success. As the primary spokesperson for the museum in the community, LASM's President & Executive Director must also be an articulate, professional, and effective communicator.

The ideal candidate for this position has extensive knowledge of nonprofit best practices and experience successfully leading an organization, with specialized knowledge of museum or cultural institution best practices preferred. LASM’s incoming President & Executive Director will be tasked with nurturing, maximizing, and expanding the organization’s current resources – including its dedicated network of community partners and its talented workforce – to best serve the museum’s diverse constituents.

Experience, Skills, and Educational Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. An educational background in nonprofit or arts administration, education, the arts, the sciences, education, communications, or a related field is required.

- 5+ years of organizational leadership experience – either as an Executive Director or in a leadership position directing a significant department, including personnel supervisory and budgeting responsibilities – is required, with nonprofit museum (art, science, children’s, or interdisciplinary) leadership preferred.

- Experience recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, mentoring, and evaluating personnel is required; knowledge of human resource policies and mediation skills are preferred.

- Financial management and budgeting experience is required; experience with nonprofit audit processes is preferred.

- Fundraising experience and skills required; capital campaign management, grants management (governmental, corporate, foundation, etc.), individual giving, and planned giving experience is preferred.

- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as public speaking skills, are required.

- Computer proficiency, particularly with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), is required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Administration and Operations

- Assesses, develops, and implements the museum’s strategic plan and vision in collaboration with the Board of Trustees; develops museum policies and procedures to ensure continued accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, with LASM’s re-accreditation process upcoming in 2025

- Oversees staff development of the museum’s interdisciplinary programs, changing and permanent exhibitions, and Irene W. Pennington Planetarium shows; ensures proper staff management, conservation, and growth of the museum’s permanent collection of over 4,000 objects

- Responsible for the overall financial management of the museum, creating and adhering to a board-approved annual budget; serves as an excellent steward of museum funds while expanding current and developing new revenue streams in collaboration with the staff and Board of Trustees

- Oversees strategic capital campaigns and renovation projects in collaboration with the staff and Board of Trustees

Staff and Board Development

- Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff members; fosters a positive and collaborative work culture built on trust, respect, and support

- Oversees the day-to-day operations and administration of the museum, ensuring staff adherence to and respect for museum policies and procedures; provides resources, guidance, and mentorship for staff members while empowering them in their areas of responsibility

- Works in close collaboration with the Board of Trustees, effectively communicating the museum’s successes, challenges, and needs; encourages active board participation by providing opportunities for engagement through committee participation, fundraising, advocacy, and volunteering

Community Relations and Fundraising

- Serves as the chief spokesperson for the museum and actively leads the museum’s major fundraising efforts, including individual, planned, foundation, corporate, and government giving, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and staff

- Cultivates existing and builds new relationships with community partners, donors, and professional organizations; nurtures relationships with East Baton Rouge City-Parish leadership to ensure continued financial support and maintenance of the museum’s city-owned historic building as well as relationships with other governmental officials

- Maintains a strong public presence within the community, strengthening relationships and networking for the benefit of the museum; encourages and supports staff engagement in professional development activities

About the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM):

Founded in 1962, LASM is a 501(c)3 nonprofit museum with an annual operating budget of approximately $2,500,000, an annual attendance of approximately 50,000 visitors, and a dedicated staff of approximately 17 full-time and 19 part-time employees.

Housed in a historic 1925 train station on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, LASM is the only museum dedicated to the disciplines of both art and science in the region. LASM’s 171-seat Irene W. Pennington Planetarium is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in Louisiana and is among the largest planetariums in the southeastern United States. On display throughout the museum is a selection of LASM’s over 4,000 permanent collection objects. LASM’s numerous educational, entertaining, and unique programs foster an inclusive museum environment that embraces diverse audiences.

LASM’s Mission: We seek to enhance the understanding and appreciation of art and science for general audiences and students by presenting unique, educational and entertaining experiences that encourage discovery, inspire creativity, and foster the pursuit of knowledge.

LASM’s Vision: We envision a community of lifelong explorers inspired by art and science.

LASM’s Big Idea: Art and Science shape and inform each other, our lives, and the world.

Salary and Benefits:

A competitive salary commensurate with experience will be offered, starting at $130,000. LASM offers medical insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, eye insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and 401(k) matching up to 3%. LASM offers generous vacation and sick leave policies.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should email their resume or CV, cover letter, and at least 3 professional references with contact information to search@lasm.org by December 20, 2023. References will not be contacted without prior permission of the applicant. LASM is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. 

Job Title: LASM Operations Ambassador: Museum Store Associate    

Department: Operations

Supervisor: Museum Store & Membership Manager

Position Type: Non-Exempt, Part Time

Skills & Qualifications:

- Ability to read, understand, and apply basic applications of point of sale system instructions

- Understanding of basic math and cash-handling procedures

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with visitors and coworkers

- Ability to work with minimal supervision, receiving oral and written instructions

- Able to exercise initiative and judgement in performing duties

Job Summary: The LASM Operations Ambassador Museum Store Associate works under the direction of the Museum Store Manager to conduct day-to-day operation of the store, including store opening and closing as needed, assisting customers, maintaining a clean and well-stocked store, and maximizing sales.

Responsibilities and Duties:

- Visitor service/sales

- Respond to customer inquiries about activities and programs in the Museum

- Promote LASM membership

- Utilize proactive selling techniques, providing product information as appropriate

- Merchandise management

- Maintain an orderly, clean, and well-stocked store

- Maintain knowledge of features and benefits of merchandise, learning about new items as they come in

- Cash management

- Follow opening and closing procedures of the store

- Accurately process sales for customers

- Weekend availability is required.

General Volunteer Responsibilities:

- Attend orientation and training as required

- Present a professional appearance, following museum guidelines on dress code

- Maintain an awareness of security/loss prevention, primarily by greeting customers immediately and staying alert

- Perform other duties as assigned

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Job Title: Museum Custodian

Department:  Operations

Supervisor: Director of Operations

Position Type: Non-Exempt, Part-time

Qualifications and Requirements:

- Experience maintaining and cleaning facilities

- Superior organizational and time management skills

- Effective team player

- Resourceful self starter

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects

- Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., and the ability to climb stairs as needed

Job Summary: The successful museum custodian advances the museum’s mission by: maintaining a clean, orderly, and safe environment and facility for museum visitors, staff, and property; helps set-up and take-down for special events; and works as a team member on other tasks as assigned.

Responsibilities and Duties:

- Follow daily, weekly, and monthly custodial task schedule as assigned by facilities manager

- Set up and take down (tables, chairs, lighting, staffing, paper products, housekeeping) for museum events

- Be familiar with safety and security procedures and provide security support as needed

- Perform additional tasks as assigned

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Job Title:  Operations Ambassador (Museum Gallery Guide)

Department: Operations

Supervisor:  Operations Director

Position Type:  Non-Exempt, Part Time

Skills & Qualifications: 

- Positive, professional demeanor with effective communication and interpersonal skills

- Excellent visitor service skills; assertiveness, flexibility, patience, good judgment, and discipline

- Prompt, reliable, and collaborative team member

Job Summary: A Museum Gallery Guide is part of a team working under the supervision of the Operations Director in collaboration with the Front Line Services Manager, Education Director, Museum Educators, Curator, Volunteers, and other Gallery Guides. The primary duties of a Museum Gallery Guide are to provide an active presence in museum galleries, provide security for display objects and museum property, provide welcoming and engaging visitor service, and present visitor information. The position requires a positive professional demeanor, excellent visitor service skills, and interpersonal skills.  The Museum Gallery Guide must be a prompt, reliable, and collaborative team member, and must be available on weekends.

Responsibilities & Duties:

- Participate in required training activities

- Provide an active and reliable presence in museum galleries

- Provide security for exhibitions and museum facilities

- Provide welcoming and engaging visitor service

- Assist visitors with museum, planetarium, and exhibition information and directions

- Assist in crowd control and movement

- Provide tours as needed

Other duties as assigned

Weekend hours are required.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Job Title: BASF Kids’ Lab Assistant

Department: Education

Supervisor: Education Director

Position Type: Part-time, Non-Exempt

Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or strong science background
Highly-effective verbal and written communication skills
Excellent customer service skills  
Flexible, reliable, and conscientious team player
Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively across disciplines and departments
Highly-effective facilitation skills
Demonstrated organizational skills with commitment to plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines
Positive, proactive, action-oriented problem solver
Experience working with children and their families

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with BASF Kids’ Lab weekend workshop activities
Assist with the BASF Kids’ Lab on-site registration process
Greet all museum visitors upon arrival
Communicate with visitors about membership and other public programs
Work collaboratively with all museum staff to contribute to a positive workplace culture
Communicate with Operations Team to ensure a positive visitor experience
Represent LASM with excellence, professionalism, and positivity
Commit to serve on second and fourth weekends of each month
Other duties as assigned

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Job Title: Museum Educator

Department: Education

Supervisor: Director of Education

Position Type: Non-Exempt, Part-Time

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Highly-effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively across disciplines and departments
• Demonstrated organizational skills with commitment to plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines
• Highly-effective facilitation skills
• Positive, proactive, action-oriented problem solver
• Flexible, reliable, and conscientious team player
• Demonstrated experience in educational research and curriculum development
• Knowledge of best practices in education and state standards
• Availability on an on-call, as-needed basis
• Teaching experience preferred

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Present hands-on art and science classes, guided explorations, planetarium presentations, and auditorium programs for school audiences
• Present educational programs for weekend public family audiences
• Assist with set-up and take-down of program equipment and supplies, as needed
• Research and develop interdisciplinary educational programs based on the Louisiana Student Standards and Benchmarks
• Communicate with Operations Team to ensure a positive visitor experience
• Work collaboratively with all museum staff to contribute to a positive workplace culture

*Other duties as assigned 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Job Title:  Museum Docent

Department: Operations

Supervisor:  Front Line Services Manager

Position Type:  Volunteer

Skills & Qualifications: 

- Positive, professional demeanor with effective communication and interpersonal skills

- Excellent visitor service skills; assertiveness, flexibility, patience, good judgment, and discipline

- Prompt, reliable, and collaborative team member

Job Summary: A Museum Docent is part of a team working under the supervision of the Museum's Frontline Services Manager in collaboration with the Director of Operations, Director of Education, Museum Educators, Curator, and Volunteer Coordinator. The primary duties of a Museum Docent are to provide an active presence in museum galleries, provide security for display objects and museum property, provide welcoming and engaging visitor service, and present visitor information. The position requires a positive professional demeanor, excellent visitor service skills, and interpersonal skills.  The Museum Docent must be a prompt, reliable, and collaborative team member.

Responsibilities & Duties:

- Participate in required training activities

- Provide an active and reliable presence in museum galleries

- Provide security for exhibitions and museum facilities

- Provide welcoming and engaging visitor service

- Assist visitors with museum, planetarium, and exhibition information and directions

- Assist in crowd control and movement

- Provide tours as needed

Other duties as assigned

Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/oCLEY2Vgu9MY8UWBA

Job Title: LASM Operations Ambassador: Membership Assistant    

Department: Operations

Supervisor: Museum Store & Membership Manager

Position Type: Volunteer

Skills & Qualifications:

- Ability to learn new software is necessary; experience with membership software systems or event planning is preferred

- Creative, motivated individual who enjoys collaborative work to achieve membership goals

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Ability to work with minimal supervision, receiving oral and written instructions

- Able to exercise initiative in performing duties

Job Summary: The LASM Operations Ambassador: Membership Assistant works under the direction of the Membership Manager to grow and shepherd the membership base of LASM.

Responsibilities and Duties:

- Attend orientation and training as required

- Present a professional appearance and a friendly, welcoming demeanor

- Working within the membership database, assist in processing new and renewing memberships

- Help to plan and execute membership initiatives, including member events and membership drives

- Perform other duties as assigned

Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/oCLEY2Vgu9MY8UWBA

Job Title: Operations Ambassador: Admissions Clerk    

Department: Operations

Supervisor: Front Line Services Manager

Position Type: Volunteer

Skills & Qualifications:

- Excellent customer service skills

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Experience with point of sale technology

- Understanding of basic math and cash-handling procedures

- Ability to work with minimal supervision, receiving oral and written instructions

- Able to exercise initiative and judgment in performing duties

Job Summary: The LASM Operations Ambassador: Admissions Clerk works under the direction of the Front Line Services Manager to conduct day-to-day operation of the admissions desk, including opening and closing as needed, explaining and selling admissions, orienting visitors to the Museum and planetarium, maximizing sales of memberships, and handling daily admissions reports.

Responsibilities and Duties:

- Visitor service/sales

- Respond to customer inquiries about admission rates, schedules, activities, and programs in the Museum and planetarium in person and by answering the admissions desk phone

- Sell admission tickets, memberships, and advanced sale tickets for special events, providing program and Museum membership information as appropriate

- Process group and birthday party payments as needed

- Monitor and protect artwork in the Atrium

- Report any security issues to the Front Line Services Manager or Facilities & Safety Manager

- Cash management

- Follow opening and closing procedures for the admissions desk

- Accurately process sales for customers

General Volunteer Responsibilities:

- Attend orientation and training as required

- Present a professional appearance and a friendly, welcoming demeanor 

- Perform other duties as assigned 

Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/oCLEY2Vgu9MY8UWBA