We’re excited to announce the search for passionate and dedicated individuals to join MCN’s Board of Directors! As a board member, you’ll play a vital role in shaping MCN’s future. We’re seeking four talented individuals to replace outgoing members whose terms conclude in November.
For many past and current board members, serving on the MCN board is a way to give back to an organization and a community that have supported them throughout their careers. It’s also an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional development: join a great team of talented museum professionals who shape the strategic direction of the organization and continually find ways to better serve the needs of our community.
If you’re passionate about MCN and possess the skills to contribute to our success, we encourage you to apply! Nominations are open until July 20, 2026, 5 PM PT.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
What We’re Looking For
This year, MCN is looking to recruit four board members to replace those whose three-year term will be ending in November. While everyone with an interest in serving MCN is encouraged to apply, this year we are particularly interested in candidates who have interest or expertise in the following key areas:
Sustainable practices, business modeling, and fundraising. If you have experience running programs or organizations that have delivered sustainable outcomes, we want to hear from you. Skills or expertise in business development, strategic partnerships, securing sponsorships, and fundraising are equally desirable.
Finance committee / treasurer. MCN is looking for community members with financial experience to oversee the finance committee, which includes managing operating and program budgets and financials.
Digital strategy and infrastructure. MCN’s digital committee is planning a significant overhaul of our website and investigating new CRM solutions. We’re looking for someone with experience designing, integrating, or maintaining backend infrastructure or architecture, or with a strong background in systems administration. Experience with WordPress, MemberPress, and Salesforce is desirable.
Marketing and communications. We are seeking a board member with skills in marketing and community development to focus on the organization’s brand, messaging, and communication practices. This includes managing communications platforms.
Community development and membership. This year, reinvigorating our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) was a major priority, and we want to keep our momentum and build on this success. We are seeking a board member with the skills and experience to help us strategically develop, implement, and grow a new membership offering that best serves MCN members and the community as a whole.
Who we’re looking for
MCN encourages people from a variety of backgrounds, institutions, and experiences to apply, particularly those from historically marginalized communities or types of institutions that are typically underrepresented in the MCN community. MCN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression and identity, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
In addition, to ensure that a diverse range of institutions are represented on the board, each institution may be represented by only one board member at any given time. Candidates are encouraged to review the list of current board members to check which institution they are currently affiliated with.
What we’ll expect of you
MCN’s Board of Directors is both a governance and a working board. This means that in addition to being fiduciary guardians of this 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, our board members roll up their sleeves and dedicate a good portion of their time working on organizational projects. For most, this means taking an active role on one or more of our board committees.
As part of a working board, MCN Directors (board members) are expected to dedicate about 10 hours per month to meetings and follow-up, with additional hours needed depending on committee engagement. Executive committee or leadership roles can be up to 30 hours per month.
Board members are expected to attend monthly virtual board meetings and one in-person strategic planning meeting in the fall, held during the same week and at the same location as the annual conference. We expect board members to self-fund their travel to the annual conference.
The 2026 Nominating Committee will review all applications and propose a slate of candidates to the board of directors for discussion, followed by a vote on the individual appointment of each proposed candidate for director. Candidates should be notified by late August 2026. The announcement of newly appointed Directors will be posted on our website and shared with the MCN community. New board members should attend the in-person board meeting in Seattle, Washington, at the 2026 MCN conference, October 20, 2026, if possible.
MCN 2026 Nominating Committee
Andy Cummins, President
Josh Schnapf, Vice President
Katie Reilly, Secretary
Claire Blechman, Treasurer
Aaron Miller, Director
If you have any additional questions, please email [email protected].
Once appointed, MCN Directors serve a three-year term. For reference, MCN’s By-Laws are posted on our website. We invite you to familiarize yourself with them.
To apply, please submit your application by July 20, 2026, 5 p.m. PT.