Description

Executive Director: Lead the Rise of the Virgin Islands Museum of Art
Organization: Charles M. Kim V.I. Foundation, Inc.
Location: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands                                                                                                                                                                                                Reports to: Board of Directors

Our Vision, Your Leadership

The Charles M. Kim V.I. Foundation is committed to supporting the arts and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. Through the creation of the new Virgin Islands Museum of Art, we envision a dynamic community hub that broadens awareness, fosters diversity and tourism, and celebrates the living traditions of the islands. From culinary heritage, carnivals, and festivals to rum production, history, and fine art, the museum will showcase the depth and beauty of Virgin Islands culture. With plans for a lounge, café, and gift shop, it will serve as a gathering place where schoolchildren come on field trips, families connect with their heritage, and visitors discover the island’s vibrant spirit.

We are seeking a missiondriven leader to serve as the museum’s first Executive Director—guiding this transformative project from blueprint to full, vibrant operation.

Join us in building something lasting—a museum that doesn’t just display artifacts, but breathes the soul of the Virgin Islands into the future.

What You’ll Do

As Executive Director, you’ll work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the museum’s mission, vision, and long-term strategy. You will support the rebuilding and development of the museum facility, deliver exhibitions and programs, and oversee day-to-day operations to ensure the museum thrives as both a cultural landmark and a living legacy for the Virgin Islands.

• Executive Leadership & Implementation: Partner with the Board to carry out the museum’s mission, vision, and long-term strategy in alignment with the island’s cultural priorities and community needs. Support the establishment of the museum as a center for cultural preservation, education, and innovation that reflects the unique identity of the Virgin Islands.
• Museum Development & Programming: Support the rebuilding and design of the museum facility. Curate and oversee exhibitions, programs, collections, and interpretive media that share the stories of St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands—its art, traditions, and people. Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with professional museum standards.
• Community & Cultural Engagement: Serve as a cultural ambassador by building partnerships with local artists, historians, educators, youth, and community organizations. Support the delivery of inclusive programs that preserve cultural traditions, highlight the Virgin Islands’ diversity, and engage future generations.
• Organizational Leadership & Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations once the museum is open, including financial management. Hire, train, and manage staff. Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards and maintain effective internal processes.
• Fundraising & Partnerships: Execute fundraising plans through grant applications, donor cultivation, and partnership management. Strengthen the Foundation’s profile locally, regionally, and internationally by engaging government entities, educational institutions (e.g. UVI), tourism partners, and media outlets.

Why This Role Matters

• Cultural Legacy: Shape a signature institution that will preserve and amplify Virgin Islands heritage for generations.
• Community Impact: Inspire youth, celebrate local voices, and provide a hub for cultural pride and learning.
• Tourism & Economic Development: Establish the museum as a draw for visitors, contributing to St. Thomas’ vibrancy and economy.
• Historic Preservation: Revitalize King’s Quarter and preserve a historic landmark building as a beacon of art, history, and culture.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• A leader with deep passion for cultural preservation and museum work, ideally with experience in founding or building major cultural institutions.
• Experience overseeing capital projects and working with architects, designers, or contractors.
• Strong background in exhibition/program design, narrative storytelling, and community engagement.
• Excellent promoter, communicator, fundraiser. Comfortable representing the museum publicly, managing PR, media.
• Strong operational / financial management experience in nonprofits or museums. Ability to hire, motivate, lead, measure performance.
• Deep respect for, and preferably roots in, the Virgin Islands community & culture; able to work sensitively with local traditions & voices.