Jennifer Linden
Colby,KS
Summary
Dynamic Executive Director with a proven track record at Prairie Museum of Art & History, where I enhanced productivity by leading a team of 10 and increasing attendance through innovative exhibition planning that engaged diverse audiences. Skilled in strategic planning, financial oversight, and board engagement. Known for adaptability, resilience, and delivering results in evolving environments. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communicator, and results-driven approach.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Prairie Museum of Art & History, Thomas County Historical Society
01.2025 - Current
- Curated 6 exhibitions annually, increasing attendance by 20%
- Managed $350k budget effectively, reducing costs by 15%
- Led a team of 10, enhancing productivity by 25%
- Led fundraising efforts, securing grants and sponsorships to support museum programs and operations.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and museum attendance.
- Oversaw exhibition planning, ensuring alignment with educational goals, historical accuracy, and mission statement.
- Collaborated with board members to establish long-term vision and operational objectives for the museum.
- Managed staff development programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Streamlined operational processes to improve efficiency in day-to-day museum management.
Assistant Director
Prairie Museum of Art & History, Thomas County Historical Society
04.2023 - 01.2025
- Developed and implemented educational programs to enhance visitor engagement and outreach efforts.
- Collaborated with local organizations to coordinate community events, fostering partnerships and attendance growth.
- Managed exhibition schedules, ensuring the timely setup and dismantling of displays for optimal visitor experience.
- Researched and curated historical artifacts, enhancing the museum's collection and narrative storytelling initiatives.
- Supervised volunteer staff, providing training and guidance to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Coordinated marketing strategies across digital platforms, increasing brand visibility and audience reach significantly.
Costume & Textile Conservator in Private Practice
Fair Isle Preservation Services, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2025
- Coordinated conservation and rehousing of 12 museum historical collections
- Recipient of a Dane G Hansen Grant
- Recipient of a Friends of Cottonwood Ranch Grant
- Enhanced visitor engagement through exhibit redesign
- Designed, built, and staged the entire permanent gallery space redesign of High Plains Museum, Goodland, KS
- Offered multiple workshops for NWKS Museum Coalition
Education
Graduate Certificate - Chemistry For Conservators
International Academic Projects
London, UK12-2022
Post-Graduate Internship - Textile Conservation
Margaret Ordoñez, PhD.
Tennessee01-2017
Graduate Certificate - Collections Management For Costume And Textile
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA08-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Textile Design
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS05-2002
Skills
- Operations Management
- Staff Development
- Financial Budget Oversight
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning and Doing
- Project Management
- Community Engagement
- Exhibit Planning
- Donor Relations
- Grant Writing
- Board Liaison
Accomplishments
- Increased museum wedding bookings by 233% over 2 years
- Increased staff by 25%
- Increased grant funding by 250% in 1 year
- Maintained relationship with County Commissioners and increased county support $10k over 2 years
- Developed, funded, and installed a farming exhibit in a 100x60 building.
- Changed bylaws and added a new student board position with member and board support.
Certification
- Professional Member- American Institute for Conservation
- Business Member-Costume Society of America
- Entrepreneur Recognition Award Chair-Costume Society of America
- College and University Collections and Care Grant Committee-Costume Society of America
- Social Media Chair-Southwest Region-Costume Society of America
- Program Committee-CIPP-American Institute for Conservation
- Member AAM
- Member KMA
Timeline
Executive Director
Prairie Museum of Art & History, Thomas County Historical Society
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Director
Prairie Museum of Art & History, Thomas County Historical Society
04.2023 - 01.2025
Costume & Textile Conservator in Private Practice
Fair Isle Preservation Services, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2025
Graduate Certificate - Chemistry For Conservators
International Academic Projects
Post-Graduate Internship - Textile Conservation
Margaret Ordoñez, PhD.
Graduate Certificate - Collections Management For Costume And Textile
California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts - Textile Design
University of Kansas