York County History Center
PRESIDENT AND CEO
York, PA
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
The York County History Center (YCHC), a vibrant institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of York County, Pennsylvania, seeks an inspiring and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next era of development and impact. Operating seven buildings, including the newly opened, 52,000-square-foot History Center Museum and Library/Archives, YCHC fosters community engagement, inclusivity, and connection through storytelling, preservation, and dynamic programming. The organization was recognized as #3 in the 2025 USA Today Top 10 Readers’ Choice list of the country’s top new history museums.
As YCHC positions itself as a leading regional cultural institution, the new CEO will have the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation while addressing challenges such as completing the unification of multiple sites, leading strategic organizational and collections plans, and growing long-term financial sustainability.
York County History Center
Originally established as The Historical Society of York County Pennsylvania in 1895, the organization became the York County History Center in 1999 through the merger of several local historical organizations. Since then, the YCHC has evolved into a cornerstone of cultural and educational life in York and the region. Its collections span centuries of York County’s history, with highlights including genealogical archives, significant industrial artifacts, and diverse community narratives.
Today, YCHC operates across multiple sites, with the recently opened History Center Museum serving as its downtown central facility and a transformative space for exhibits, community events, and programming, with a regionally renowned Library & Archives. The nearby Colonial Complex includes the 1741 Golden Plough Tavern, the c. 1751 General Horatio Gates House, a reconstructed Colonial Courthouse celebrating York's role as headquarters of the 1777-1778 Second Continental Congress, and the 1812 Barnett Bobb Log House, all of which provide a window into the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras. The Agricultural and Industrial Museum showcases York County’s rich manufacturing and agricultural history through engaging exhibits and artifacts. YCHC also operates a seasonal Fire Museum, which highlights the history of firefighting in York County, featuring vintage fire engines, equipment, and stories of the brave individuals who protected the community over the years.
YCHC engages the community with a wide range of programs that bring York County’s history to life. Programs include immersive school tours where students can explore the Colonial Complex and learn about Revolutionary War history through engaging activities. The Agricultural and Industrial Museum hosts hands-on workshops showcasing the evolution of local manufacturing and farming techniques. At the History Center Museum, visitors experience rotating exhibits and special events. The Fire Museum runs specialized tours and programs featuring historical firefighting equipment. Genealogical research services help individuals trace their ancestry through YCHC’s extensive archives. Collaborations with organizations like the Hispanic Coalition of York and the Black History Museum further enrich programming, ensuring that YCHC reflects inclusive narratives of the region.
Overall, YCHC cares for over 90,000 historic artifacts plus 500,000 archival items in 185,000 square feet of space for exhibits and administration. In recent years, it has undergone significant transformation under the leadership of its outgoing CEO, retiring this summer after eighteen years with the organization. Accomplishments include a successful $30-million capital campaign ($14 million in donations plus a $16 million state grant), redevelopment of the city’s early 20th-century steam plant into the new History Center Museum (opened June 2024), and a renewed emphasis on inclusive storytelling. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has an endowment of $9 million, an annual budget of approximately $2.2 million, and a dedicated staff of 25 supported by engaged volunteers and a 30-member Board of Directors. It welcomes about 30,000 visitors each year.
The Opportunity
The new YCHC CEO will begin their tenure from a position of strength and positive challenge. The new History Center Museum has received tremendous community accolades. Donor engagement is high following completion of the recent $30-million capital campaign. The new CEO will be tasked with maintaining the momentum and leveraging it to address the following:
Advancing Strategic Initiatives: Leading a strategic planning initiative that focuses on unifying all the YCHC sites, building on the successful opening of the History Center Museum, and creating a pathway for AAM accreditation.
Strengthening Financial Sustainability: Enhancing fundraising efforts, expanding the endowment, and working in partnership with the Board and staff to maintain balanced budgets while accomplishing mission-driven goals.
Streamlining Collections Management: Leading efforts to deaccession redundant or non-mission items, while building capacity for updated collection spaces that meet museum-field best practices.
Fostering Community and Organizational Engagement: Increasing visibility, outreach, and partnerships while empowering a talented team through transparent communication and collaborative decision-making.
Promoting Inclusion: Building on YCHC’s commitment to advancing inclusivity in staffing, governance, programming, exhibits, and collections to be more welcoming and accessible to all audiences.
Responsibilities, and Expectations
The CEO will have a background that includes proven effectiveness as an executive or senior-level professional in nonprofit organizations such as history museums or historic sites, preservation organizations, academic institutions, or other similar mission-driven organizations. The successful candidate will have a passion for history and will demonstrate accomplishments as a strategic thinker, team builder, fundraiser, communicator, networker, and leader adept at translating organizational vision into action. They will be expected to:
Advance YCHC’s mission to "understand the past to illuminate the future," reflecting the organization's dedication to engaging the community through inclusive, authentic storytelling and preservation.
Guide the organization in proactively developing and fulfilling its strategic plan while being responsive to new opportunities for visitor engagement and community impact.
Steward a successful fundraising program; actively develop and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and the community.
Demonstrate emotionally intelligent leadership to maintain a positive organizational culture. Work with the staff to develop and advance the curatorial, collection, and educational direction of the organization. Maintain positive and productive Board relations, with continued transparency and best practices for Board engagement and governance.
Provide budgetary and financial oversight, accountability, and sustainability; grow revenue streams from earned income, philanthropy, and governmental sources.
Serve as an energetic, primary spokesperson for YCHC, its mission and programs. Oversee a robust outreach and marketing program that lifts the organization’s profile. Participate in community organizations and serve on boards as appropriate. Cultivate partnerships to support programs, new initiatives, and financial stability.
Establish data-driven performance metrics; assess programs and exhibits to ensure goals and objectives are met.
Experience, Skills, and Attributes
A minimum of five years of senior executive or management experience in nonprofit environments, preferably at a history museum or site, preservation organization, academic institution, or other similar mission-driven organization.
B.A. preferred or equivalent life experience, ideally in history, management, museum studies, education, or humanities.
Success in or aptitude for fundraising, working with donors, foundations, sponsors, and corporate and governmental funding sources.
Strategic planning acumen; ability to see the big picture and communicate a vision.
Management and organizational skills in leading staff and volunteer teams.
Emotional intelligence and people-oriented leadership skills that inspire and build a culture of trust and respect.
Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills with the ability to network and connect with both in-person and virtual audiences.
Experience working in collaboration with community partners and stakeholders across a broad network.
Proficiency with financial management; ability to oversee the annual budget, interpret financial statements, and articulate performance to the Board and other stakeholders.
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position.
Compensation
The salary range is $120,000 - $140,000 commensurate with experience, plus an attractive benefits package.
How to Apply
To apply in confidence, submit application by March 31, 2025, to: Dan Yaeger, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference, via SearchandRef@museum-search.com.
Please include:
1) A cover letter expressing interest in the position and giving brief examples of past related experience.
2) A résumé.
3) The names and contact information for three professional references able to evaluate the candidate’s leadership and work, indicating their relationship with the candidate.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. Nominations are welcome. All applications and nominations are kept confidential; we will not contact references without your permission. For more details, visit: www.museum-search.com/open-searches.
About York County, Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania, holds a significant place in American history as the site where the Second Continental Congress met in 1777-1778. This vibrant city, situated between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, is steeped in colonial heritage, with landmarks such as the Colonial Complex offering a glimpse into its pivotal role during the Revolutionary War. It’s proximity to Gettysburg contributes to a Civil War history. York County’s rich industrial and agricultural history also contributes to its cultural identity, celebrated through institutions like the York County History Center.
Beyond its historical significance, York is a thriving community with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Cultural attractions include the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, the York Symphony Orchestra, and the annual York Fair, the nation’s oldest fair. The York Revolution, the city’s professional minor league baseball team, plays at WellSpan Park. York boasts a diverse population of approximately 45,000 residents within the city and over 465,000 in York County. The area reflects a vibrant mix of cultures, with ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity through community events and initiatives. Within the county, the city of Hanover stands out as another vibrant hub, known as the "Snack Food Capital of the World" due to its thriving food manufacturing industry, including companies like Snyder's of Hanover and Utz Quality Foods. Hanover also features a charming downtown with local shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.
The cost of living in York County is notably affordable, with housing costs significantly lower than in nearby metropolitan areas, making it an attractive option for families and professionals alike. The county offers a broad range of educational options including public, private, and charter schools, as well as York College of Pennsylvania and a regional campus of Penn State University. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy abundant recreational opportunities along the Susquehanna River, from kayaking and fishing to scenic hiking and biking trails.
York County provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas and transportation hubs, including Baltimore/Washington International Airport (60 miles), Harrisburg International Airport (30 miles), and Philadelphia International Airport (90 miles).
