Executive Director

Midwest Dream Car Collection (MDCC) first began as a private collection and in 2019 opened to the public as an established 501c3 non-profit organization. We are proud to showcase a stunning collection of Automobiles and Automotive Memorabilia ranging from 1886 to present day. Our collection, arguably the most prestigious in the region, has something for everyone including custom cars, muscle cars, exotic cars and classic cars. We are continually working to find innovative ways to share our love of cars with regional and national audiences and develop our base of MDCC friends and visitors.

MISSION: To educate, inspire, and celebrate the love of vehicles.

VALUES:

● Accessible & Affordable: We offer close personal access to vehicles and displays to provide a high-quality personal experience at an affordable price to ensure the love of vehicles is within reach for everyone.

● Engaging Educational Experience: We are dedicated to providing engaging, systematic instruction to enlighten visitors and communities about the evolution and impact of vehicles on society in a forum that fosters interactive learning.

● Compelling Storytelling: We seek to inspire people by unveiling the rich history, remarkable journeys, and human connections associated with each vehicle in our collection.

Reports To: Board of Directors

Salary: Pay commensurate with experience plus additional incentive package for achieving key performance indicators.

Hours: Full-time position with a variable schedule, including weekends and evenings as business demands. Must be willing to travel occasionally during non-business hours.

Location: This position is located in Manhattan, Kansas. Must reside in, or relocate to, the local area.

This position is not eligible for remote work.

Role Overview:

The Executive Director is responsible for driving results, growing awareness, engagement, and pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence with the ultimate goal of becoming a top tier automotive experience! The ideal Executive Director is a leader, problem solver, lifelong learner, and out-of-the-box thinker with a bias for action and experience in general management, business development, marketing, finance, and strategic planning. The Executive Director must take a collaborative, proactive approach in working with the staff, Board of Directors, donors, partners, and the community. Overall, the ideal Director will be a highly motivated, driven “doer” that knows how to balance strategy with execution and has a proven track record of collaborating and getting things done.

Responsibilities & Duties:

COMMUNICATION:

• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including visitors, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and donors.
• Forge and maintain relationships of trust with officers, directors, vital stakeholders/donors, and external authorities.
• Create weekly and monthly reports for the Board re: progress against annual plan goals and longer-term strategic plan objectives.
• Prepare for and facilitate quarterly Board meetings and Board committee meetings as necessary.
• Seek feedback and buy in from key staff on goals, business targets, key initiatives, and upcoming events.

VISITOR/MEMBER/FRIENDS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING:

• Develop and execute plan to drive attendance of 22k visitors in 2024 and 50k visitors in 2025.
• Participate in programs (i.e. Blue Star Museum, Sunflower Summer Learning Program) that increase awareness and drive museum attendance; annually evaluate program effectiveness and refine approach for future years.
• Forge strategic alliances with local businesses, schools, and organizations to strengthen community ties and expand the museum's reach.
• Develop and implement a marketing plan with a focus on strategic campaigns and high impact program enhancements to attract and engage a broader audience to meet/exceed visitor attendance targets.
• Oversee/manage development and use of marketing assets including MDCC website, social sites, content and all MDCC brand elements.

EDUCATION:

• Partner with educational institutions (i.e. KSU, USD383, etc.) to enhance engagement with the museum.
• Develop and implement comprehensive educational programs (i.e. STEAM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and bring K-12 students to visit MDCC during school hours.
• Provide engaging instruction that facilitates learning and inspires the love of vehicles for all ages.

ENHANCED VISITOR ENGAGEMENT:

• Elevate the overall visitor experience with educational programs, community events, and interactive exhibits.
• Implement initiatives that make the museum a dynamic and engaging space for all visitors, fostering a deeper connection with the exhibits and vehicles.

DAILY OPERATIONS:

• Effectively lead the organization, providing support and oversight of daily activities.
• Establish and enforce operational policies and procedures.
• Manage financial operations, including A/R, A/P, Payroll, and 501c3 record-keeping requirements.

STAFF & VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT:

• Build an effective team by providing clear guidance, building trust and coaching.
• Ensure sufficient focus and resources are available for training and development.
• Manage all aspects of Human Relations, including payroll, benefits, local and national regulations.
• Support and assist the volunteer coordinator as needed.

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy to ensure museum sustainability.
• Balance affordability with the pursuit of excellence in educational offerings, ensuring that financial goals align with the mission and values of the museum.
• Conduct analysis of MDCC organization and programs to identify areas for improvement, resource use, cost management and focus areas in accordance with the strategic plan.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION (2025+):

• Leverage cutting-edge digital technologies to create a top tier digital automobile experience that can be enjoyed locally, regionally, nationally and beyond.

Work Experience:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven ability to meet and exceed defined objectives.
• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Deep understanding of managing using business metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in daily operational finance management
• Demonstrated experience leading team of 10+ employees and up to 30 volunteers.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
• Past experience in business development and/or marketing.
• Ability to create and modify/edit policies and procedures as needed as the organization evolves and grows.
• Knowledge of QuickBooks or similar system and general accounting practices

COMPETENCIES AND CAPABILITIES:

• “Team Player” attitude combined with outstanding organizational, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
• An analytical mind capable of “out-of-the-box” thinking to solve problems.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial abilities to continue to grow/evolve our young MDCC organization.
• Willingness to be involved in the community in a manner that results in a positive reflection of MDCC.
• Time management skills to plan, organize, and prioritize workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Manhattan, KS 66503: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person