Description

Museum Search & Reference (MS&R), an established executive search firm focused on museums and committed to equity in museum leadership, seeks a professional to join its seven-member consultant team, which conducts senior-level leadership searches for America’s museums, historic sites, and related organizations. Candidates should have experience in nonprofit leadership recruitment, interviewing, and working with board members; have a client-centered service approach, and understand the value of equity and inclusion in organizations and the hiring process.

About MS&R. Established in 2005 and headquartered in the Greater Boston area, MS&R’s mission is “finding the best leadership for America’s museums.” Recognizing the many skills that museum leadership requires, MS&R helps mid-sized and large institutions identify experienced and emerging leaders. In addition to recruiting museum directors, MS&R also places chief curators, curators, deputy directors, directors of education/engagement, librarians, collection managers, archivists, and other museum-specialty professionals. The Executive Search Consultant will join a mission-driven team of consultants and staff professionals located in eight states.

Compensation: Annual fees totaling $50-$130K, depending on contracts.

MS&R operates with an equity lens and encourages inquiries from qualified candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to Apply

To apply in confidence, submit application online HERE by June 26, 2026.

A complete application should include:

1)     A cover letter expressing interest in the position. 

2)     A resume.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. All applications and nominations are kept confidential. Nominations are welcome. 

For inquiries and nominations, contact Marilyn Hoffman at: SearchandRef@museum-search.com. For more information on MS&R, visit our website.

Requirements

Consultant Role and Qualifications. Candidates must evidence successful experience in executive recruiting for museums. Experience as a museum director is preferred, and both working and retired museum professionals will be considered. A natural-history or science-museum background is ideal, and an art-museum background, especially with AAMD membership, is also desirable. Individuals from the West, Midwest, or Southeast are preferred, but those with other types of museum backgrounds and locations should also apply. The consultant will have strong relationship-building and communication skills, including listening skills, an understanding of candidate-recruitment methods, and diverse sourcing capabilities and networks. Other competencies include report-writing, project management, meeting facilitation, and commitment to equity and inclusion frameworks. The consultant will serve as an independent contractor, working remotely with schedule flexibility, fixed-fee compensation, and training. The consultant may be part-time or full-time, and they may engage in other outside, non-conflicting assignments.