Chief Executive Officer

Hagley Museum and Library (Hagley) collects, preserves, and interprets the unfolding history of American enterprise. Hagley is an indoor/outdoor cultural heritage site that explores the history of innovations in science, technology, and engineering through the du Pont story.

Hagley's renowned library furthers the study of the history of business and technology in America. The collections include individuals' papers and companies' records ranging from eighteenth-century merchants to modern telecommunications and illustrate the impact of business on society.

Hagley Museum and Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. Hagley was designated Delaware's first Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution on June 2, 2014.

Hagley Museum attracts approximately 60,000 visitors annually.  Over 400 dedicated volunteers donate in excess of 9,000 hours each year. The organization has a full-time staff of 78 and 81 part-time or seasonal positions.  The 2025 Operating Budget is approximately $11,500,000. For more information, visit Hagley’s website.

Hagley stands at a pivotal moment, balancing a rich legacy with the need to elevate and amplify its mission of inspiring innovation and the exploration of its historical collections. Hagley is recognized as a leader in inspiring people to investigate and explore the history of U.S. business, innovation, and invention.

The current strategic plan, sunsetting in 2026, continues Hagley’s focus on the history, process, and outcomes of innovation. The plan’s strategic goals include: Relevance – What we do, we do for those we serve; Stewardship – What we do, we do well; and Sustainability – what we do provides for us now and in the future. The new leader will have an opportunity to re-engage Board and staff in a strategic planning process to refocus organizational priorities and unite the organization around a shared vision.

Hagley is internationally recognized for its patent model and other collections, business history research library, and regionally, signature events. Yet, an opportunity exists to update the organization’s digital footprint, respond to infrastructure and process improvement needs, reinvigorate resource development, and engage with external audiences to elevate Hagley’s profile.

Hagley seeks an accomplished leader who has a compelling vision for engaging diverse audiences in lifelong learning related to science, technology, and engineering.  They will have experience leading and directing complex organizations or operating units of complex organizations, with varied internal and external constituencies. 

This individual will have Executive Director or CEO leadership experience in a multi-million-dollar organization, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural institution. The ideal candidate has business acumen and experience allocating resources in support of a strategic plan, setting quantified objectives, meeting those quantified expectations, and running a fiscally sustainable organization. This individual has experience building durable relationships with donors, stakeholders, and constituencies.

The Hagley Museum and Library offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The salary range for this position annually is between $225,000 and $260,000 and will be commensurate with experience. The comprehensive benefits package includes vacation days, paid holidays, medical/vision/dental insurance, a 403(b) with a $1,000 employer contribution and an employer match of 7% of salary after the first year of employment, onsite housing, and a car, among other benefits.

If you want to play a key role in this dynamic organization, please confidentially submit a current resume and cover letter to Kittleman & Associates. The cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your passion for Hagley’s vision and mission, as well as organizational impact in current or prior roles.

We are reviewing applications as they arrive. For best consideration, your application must arrive on or before March 1, 2026.