Executive Director - KidsWork Children's MuseumSalary transparent
Village of New Lenox, Illinois · New Lenox, USA
- Salary
- $81,160.00 – $115,517.00 / year
- Last verified
- 4 October 2026
KidsWork Children's Museum is seeking an experienced, innovative, and energetic Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter.
As our Executive Director you will...
Lead and grow a beloved community institution
Build community partnerships that expand the museum’s impact
Oversee Museum operations, finances, and staff
Develop engaging exhibits, programs, and events
Increase memberships, admissions, and community participation
Create an exceptional experience for every visitor
Help shape the future of learning and play for local children and families
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on children and families while helping shape the future of one of New Lenox's most beloved community institutions.
*Please note that KidsWork Children's Museum is a division of the Village of New Lenox.
The information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a complete inventor of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of the employee assigned to this job.
Position: KidsWork Executive Director
Salary Range: $81,160 to $115,517
Status: Full Time
Days/Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Days and hours may vary)
Reports to: Community Engagement Director
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION
The Executive Director will oversee the museum’s operation and act as the primary driver of the organizational mission: a cultural institution that brings children, families and the community together to engage in fun, hands-on, interactive play to nurture life-long learning and discovery. Following strategic direction from the Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees, this position is the principal management and administrative position of Kids Work Children’s Museum.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide effective leadership to the museum, ensuring efficient operations and an exceptional visitor experience.
Responsible for creating partnerships and collaborating with local corporate organizations, foundations, public sector leaders, non-profits and key supporters to advance the direction of KidsWork Children’s Museum.
Assist in the development of a clear and strategic vision for the museum.
Prepare annual budget.
Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork and continuous improvement by ensuring smooth operational management of administration and program planning and events.
Develop and oversee innovative and engaging educational programs and exhibits that align with the museum’s goals.
Responsible for promoting admissions and memberships.
Maximize profitability of earned revenue sources, including admissions, memberships, classes, field trips and special events.
Oversee the maintenance and improvement of the museum’s physical infrastructure, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.
Hire, mentor and develop museum staff.
Ensure all records are accurate and timely to include payroll, staff schedules and personnel changes.
Performs related tasks or other duties as assigned.
DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Financial proficiency. Ability to understand financial statements, provide meaningful reports and metrics and create the annual budget.
Experience with oversight of maintaining facilities, equipment and exhibits.
Experience with creation of childhood educational programs and exhibits.
Experience with marketing including print, media and social networks.
DESIRED EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in museum studies, public administration, business or related field. A minimum of 5 years of management experience; or equivalent combination of training and/or experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The general work environment is located within the children’s museum and requires exposure to loud noises (including sirens, beeping, buzzing and other assorted mechanical sounds) and flashing lights. Occasionally must lift and carry objects weighing up to twenty-five pounds. Performing the duties of this job requires the employee to talk, hear, sit, type, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and stoop or kneel.
Please send your resume and/or application to Deb Smetana, Director of Human Resources for the Village of New Lenox at
[email protected]
or via US mail to the Village of New Lenox, 1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451.
The Village of New Lenox is an equal opportunity employer. Village policy prohibits discrimination and harassment against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. In addition, the Village of New Lenox is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.
Pay: $81,160.00 - $115,517.00 per year
Benefits
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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