VirginiaBeach

The City of Virginia BeachHas An Exciting OpportunityIn One of America’sGreatest Aquariums!

Things to love about living in Virginia Beach

• 38 miles of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay with a vibrant, world-class resort

• Recognized as one of the best-managed cities in America

• AAA bond ratings from all three bond rating agencies (7 straight years)

• Low crime rate

• Nationally acclaimed public schools

• 265 parks covering more than 4,000 acres

• 7 public recreation centers and 10 public libraries

• Expanding Town Center that includes the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 19 restaurants, 1 million square feet of office and retail space, 804 apartments and condominiums, 412 hotel rooms, tallest building in Virginia (38-story Westin Hotel and Residences)

Things to know about Virginia Beach

• The City: Virginia Beach is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia – population 452,000 – 41st largest city in the nation

• The Region: We are part of the Hampton Roads region – population 1.8 million – 37th largest MSA in the nation

• Location, location, location: We are conveniently located in the middle of the East Coast – within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population – 2 hours from Richmond – 3.5 hours from Washington – 3.5 hours from Raleigh – 7 hours from New York City

The City of Virginia Beach Seeks a Director to Lead our Aquarium & Museums

The Director of Aquarium and Museums position is a unique opportunity for the right executive to lead a progressive department dedicated to research,

conservation, and education.

Who We AreThe Department of Aquarium and Museums is comprised of two main entities: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Virginia Beach History Museums.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a public-private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The city owns and maintains the Aquarium’s buildings and provides administrative support, while the foundation procures and maintains the collection of animals and exhibits. The foundation is also responsible for fundraising efforts and various scientific research, education, and conservation programs.

The Aquarium features a variety of attractions for visitors to explore, including more than 10,000 animals representing over 350 species, the National Geographic 3D Theater, coastal boat trips, a zip line and aerial adventure park, and two buildings separated by a one-third of a mile long nature trail. The Aquarium hosts over 680,000 guests and offers marine science based programming to more than 35,000 students each year.

The History Museums are comprised of colonial homes and local museums that represent the City’s history. They provide educational opportunities and exhibits for citizens and visitors to enjoy while conserving assets for future generations. The History Museums also utilize a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation to purchase exhibits and support programing.

The combined annual operating expenditures for the Aquarium and the foundation are $17,804,648 per year, with an additional annual capital budget of $2.5 million per year. The annual operating budget for the History Museums’ division is approximately $700,000 per year with an additional annual capital improvements budget of $1 million per year.

The JobThe director of the Aquarium and Museums provides executive leadership to the Aquarium and historic sites, promotes conservation, and ensures the delivery of quality programming, educational curricula, and services to the public. The successful candidate will:

• Be the executive leader directing a broad range of activities and programs providing cultural and educational opportunities for citizens and visitors via the Aquarium & History Museums

• Provide oversight of the department operating budget, Capital Improvement Program(s) and budget, maintenance of buildings and the administrative support required to operate and maintain live exhibits 365 days a year

• Serve as primary liaison with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation

• Serve as primary liaison with the History Museums Foundation

• Provide leadership in the community, greater region and nationally on key issues including marine conservation, sea level rise and tourism.

• Be able to foster strategic partnerships with outside entities including federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and academia to advance the goals of the City, the Aquarium & History Museums and related key issues

Position Responsibilities:• Ensure that strategic initiatives are aligned with organizational best

practices and community needs

• Work collaboratively with City Council, community stakeholders, and City departments to facilitate and increase organizational prosperity

• Facilitate collaboration and cooperation amongst City and associated nonprofit(s)

• Maximize service effectiveness

• Identify issues, conflicts, and solutions related to goals and initiate action(s) to address

• Analyze and make recommendations for relevant legislative agendas, federal initiatives and General Assembly/Congress

• Represent Aquarium and Museum to diverse groups within and outside of the organization

Preferred QualificationsHighly qualified candidates will possess a master’s degree in business or public administration, museum studies, marine science, or a similar program and 6 years management experience; or higher-level education and experience equivalent to 12 years in fields utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities, including 5 years of higher-level program management or administrator experience in a compatible museum, zoo, or cultural facility, as well as experience cultivating membership, fundraising, and donor relations.

CompensationSalary will be commensurate with candidate qualifications and within the range of $110,323 - $169,374. The City offers an excellent benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, holidays, and paid time off.

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application ProcessSubmit your resume and cover letter at www.VBgov.com/careers to be considered for the Director of Aquarium and Museums position. Initial review of submittals will be completed by November 12, 2017 but the posting may remain open until the position is filled. Resumes submitted after October 30th may be considered further if the pool needs to be expanded after the initial interview process.

Questions?Contact Monica Kopin in Human Resources at (757) 385-1361 or mkopin@VBgov.com.

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