Museum directors today need both an advanced degree in art history and curatorial experience, as well as the financial acumen and managerial skills of a chief executive. In this economic environment, most museum directors have to think about generating revenue streams and charitable donations, as well as tending to the permanent collection and acquisitions. Although they may have a chief financial officer and development team, directors generally serve as the museum’s public face of fundraising. They are also ultimately responsible for covering the costs of acquisitions and operations.
1. Given the recession of 2007–2009, if you are a member of a search committee looking to recruit an executive director for a museum, what knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics would you emphasize?

2. What about a different type of nonprofit organization? Do you believe that financial and management skills are as important as the knowledge an executive director has in the substantive area of the nonprofit—for example, an educator leading a school, a social worker leading a social service agency, or an athlete leading a sports and recreation program?
Explain your reasoning.