Fractional Chief Operating Officer at MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY – Boston, Massachusetts

Mission:

The Museum of African American History connects colonial and early African American history & culture in Boston and the larger New England area with the abolition of slavery and current explorations of race and the struggle for human rights.

Vision:

Home to four original African American buildings built at the birth of the nation and still standing, the museum illuminates, interprets, and preserved the birthplace of the abolitionist movement and the continuing struggle for human rights.

History:

The Museum is a not-for-profit history institution that began holding exhibitions and public gatherings in 1963 and is nationally and internationally known for its collection of historic sites in Boston and Nantucket, including two African Meeting Houses Abiel Smith School, Seneca Boston- Florence Higginbotham House, Black Heritage Trails.

Position Overview

The Museum of African American History (MAAH) seeks a dynamic, solutions-driven Fractional Chief Operating Officer to provide senior-level leadership in operations, customer service, facilities oversight, and revenue generation. This role will focus on stabilizing core systems, establishing operational protocols, and ensuring a high standard of daily operations. The Fractional COO will also lead time-sensitive projects, including serving as project manager for the administrative office move-out by October 31, 2025, while maintaining continuity of museum operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations across Boston and Nantucket sites.
• Develop and implement systems, processes, and protocols for efficiency and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security, and accessibility standards.
• Supervise and support staff responsible for visitor services and operations.

Customer Service & Visitor Experience

• Elevate customer service standards to ensure an exceptional visitor experience.
• Implement training programs to strengthen staff capacity in hospitality, accessibility, and conflict resolution.
• Establish feedback systems for continuous improvement.

Facilities, Preservation & Capital Projects

• Work closely with the preservation project manager, construction manager, and site manager on ongoing and upcoming capital projects.
• Direct coordination for maintenance, preservation, and compliance of historic properties.
• Ensure facilities remain safe and operational while supporting preservation and capital initiatives.
• Develop and maintain operational protocols related to capital projects to minimize disruption to daily operations.

Revenue Generation & External Services

• Expand and manage earned revenue streams, including facility rentals, weddings, and special events.
• Standardize rental procedures, pricing structures, and customer communications.
• Collaborate with the development team to align revenue strategies with financial goals.

Technology & Systems

• Lead the completion of the IT migration project in partnership with the IT vendor, ensuring minimal disruption to staff and operations.
• Implement robust IT protocols, including cybersecurity measures, routine data backups, system updates, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Oversee the integration of technology into daily operations, including point-of-sale, ticketing, and communication systems.
• Develop a sustainable IT plan that ensures operational continuity and supports long-term institutional growth.

Strategic Projects

• Serve as project lead for the administrative office move-out (October 31, 2025), coordinating logistics, technology transitions, and staff workflow to ensure a seamless relocation.
• Conduct a comprehensive operations review within the first 30 days, identifying process gaps, operational risks, and opportunities for efficiency.
• Establish and implement operational protocols, checklists, and reporting systems to strengthen institutional infrastructure across all departments.
• Support capital projects by coordinating with the preservation project manager, construction manager, and site manager to align operational procedures with project timelines and minimize operational disruption.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of senior-level operational leadership, preferably in a nonprofit, cultural, or museum environment.
• Strong background in facilities oversight, capital projects coordination, customer service systems, and vendor management.
• Experience managing special projects, organizational transitions, and technology implementations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish systems, protocols, and performance standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative, hands-on leadership style.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution.

Employment Terms

• Temporary employee role
• 6-month term, with the possibility of extension based on performance.
• Schedule: 25 hours per week, with flexible scheduling based on museum needs.
• Compensation: $75,000
• Requires regular on-site presence in Boston; periodic travel to Nantucket.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

MAAH is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, MAAH is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive staff team.