NEW YORK, NY.- Opportunity Resources Inc. has been retained by The C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana to conduct the search for a new Executive Director. Opened in 1953, the C.M. Russell Museum collects, preserves, researches, interprets and educates on the art and life of Charles M. Russell, the internationally famous Western artist who lived from 1864-1926, as well as the art and life of his contemporaries and the work of preceding and ensuing generations of artists depicting and focusing on the culture, life, and country of Russell’s West.

The Museum has operated with an annual budget of approximately $2 million and 33 full- and part-time employees. The Museum is currently completing its third re‑accreditation process with the American Association of Museums.

The Museum’s newest, highly acclaimed permanent exhibit, “The Bison: American Icon, Heart of Plains Indian Culture” is described by the Wall Street Journal’s Mark Yost as “an important addition to what was already one of America's premier Western art museums.”

Often referred to as a “gem,” this museum has the potential to be a world-class institution.

The Board seeks a dynamic leader who shares their passion for Western Art and will convey it throughout the US and internationally, partnering with them to build both the visibility and the base of financial support of the Museum, including undertaking a $20 million endowment and capital campaign at the appropriate time.

Position Responsibilities
The central responsibility of the Executive Director is to inspire and lead the staff and the Board in carrying out the Museum’s mission in a fiscally responsible manner, and, in concert with the Board, to articulate the concrete goals appropriate to that end. As the leader of one of the nation’s premier institutions of Western Art, the Executive Director will be a visible advocate for the Museum both locally and regionally, as well as nationally and internationally.

The newly appointed Executive Director will spend the first several months becoming familiar with the Museum’s structure, programs, finances, personnel, patrons and relationships with other entities in the area, as well as evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the Museum. Thereafter, he or she will be expected to actively pursue the following tasks:

· work closely with the Board and staff to articulate a compelling vision for the Museum and formulate an ambitious but achievable long-range plan, securing Board approval for its implementation and galvanizing the Board, staff and friends of the organization in effectively executing the plan;

· with the Chief Curator and Education Coordinator, develop a broad vision of the type and range of potential exhibitions and educational programs that will maintain the standards of excellence for which the Museum is known;

· take leadership in all fundraising plans and activities, and, with the Board, identify, cultivate and solicit new funding sources while maintaining productive relationships with existing donors.

At the same time, the new Executive Director will ensure the Museum’s continued financial viability through effective planning, staffing, budgeting and forecasting while:

· promoting and maintaining practices that encourage and facilitate open communication, cooperation, satisfaction and teamwork among administrative and program staff and Board members;

· maintaining ongoing and positive communication with individuals and constituencies in the region and collaborative relationships with institutions with complementary roles nationally; and

· serving as chief spokesperson and ambassador for the Museum and participating actively and visibly in the civic and cultural life of the region as a whole.

Requirements
The successful candidate will have at least ten years professional experience gained in progressively senior positions, preferably at a museum or other not-for-profit cultural institution with budget responsibility and complexity similar to that of the C.M. Russell Museum; comparable business or other experience will also be considered. He/she will have excellent communication skills; prior success leading people, managing finances, working with trustees, art patrons, and artists; and a talent for building trust and confidence in a broad range of constituencies. A successful funding track record is required. An advanced degree in the museum field and CEO/director experience are preferred.

Candidates must have a keen interest in and appreciation of Western Art; an appreciation for the outdoors; a passion for the job needing to be done; a roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic and a sense of humor.

Great Falls, Montana
Located in the heart of the spectacular Big Sky Country, Great Falls, Montana is just miles from the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Little Belt Mountains to the southeast. Cost of living is low; the cultural scene is diverse and active, with a thriving downtown, a symphony celebrating its 50th season, and several museums and galleries in addition to the C.M. Russell Museum.

Inquiries and applications should be forwarded to the retained search firm, Opportunity Resources Inc.: search@opportunityresources.net.

For information on the C.M. Russell Museum: www.cmrussell.org