Managing the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave in Lookout Mountain Park is the core of this leadership role, combining cultural resource stewardship, outdoor recreation, and visitor engagement. The museum is evolving its interpretation to explore a broader and more inclusive narrative, and the director will lead strategic growth, capital improvements, and community engagement. This position suits a leader who thinks beyond the museum's walls and can strengthen its role as both a cultural institution and a park destination.
Responsibilities
Participate as a key subject matter expert in the strategic planning process for Lookout Mountain Park, ensuring needs and opportunities for the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave are represented and integrated
Develop and implement interpretive, strategic, financial, and other museum-specific plans in support of larger park-wide planning efforts
Maintain and build strong relationships with community partners, elected officials, other city departments, non-profit partners, scholars, representatives of Tribal Nations, local indigenous community members, and descendants of Wild West crew and performers
Oversee marketing and outreach
Collaborate closely with the Denver Parks and Recreation Marketing & Communications team
Serve as the official spokesperson for the museum
Guide the design and delivery of educational programs, events, and temporary/permanent exhibits that are both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages
Develop and oversee the museum's annual budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with city policies
Write, secure, and manage public and private grants and other funding opportunities in addition to the annual operating budget
Oversee recruitment, daily supervision, and performance management for museum personnel
Foster opportunities for continuous growth and skill development for staff
Oversee the daily maintenance, routine repairs, and facility enhancements of the museum building to ensure a safe, operational, and visitor-ready environment
Collaborate closely with Denver Mountain Parks facilities maintenance staff
Ensure adherence to legal compliance, city policies, and ethical standards, thereby protecting the museum and maintaining high public regard
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in history, public history, museum studies, public administration, management, or a related field
Three (3) years of full-performance, professional-level experience developing, implementing, and administering programs
Nice to have:
Master’s degree in history, public history, museum studies, or a related field
At least five (5) years of leadership experience with demonstrated success managing a small- to mid-sized museum, historic site, or cultural nonprofit, including developing and implementing policies and procedures
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Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff, and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment
Experience leading strategic planning, interpretive planning, and implementation
Experience in community engagement, including working with advisory boards, local organizations, and government officials, including Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
Experience in financial management and grant writing
Knowledge of current museum practices, including professional ethics, compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), inclusive public programming, and emerging trends in the field
Strong knowledge of the history of the United States and the American West
Benefits
Guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
457B Retirement Plan
140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
Important Details
Schedule: typical Monday–Friday work schedule, with evening, weekend, and/or holiday hours required to support events, special engagements, or operational needs
Application Process
Upload Resume/CV to the Resume/CV section on the My Experience tab
Cover Letter is highly encouraged
About the Company
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is the only museum fully owned and operated by the City and County of Denver. Located within the Denver Mountain Parks system, the museum welcomes approximately 80,000 visitors annually, while Lookout Mountain Park attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year.
See Yourself Here - The City and County of Denver.
With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for The City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise.
