Description
The Woodstock Foundation is seeking a creative, innovative, and strategic Executive Director for the Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont
About Billings Farm & Museum
Billings Farm & Museum (Billings) was established in 1983 and is a primary ongoing project of the Woodstock Foundation, which also maintains a partnership with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and owns the Woodstock Inn & Resort.
Billings is unique among America’s historic sites and outdoor museums in offering the experience of a fully operational dairy farm, engaging programs across the seasons, galleried exhibits, and an award-winning film. Through dynamic daily programming, seasonal and farm events, workshops, and unique after-hours experiences, Billings engages visitors of all ages. As the farm of the historic Billings estate, it also serves as the agricultural counterpart to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
The new ED will join the Billings Farm & Museum at an exciting and pivotal moment in the museum’s history.
For more information about Billings Farm and Museum, please visit https://billingsfarm.org
About the Position
The Executive Director (ED) will manage all operations of Billings and report to the Board of Trustees of the Woodstock Foundation. Billings has an operating budget of $6.4M, and annual revenue that exceeds $3M through philanthropic support, program fees, investments, and sales. The ED will manage a staff of 27 (plus additional seasonal staff) and 5 direct reports and will work closely with the Woodstock Foundation Board of Trustees, staff, partners, and community stakeholders to advance the mission while ensuring excellence in visitor experience, farm operations, educational programming, museum stewardship, and financial stability.
Billings developed its first Interpretive Master Plan in 2023 with a renewed strategic vision. The new ED will play a key part in fulfilling the goals of this plan in collaboration with the Woodstock Foundation Board.
This is a unique opportunity for a visionary, collaborative, mission-driven leader with proven experience in nonprofit management, museums, agriculture or land-based education, community engagement, and fundraising.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Lead the effort to ensure that Billings Farm & Museum remains a leading cultural, agricultural, and educational institution.
Cultivate a strong organizational culture rooted in collaboration, the visitor experience, and mission alignment.
Ensure effective coordination with Marsh-Billings and the Woodstock Inn & Resort.
Operations & Program Oversight
Oversee daily operations of the farm, museum, visitor programs, events, and public education initiatives.
Ensure excellence and safety in livestock care, regenerative farming practices, collections stewardship, and experiential learning.
Foster innovation in programming, interpretation, and community outreach.
Fundraising & Financial Management
Drive the fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, sponsorships, and donor stewardship.
Play a leadership role in donor engagement and solicitation.
Develop sustainable revenue strategies through admissions, retail operations, events, and partnerships.
Oversee the annual budget, financial reporting, and long-range financial planning.
Staff Leadership & Organizational Development
Supervise, and support a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
Promote professional development, teamwork, open communication, and a positive workplace culture.
Ensure compliance with HR policies, safety standards, and organizational best practices.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the public face of the organization and cultivate strong relationships with local and regional partners, donors, and community organizations.
Represent Billings Farm & Museum in public forums, media engagements, and community discussions.
Strengthen partnerships that enhance educational impact and visitor experience.
Board Relations
Collaborate closely with the Woodstock Foundation Board of Trustees to support governance, strategic planning, and organizational oversight.
Provide timely, transparent reporting on finances, operations, and key initiatives.
Engage the Board in fundraising and strategic initiatives.
Requirements
Key Qualifications
Proven leadership experience in a nonprofit, museum, educational, agricultural, or cultural institution.
Commitment to the mission, values, and history of Billings Farm & Museum.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, financial oversight, and organizational management.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to inspire staff, donors, and community members.
Experience leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams.
Knowledge of sustainable agriculture, regenerative farming, or conservation a plus.
