Friends of Arrow Rock, dedicated to the preservation and future of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a historic village part of a National Historic Landmark District, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into a new chapter of effectiveness, professionalism, and stakeholder engagement. The Executive Director will be a good steward of this idyllic community, marshalling the energy of passionately committed townspeople, leading the strategy for sustainability, and forging a vision to bring Arrow Rock wider regional and national exposure and support.
Friends of Arrow Rock
The Friends of Arrow Rock (FAR), founded in 1959, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and cultural heritage of Arrow Rock, Missouri. The area’s first record of European explorers dates to 1713 and the area was visited by the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition. The Village of Arrow Rock later became a commercial hub for the Santa Fe Trail. The Friends organization started with a small group of local residents committed to safeguarding the village's rich legacy and restoring its historic structures. Over the years, FAR has grown significantly and is now supported by a dedicated membership of over 800 individuals, despite Arrow Rock itself being a village with a small population of full-time and second-home residents.
The organization’s mission is to share the diverse history of Missouri with both current and future generations. This is achieved by preserving the village’s historic buildings, artifacts, and cultural narratives. In addition to presenting the traditional, dominant narrative of westward expansion, FAR also emphasizes conveying the authentic stories of the community, including the experiences of Native American and African American citizens and their impact on the Village. They aim to foster an understanding of how these histories shape present-day society and inform future generations.
FAR owns and manages thirteen historically significant properties, including the 1835 Shelby Log Cabin, 1839 Miller-Bradford House, the 1844 J.P. Sites Gun Shop and House, and the ca.1881 Brown Lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons serving African Americans after the Civil War. Through meticulous preservation efforts, these buildings provide a tangible link to the past and serve as focal points for educational programs and community events.
In addition to preservation, the organization actively engages the public through educational programming, guided tours, and community events, welcoming around 25,000 students and adults each year. Their efforts are coordinated by a small professional staff of two, supported by a 24-member board of trustees, and complemented by various expert consultants who help preserve the properties and assist with marketing. The organization has an annual budget of about $400,000 and a $1.4 million endowment.
FAR works closely with the Arrow Rock State Historic Site, the state’s first historic site, which manages several key historic properties within the village of Arrow Rock. Notable among them is the J. Huston Tavern, established in 1834 and recognized as the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. The state also oversees the George Caleb Bingham House, built in 1837 and home to the famous Missouri artist from 1837 to 1845, the Old Courthouse, which offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century judicial life, and a visitor center that presents exhibits on the broader history of Arrow Rock and its role in the Central Missouri region. Other collaborative partners include the professional award-winning Lyceum Theatre, created in 1960 and hosting 33,000 visitors in a 416-seat historic auditorium for weekly performances between May and October. Total annual visitation to Arrow Rock is more than 100,000, including visitors to the Village, the Lyceum, and the State Park.
As stewards of Arrow Rock’s history, the Friends of Arrow Rock envision the village as a premier historic destination. Their goal is not only to preserve and present Arrow Rock’s unique past but also to promote regional tourism and cultivate partnerships that celebrate the diverse cultural history of Missouri.
The Opportunity
This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished nonprofit leader to help FAR build its organizational and financial capacity, deepen and expand stakeholder engagement, help forge strategy for sustainability, and raise the profile of the organization and the village it serves. Working in partnership with a dedicated Board, staff, and community members, the Executive Director will lead the organization as it pursues several timely and important initiatives:
· Engage in a comprehensive visioning/strategy effort to guide FAR in its next chapter.
· Energize FAR’s fundraising efforts in conjunction with the village’s bicentennial and generally.
· Guide the organization with best practices, as demonstrated by the AASLH STEPS program.
· Create the conditions for increased visitation and a consistently excellent visitor experience.
· Oversee updated interpretive frameworks focused on stories accessible to contemporary audiences.
· Provide leadership in the Friends participation as Arrow Rock prepares for its 200th Anniversary in 2029.
· Develop branding and marketing strategies and community partnerships to position Arrow Rock as a more nationally significant historic destination.
Responsibilities and Expectations
The Executive Director will have proven effectiveness as an executive or senior-level professional in nonprofit organizations such as museums, historic sites, preservation institutions, or other similar mission-driven organizations. The successful candidate will demonstrate accomplishment as a strategic thinker, team builder, community advocate, fundraiser, innovator, and leader adept at translating vision into organizational action.
· Assume overall executive responsibility for FAR, creating dynamic strategic direction, visitor and stakeholder engagement, and financial support.
· Provide financial oversight and sustainability; ensure fiscal integrity by budgeting revenues and expenditures that ensure the financial health of the organization.
· Lead an energetic fundraising effort in collaboration with the Board that includes grants, individual donations, major gifts, and events. Investigate organizational capacity for a capital campaign leveraging the village’s 200th Anniversary.
· Develop a trusting and mutually supportive relationship with the Board. Guide the Board in optimizing its governance responsibilities through best practices, updated policies, and board recruitment strategies.
· Create and sustain beneficial relationships with the community: local nonprofits, merchants, governmental organizations, preservation groups, and others who contribute to FAR’s mission and to the Village.
· Inspire and nurture a small team of staff members and volunteers that displays creativity, collaboration, and achievement.
· Oversee staff in implementing programs and events, public relations and marketing, preservation management, educational programs, museum shop, public tours, bookkeeping, and general office management.
· Serve as FAR’s primary spokesperson, representing the organization at events, in the media, with movie location scouts, and cultivating key relationships locally, regionally, and nationally.
Experience, Skills, and Attributes
· A minimum five years of executive or management experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment or other mission-driven organization.
· Demonstrated enthusiasm for successful fundraising, working with donors, foundations, sponsors, and governmental funding sources.
· Evidence of transparency and integrity in the work environment.
· Experience working collaboratively with a Board and supporting effective committees and governance practices.
· Financial acumen and management oversight to develop and manage an annual budget and a multi-year strategic plan. Comfortable interpreting financial performance to the Board and other stakeholders.
· Strategic planning skills, as well as pragmatic and successful organizational project management, in service to historic preservation, audience development, revenue generation, and visitor experience.
· Pragmatic and successful experience as a senior-level administrator and project manager, ideally having experience with building projects, audience development, revenue generation, and visitor experience.
· Success in leading dynamic teams of professional staff and volunteers who exude enthusiasm for the organization’s mission, collections, and programs.
· Emotional intelligence and broad leadership skills that serve internal and external stakeholders. Ability to sustain strong relationships with the local community in alignment with the organization’s values.
· Marketing, communication, and advocacy skills.
· Academic degree and experience in history, museum studies, historic preservation, education, or other relevant field. Life experience will be considered in lieu of academic degrees.
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position.
Compensation
The salary range is $80,000 to $100,000 commensurate with qualifications, plus benefits.
How to Apply
To apply in confidence, submit application by November 22, 2024, to: Dan Yaeger, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference, via SearchandRef@museum-search.com.
Please include:
1) A cover letter expressing interest in the position and giving brief examples of past related experience.
2) A résumé.
3) The names and contact information for three professional references, preferably those who can comment on work performance, indicating their relationship with the candidate.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. Nominations are welcome. All applications and nominations are kept confidential; we will not contact references without your permission. For more details, visit: www.museum-search.com/open-searches.
About Arrow Rock and the Central Missouri Region
Arrow Rock, Missouri, is a small, historic village located along the Missouri River, known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and its significant role in American frontier history. Established in the early 1800s, the town became an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail, serving as a key trading hub and a point of departure for westward settlers. Today, Arrow Rock is a designated National Historic Landmark and part of the larger Arrow Rock State Historic Site. The village has been meticulously preserved to reflect its 19th-century origins, with its historic buildings offering visitors a glimpse into Missouri’s frontier past.
Arrow Rock has been featured in various film and television projects due to its authentic 19th-century appearance and well-preserved historical buildings. Most notably, the village was transformed into the fictional Hannibal, Missouri, for the 1973 musical adaptation of Tom Sawyer starring a young Jodie Foster. The production utilized many of Arrow Rock’s historic structures and left a lasting impact on the village and its international profile as a historic location.
The Central Missouri region, which includes Arrow Rock, is steeped in history and natural beauty. This area was originally inhabited by Osage and Missouria Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the early 1800s. The region is part of what was known as “Boonslick Country,” named for the Boone family’s salt production industry—one of the first industries in the area. Today, Central Missouri is home to several historic towns, state parks, and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Living in Arrow Rock offers a unique blend of rural charm and historical significance. The village has a small population of about 60 full-time residents and vacation homeowners who enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by rolling hills, rivers, and preserved 19th-century architecture. The population of surrounding Saline County is about 23,000. The cost of living is about 9% lower than the national average, with housing costs about 17% below the national norm, making it an affordable place to settle. Local events, such as performances at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre and seasonal festivals, add vibrancy to village life. This strong sense of community, and the commitment to preserving Arrow Rock’s history make it a special place to call home.
The broader Central Missouri region also offers a high quality of life with a mix of small towns and rural settings that provide a strong sense of community and access to natural amenities. The region’s proximity to the Missouri River and various state parks, like Katy Trail State Park, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and river activities. This balance of history, nature, and community, along with the temperate climate, make Central Missouri an appealing region for both visitors and residents.
Nearby is Columbia, home to the University of Missouri and a medical research hub, a 45-minute drive that offers modern conveniences, educational institutions, and cultural activities. Kansas City, along with its international airport, sports and cultural venues, museums, and bustling restaurant scene, is an hour and a half away.
