Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia -  Executive Director Job Announcement 12-16-25

The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, a state agency located in Staunton, VA, is seeking to fill the position of Executive Director. The mission of the Museum is:

The mission of the Frontier Culture Museum is to increase public knowledge of the formation of a distinctive American folk culture from the synthesis of European, African and indigenous peoples. The museum uses historic structures, artifacts, and living history interpretation to represent how immigrants to America lived in their homelands, crossed the Atlantic, and traveled from coastal ports into the Shenandoah Valley. These travelers built farms along the early Western Frontier where they and their descendants formed a new American culture.

The Executive Director is hired by the FCMV Board of Trustees and is an “at-will” employee. The Board of Trustees is a twenty-five-member board appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates and the President of the Senate of Virginia. The Executive Director must have previous administrative experience, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in history, education, or related field, and/or relevant experience in business and/or related field, significant experience (10 years recent progressive responsibility including at least 7 years at the executive level) in large complex/cultural organizations including demonstrated responsibility for general operations and administration, public relations, staff, project and budget management. Candidates should have a successful record in leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, and skill in gathering resources to support the Museum. The position is responsible for the programmatic operations and financial management of the Museum complex, including a $70 million dollar “under-construction” 44,000 sf permanent indoor and rotating gallery, 12 outdoor exhibits on a 300+ acre campus, and has an annual budget of $3 million+ from the commonwealth, self-generated revenue and substantial support from the American Frontier Culture Foundation.

The position currently leads a staff of 37 FT and 20 part-time staff. The Executive Director, as leader and ambassador, works in collaboration with the American Frontier Culture Foundation to promote partnerships, secure resources and advance the Museum’s mission. The Executive Director will work in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, expanding the opportunities within the current mission and goals of the agency as well as the vision for the future.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, innovative and possess the knowledge and expertise to guide the Museum forward and should have experience in and a strong commitment to developing partnerships at the local, state, national and international level and to embracing best practices in the Museum industry. The candidate should possess the experience and skill to build and maintain a strong staff team, maintain a positive and supportive work environment which encourages staff development and participation in a diverse and inclusive environment. Salary is $132,000+ dependent upon qualifications, and offers state health benefits package, retirement, life insurance, Executive Leave, paid holidays and more.

The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia will accept only fully completed online applications, including full telephone and email contact information for all references. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/  no later than 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday February 3, 2026. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
The Frontier Culture Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Frontier Culture Museum welcomes veterans to apply. The final candidate must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous employment and reference checks

Submit application online at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/ by 11:55 p.m. on February 3, 2026. Contact Human Resources Manager Lydia Volskis at 540-332-7850 or Lydia.Volskis@fcmv.virginia.gov with questions or for more information about the position.