Executive Director

Executive Director

Austin History Center Association

Austin, Texas

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Austin History Center Association to recruit the organization’s next Executive Director.

Background

The Austin History Center is a cornerstone of Austin’s rich history, housed in the original 1933 Austin Public Library. This iconic building, nearly lost to a parking garage in 1978, was saved by passionate community members who raised the equivalent of $5 million to protect it. Today, it stands as a testament to Austin’s commitment to preserving its past while serving as a vibrant hub for uncovering and celebrating the abundant stories of Austin and Travis County.

The Austin History Center Association (AHCA), an independent nonprofit, supports and amplifies the work of the Austin History Center, a vital part of the Austin Public Library system. AHCA doesn’t just preserve history—it brings it to life. With the support of an engaged and growing membership, AHCA leads bold fundraising efforts and develops dynamic, history-based programming to ensure Austin’s stories are discovered, shared, and remembered for generations to come.

The AHCA is collaborating with the Austin History Center and Austin Public Library on an exciting new initiative to expand and reimagine the campus into a unified, world-class destination. Together this partnership will develop a $300,000 Vision Plan to serve as the blueprint for a multimillion-dollar community effort at the Austin History Center and adjacent Faulk Building to create a cohesive and inclusive visitor experience that honors Austin’s history while looking toward the future.

Join AHCA in shaping the future of Austin’s history. Together, we can ensure that these iconic buildings—and the stories they hold—continue to inspire and engage our community. Learn more at  www.austinhistory.net.

Position Summary

The AHCA is seeking a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead and manage the overall policies, goals, and programs adopted by the AHCA Board of Directors in support of the Austin History Center. As the chief administrative and operational leader, the Executive Director will ensure the seamless alignment of AHCA’s mission with its day-to-day activities and strategic objectives.

This role encompasses both internal leadership and external engagement, with responsibilities including coordination with the AHC, budget development and oversight, fundraising strategy and execution, management of endowments, and supervision of staff and interns. Additionally, the Executive Director serves as the primary representative of AHCA to donors, partners, public officials, and key stakeholders, playing a pivotal role in strengthening relationships and expanding the organization’s impact.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Board and staff to enhance fundraising efforts for annual programs and special initiatives, ensuring fiscal stability and increasing direct funding to the AHC. This includes identifying funding opportunities and organizing fundraising and investment strategies.
• Work alongside the Campus Expansion Committee and Austin History Center to create strategic and visionary plans for developing the AHC/Faulk campus and culturally relevant programming.
• Act as an active and visible advocate for AHCA, engaging with the City of Austin and the broader community to expand awareness of the organization and its mission. Much of this effort will occur outside traditional working hours. 
• Build and nurture partnerships with local and regional history stakeholders and other relevant organizations.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff, interns, and contractors to lead and execute critical programs and projects outlined in the Association’s work plan.
• Foster an organizational culture that values transparency, collaboration, and innovation across all levels of the Association.
• Support and implement the policies and by-laws approved by the Board of Directors.
• Work with the Board to develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial best practices.
• Monitor and address potential risks to the Association, maintaining open communication with key volunteer leadership to ensure proactive risk management.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of all formal committees established by the Board and oversee the preparation and coordination of all formal and informal Association meetings.

Professional Qualifications & Personal Characteristics

• Passion for the mission of AHCA to ensure that the diverse stories of Austin and Travis County are discovered, collected, presented, and preserved.
• Outstanding leadership abilities and diplomatic demeanor for working with staff, volunteers, AHC colleagues, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising for nonprofit organizations, especially in the area of grants, individual major gifts and memberships.
• Strong strategic and visioning skills and able to forge a shared consensus about future direction.
• Minimum of five years of relevant management work or volunteer experience. Nonprofit management experience preferred, along with budgeting, accounting, financial and risk management expertise.
• Ability to build rapport and work effectively with a volunteer board, staff, members, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to oversee the technology aspects of operations, such as the accounting system, website, and membership database.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Advanced or history-related degree is preferred.

Location & Compensation

The Austin History Center Association is headquartered in downtown Austin, Texas. This job requires the ability to work some evenings and weekends. Occasional travel may also be required. 

Starting salary is in the $110,000 range and will be commensurate with experience.

AHCA offers a competitive benefits plan that includes:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Professional development funds to attend local and national training and conferences

Non-Discrimination

The AHCA is an equal opportunity employer. AHCA values and actively seeks the diversity of individuals and the ideas, perspectives, insights, and values they bring to the workplace. All interested individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Application Process