President & COO National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

President & COO
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Title: President & COO
Department: Administration
Reports to: Cincinnati Museum Center President & CEO and working in close partnership with the Freedom Center Board of Directors
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $200,000, commensurate with experience

Position Summary:

Reporting to the CMC President & CEO and working in close partnership with the Freedom Center Board of Directors, the President and Chief Operating Officer (President & COO) will lead the Freedom Center through a critical period of institutional transformation – repositioning the organization for greater national relevance, long-term financial stability and sustainable growth. The President & COO is accountable for clarifying and advancing the Freedom Center’s strategic direction and distinctive value proposition, aligning mission, brand, partnerships, and the operating and revenue model to strengthen impact and organizational resilience.

A visionary, mission-driven, transformational leader with a commitment to cultural history, freedom, and social justice, the President & COO serves as the organization’s principal architect and steward of change. This leader will articulate and carry forward a compelling strategic vision—mobilizing people, resources, and partnerships to reposition the Freedom Center as a nationally significant institution and trusted voice. As the organization’s chief spokesperson, the President & COO builds confidence and credibility with internal and external stakeholders, represents the Freedom Center publicly, and navigates complex public and community issues with clarity and judgment.

The President & COO provides leadership and strategic direction across programs, facilities, education, and daily operations to ensure a safe, welcoming, high-quality visitor experience. The President & COO drives growth in contributed and earned revenue in partnership with the Board and the Department of Philanthropy, strengthens collaborative working relationships between Freedom Center and CMC teams, and leads staff in support of high-quality facilities and operations. The President & COO also advises and equips the Board as its members embrace their roles as fundraisers, policymakers, and community ambassadors.

Regional and national travel is required.

Governance and Reporting:

• The President & COO reports to CMC President & CEO for day-to-day management, performance evaluation, and organizational alignment.

• The President & COO works in close partnership with the Freedom Center Board of Directors, ensuring the Board has timely information and support to fulfill its governance, policy, oversight, fundraising, and ambassador responsibilities.

• The President & COO maintains appropriate decision-making boundaries—leading day-to-day operations while partnering with Board leadership on strategic direction, priorities, and accountability.

Priorities for the First 12–18 Months

The President & COO will be expected to:

• Lead or refresh an inclusive strategic planning process that results in clear priorities, measurable goals, and an actionable implementation plan.

• Fund raising and donor cultivation

• Strengthen operational excellence and a consistently outstanding, safe, and welcoming visitor experience.

• Deliver strong financial management, including budget planning, monitoring, and disciplined reporting.

• Advance contributed and earned revenue strategies by aligning Board and staff around clear goals, messaging, and stakeholder engagement. This includes business development opportunities (strategic sponsorships, partnerships, and earned-income innovation)

• Clarify and strengthen cross-organizational collaboration between Freedom Center and CMC teams, including processes, roles, and shared services where applicable.

• Develop and begin executing a digital strategy that expands national reach and audience engagement through digital learning, content, communications, and data-informed decision-making

Roles and Responsibilities:

Strategy, Planning, and Board Partnership

• Lead an inclusive strategic planning process that sets a compelling long-term direction and translates vision into measurable priorities, outcomes, and action plans.

• Develop the Freedom Center into a National Brand. Audience growth, diversification and engagement. Transforming the Freedom center from a museum to center for inclusive freedom by promoting social justice for all.

• Identify, cultivate, and support recruitment of Board and committee members whose skills, experience, community connections, diversity, and capacity meet organizational needs.

• Provide concise, relevant, and timely information to the Board so it can fulfill its governance, oversight, and decision-making responsibilities. Bring forward-looking insight, sound judgment, and strategic options to help the Board govern with confidence and clarity

• Guide, direct, and support the Board and its committees in their fundraising, governance, and community ambassador duties for the Freedom Center and its activities.

• Work with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders to develop a visionary plan for programming, financial growth, and partnership opportunities.

Leadership and Administration

• Develop and foster an internal culture that reflects the highest standards for customer service, continuous improvement, inclusion, and shared accountability

• Oversee day-to-day operations, programs, facilities, and educational activities to ensure patrons, students, and community members have a safe and high-quality experience.

• Partner with the CMC Chief Financial Officer in the preparation, monitoring, and monthly reporting of the annual budget, including expense policies and cash management.

• In coordination with the CMC Chief Financial Officer, oversee internal corporate matters, including legal issues, lease negotiations, and stewardship of real property such as maintenance, improvements, and capital projects.

• Ensure the necessary organizational structure, policies, systems controls, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed for effectiveness.

• Lead the development of an integrated digital strategy in partnership with the VP, Technology that expands educational reach and audience engagement through digital learning, content strategy, CRM/data enablement, and technology partnerships

Revenue Enhancement and Community Engagement

• Communicate the Freedom Center’s direction and strategies internally and externally to build alignment, commitment, and support for the mission and revenue goals.

• Provide leadership for development strategy in close collaboration with the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, including annual giving, memberships, sponsorships, and major giving efforts.

• Build and steward relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and government funders—and empower Board and staff to do the same.

• Partner with marketing and communications staff to maximize earned income from programs and ancillary activities.

• Lead the Property management of the Freedom Center building. Maintenance of the iconic building and utilizing it to generate revenue.

• Participate in community activities and organizations both regionally and nationally to build partnerships and strengthen the Freedom Center’s brand.

• Position the Freedom Center’s mission and vision in a way that inspires long-term investment, partnership, and advocacy.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing staff team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Build leadership capacity and succession readiness across the organization.

• Work effectively in a shared-services environment (as applicable), partnering with CMC leaders and teams (e.g., finance, legal, HR, IT, marketing/communications) to deliver strong results and consistent practices.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) required.

• Minimum 15 years of related experience, including at least 7 years in senior leadership roles.

• Demonstrated success in senior leadership, ideally within a museum or cultural organization.

• Strong record of community engagement, partnership building, and advancing contributed and/or earned revenue strategies.

• Knowledge of museum management and visitor-centered operations preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, vacation time, and participation in a 403(b) retirement plan.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes any qualified applicant and values diversity of all kinds

Additional Information

Position is located at 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
On-site parking provided.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. We believe that innovation and progress thrive when every voice is heard. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

NURFC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category.

This document reflects the Freedom Center’s dedication to excellence, integrity, and mission-driven leadership.
PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME AND COVER LETTER FOR CONSIDERATION TO:

ABIJITA DEBATA

AVP, HR STRATEGY & OPERATIONS

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER &

NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER

View email address on us.fitly.work