Executive Director

About BK House

The Historic BK House & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built in 1826. This elaborately detailed architectural treasure is an outstanding example of a raised, center-hall villa with both Creole and American features. BK House’s diverse history includes the stories of those who lived and labored here for nearly 200 years. Through programs, guided tours, children’s activities, collections, and exhibits, the museum offers unique educational experiences to visitors and furthers the understanding of New Orleans history and our French Quarter community. The house, parterregarden, and lovely courtyard have been featured in several films and television shows and are favorite spots for weddings and special events.

BK House is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization operating with a small staff of between 3-4 and an engaged board of trustees. Tours are operated daily, except Sundays and Wednesdays, and innovative programming occurs after hours throughout the year.

Position Summary

The Board of Trustees of the Keyes Foundation seeks a well-organized, energetic, and personable individual to manage the daily operations of the museum and implement programs and activities related to the organization's mission. The Executive Director will provide strong leadership to the organization, foster cooperative working relationships among the board, staff, volunteers, and community, and raise the level of public participation in the museum's activities. The position is approximately one-half administrative and one-half outreach and includes the responsibilities listed below. The ideal candidate will have a passion for New Orleans, history, and preservation.

Administration

• Reports to the Board of Trustees, works with committee chairs and maintains official records and correspondence.

• Under the supervision of the president and board, handles day-to-day operations of the museum by planning, developing, and executing museum and visitor services including tours, special events, and programs.

• Works with the board treasurer to implement good practices for handling receipts and disbursements, including sales, merchandise inventory, investment and bank accounts, tax filings, and management of the museum’s operating budget.

• Manages monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations, working with contracted financial professionals to create quarterly financial reports as needed by the board.

• Hires, supervises, and oversees staff and volunteers, including assignments, training, evaluation, and scheduling.

• Works closely with board committees to create and implement policies, procedures, and activities that advance the museum’s mission.

• Supervises building and grounds maintenance and assists with estimates and building improvements in conjunction with the Building & Grounds Committee.

• Coordinates security of the premises, including supervision of contractors and staff, as well as interaction with appropriate city and state agencies.

• Ensures proper insurance coverage, compliance with city licensing and regulations, and works with board attorneys on contracts and legal matters.

• Provides oversight of event production and rentals, including marketing to promote BK House and increase revenue; ensures the protection of the historic property; supervises logistics and the performance of staff and/or contractors responsible for special events, i.e. contracts, correspondence, logistical coordination, billing, and follow-up.

• Works with the Collections Committee to ensure the recording and preservation of the collection and coordinates conservation of collection items by outside professionals.

• Oversees staff and volunteers to develop and implement interpretive programming for visitors, school groups, and allied organizations and individuals.

Development

• Works with the board to plan and implement development initiatives, including fundraising, membership solicitation, grant writing, and donor relations.

• Attends meetings of development, marketing, gala, and other relevant committees.

• Develops information about foundations and other potential contributors.

• Meets with potential donors and ensures follow-up.

• Explores and implements new development initiatives.

• Oversees all print and email solicitations and grant submissions.

Relationships and Community Engagement

• Maintains museum calendar and updates board and staff as necessary

• Supervises and approves all marketing, including social media, newsletters, website, and media placement.

• Presents reports at board and committee meetings as needed.

• Participates in museum, preservation, community, and educational organizations.

• Acts as a liaison between the museum, the tourism community, and the general public.

• Assists with building partnerships, setting goals, and collaborating to fulfill long-range goals.

• Represents the museum with media and at events.

• Performs other duties as required.

Professional Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in history, material culture, museum studies, business, hospitality, historic preservation, or related field
• Management, leadership, and/or special events coordination experience
• Demonstrated ability with fundraising and marketing
• Dedication to the mission and programs of BK House
• Ability to supervise, train and work with staff and volunteers
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, power point, adobe or equivalent, mailing list and membership programs, and social networking sites
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to develop and present public programs and participate in media interviews
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to handle confidential information and pro-actively address issues
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Willingness to work weekends, evenings, or holidays as needed
• Some lifting and extensive standing may be required
• The successful applicant must be willing to learn and pursue education in areas of deficiency and must possess strong management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Prefer advanced degree and minimum of five years of related professional experience

Compensation

Permanent, full-time position, 40 hours per week, paid holidays and benefits package, some evening and weekend work. Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000.

• Please email letter of interest and resume no later than July 18, 2025, to: [email protected]. Reference BK House Search Committee in the subject line.