executive director .

Buckeye Imagination Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the only 100% play-based children's museum in Ohio. It's a joyful, inclusive destination where open-ended, self-directed play fuels healthy child development. Founded in 2011 as Little Buckeye Children's Museum, the organization outgrew its original location and rebranded in 2022 to better reflect its expanded mission and multigenerational reach. Now located in downtown Mansfield's Imagination District, the museum features over 30 hands-on exhibits across two floors, including a second floor designed specifically for teens and adults to encourage intergenerational play.

The museum welcomes approximately 70,000 visitors annually and serves over 1,500 member families. Core programming includes Project Passport, Imagination Stations, Traveling Exhibits, and the Building Minds Summer Camp.

Buckeye Imagination Museum's Mission:
"To Provide Children and Families Opportunities to Learn and Client Through the Power of Play.”

The organization is proud to be a Guidestar Platinum Exchange partner and the recipient of several statewide honors, including the Ohio Museums Association's 2024 Institution of the Year award and multiple Ohio Travel Association RUBY Awards for outstanding design, marketing, and community collaboration.

Learn more at buckeyeimaginationmuseum.org.

Position Summary
Buckeye Imagination Museum is accepting applications for the full-time position of Executive Director. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leading the museum into its next phase of growth while honoring its deeply rooted, employee-first culture. The Executive Director oversees strategic planning, fundraising, staff leadership, community partnerships, and daily operations.

This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven, community-minded leader with the skills to build relationships, drive financial growth, and actively champion a museum that serves children, families, and educators across North Central Ohio.

Essential Functions and Job Responsibilities

•  Leadership & Strategy
  •  Lead strategic planning, growth initiatives, and future program development in alignment with the museum's mission and vision.
  • Serve as the museum's public representative and lead advocate at the local, regional, and state levels.
  • Maintain a productive partnership with the Board of Directors and provide regular updates on operations, strategy, and staffing.
• Fundraising & Development
  •  Secure and steward diverse revenue sources, including grants, individual and corporate gifts, sponsorships, and annual fundraising campaigns.
  • Oversee donor cultivation and relationships, including those with multi-year and high-impact supporters.
  • Collaborate with the board to grow philanthropic support. Fundraising is a major function of this role and requires high-level, demonstrated experience.
  • Candidates with a business development background are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Team Management, HR & Culture
  •  Direct and support 14 museum staff (including 4 salaried managers, 2 full-time hourly employees, and a part-time support team).
  • Oversee HR functions including hiring, performance evaluation, staff development, and ensuring a supportive, equitable work environment.
  • Foster and model a human-centered, inclusive culture where creativity and accountability go hand in hand.
  • Oversee and support interns through the Buckeye Imagination Museum Foundation.
  • Identify future staffing needs and develop a long-term plan to expand staff and create a formal volunteer program.
• Community Engagement & Programming
  •  Represent the museum in local partnerships, community events, chamber activities, and regional collaborations.
  • Oversee and continue to develop core programs, currently including:
    • Traveling Exhibits
    • Project Passport
    • Imagination Stations
    • Music & Movement and Arts & Crafts classes
    • Birthday party and after-hours rentals
    • Building Minds Summer Camp
  • Advance accessibility initiatives, including ADA accommodations, sensory-friendly resources, and admission support for caregivers and underserved families.
• Financial & Operational Oversight
  •  Manage an operating budget in the range of $500,000 to $1M annually, of which the majority is earned revenue.
  • Work closely with the museum's external accounting firm to ensure accurate reporting, budget forecasting, and financial compliance.
  • Monitor visitor data, membership usage, and operational KPIs; recommend improvements to data tracking systems and internal processes.
• Ideal Candidate Attributes
  •  Collaborative, empowering, and mission-aligned leadership style.
  • Strategic thinker with a hands-on, approachable presence.
  • Not afraid to roll up their sleeves, get ground-level, and interact with children, families, teens, and adults.
  • Skilled communicator who can build rapport with children, families, donors, partners, and civic leaders alike.
  • Deep respect for early childhood development, inclusion, and creative play.
  • Passion for people and community connection.

Qualifications

•  Minimum 5 years of nonprofit, education, museum, or private sector leadership experience required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major donor cultivation and grant writing.
• Proven track record of team leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with community-facing initiatives is required.
• Experience with budgeting, HR, and external partnerships preferred.
• A conscientious, detail-oriented individual who will adhere to all safety and compliance efforts while participating in continuing education to enhance the safety and well-being of those we serve.

Compensation & Benefits

•  Salary range: Up to $80K annually, commensurate with experience.
• Bonus opportunity based on performance metrics.
• 85/15 health insurance plan (family-inclusive).
• 401K retirement plan.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Supportive, flexible work culture rooted in community and employee well-being.

To Apply

 Jessica Johnson, Professional Recruitment Manager at Spherion Mid Ohio, is coordinating the recruitment process in collaboration with the museum's Board of Directors and will serve as the primary point of contact throughout the search.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume by emailing JJohnson@spherionohio.com.

Applications will be accepted through August 9, 2025.