Director

The Valentine Museum is seeking a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as its next Director. This is an opportunity to lead one of Virginia's premier museums and one of Richmond's most respected civic institutions at an exciting moment in its history.

Building on nearly three decades of transformational leadership, the next Director will guide an organization with a strong financial foundation, an accomplished staff, an engaged Board of Trustees, outstanding community partnerships, and a growing culture of philanthropy. As the museum's chief executive, the Director will shape strategy, inspire philanthropic investment, strengthen community relationships, and ensure the Valentine continues to tell Richmond's stories in ways that educate, connect, and inspire.

For an accomplished nonprofit executive, museum leader, or cultural institution executive, this is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on one of America's most historically significant cities. The Director will champion the museum's mission, advance inclusive storytelling and community engagement, inspire philanthropic investment, strengthen partnerships throughout the community, and ensure organizational excellence across all aspects of the institution.

About the Valentine

The Valentine is one of the nation's leading city history museums and has served for more than 125 years as Richmond's museum. Through exhibitions, collections, preservation, educational programs, tours, and community engagement, the Valentine tells the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Virginia's capital city. The museum is committed to preserving and interpreting Richmond's history in ways that foster understanding, encourage dialogue, and connect the past to the present.

Located in the heart of downtown Richmond, the Valentine includes the Edward Valentine Sculpture Studio, the historic Wickham House, the Valentine Garden, First Freedom Center, extensive archives and collections, and educational programs that serve thousands of students, residents, and visitors each year. The museum has earned a national reputation for thoughtful exhibitions, innovative programming, and authentic partnerships that reflect the diversity and complexity of Richmond's history.

Following nearly three decades of transformational leadership, the Valentine seeks an accomplished and collaborative executive to serve as its next Director and guide the institution into its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Provide visionary leadership for the museum's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
• Partner closely with the Board of Trustees to establish organizational priorities, monitor institutional performance, and advance strategic initiatives.
• Foster thoughtful governance, transparent communication, and strong Board engagement.
• Lead organizational planning and guide the museum through future opportunities and challenges.

Organizational Leadership

• Foster an organizational culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and mutual respect.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain an exceptional staff while supporting professional growth and succession planning.
• Empower an experienced leadership team and encourage cross-departmental collaboration.
• Maintain a workplace culture that values communication, trust, creativity, and shared responsibility.

Fundraising and External Relations

• Serve as the museum's chief fundraiser and partner closely with the development team to advance annual giving, major gifts, foundation support, corporate partnerships, and capital initiatives.
• Build meaningful relationships with donors, members, volunteers, elected officials, civic leaders, and community partners.
• Articulate a compelling vision for the museum and inspire philanthropic investment in its mission.
• Work collaboratively with the Board to strengthen fundraising engagement and expand philanthropic support.

Community Leadership

• Serve as the primary public representative and spokesperson for the Valentine.
• Continue the museum's role as a trusted civic institution and community convener.
• Cultivate partnerships with educational institutions, neighborhood organizations, tourism organizations, cultural organizations, businesses, and government agencies.
• Promote the museum's role in preserving Richmond's history while helping shape its future.

Financial and Operational Stewardship

• Ensure sound financial management, operational excellence, and responsible stewardship of the museum's resources.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, facilities, collections stewardship, technology, and organizational infrastructure.
• Evaluate opportunities to strengthen earned revenue, expand audiences, and enhance organizational sustainability.
• Support innovation while preserving the values and culture that distinguish the Valentine.

Compensation and Benefits

The Valentine offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, together with a comprehensive benefits package.

Expected salary range: $200,000-$240,000.