LAHS NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos Historical Society’s (LAHS) Executive Director (ED), Todd Nickols, hit the ground running after assuming his new role April 23. Nickols was promoted from within, having served for six years as Museum Shop Manager/Volunteer Coordinator.
Along with managing the Society’s daily activities and a variety of projects and programs, Nickols’ first order of business is to fill vacant positions. He is currently focused on hiring a Museum Educator, for which applicant interview selections are underway (hurry if you want to apply!), and finding candidates for his previous job, along with the newly created position of Executive Assistant.
Following Board-approved policies, the Museum Shop Manager oversees the inventory, sales, and staffing of the Museum Shop, coordinating personnel needs and training. The manager supervises all volunteer functions, including docent orientation, and making sure areas of the multi-location campus are covered appropriately during all open hours. He or she also works collaboratively with Archive and Collections, headquartered in Los Alamos County Municipal Building, to ensure that sufficient volunteer labor is available there as needed. Nickols, who previously managed the Bandelier Trading Company, has a special affinity for the sales and inventory management of the Museum Gift Shop, which provides a large percentage of the Society’s revenue.
“The Museum shop is the point of entry for all visitors; managing the shop is a vital role in our organization. It’s in the Museum shop where visitors receive answers to their questions, are given an orientation and a map of the museum campus. Visitors are excited to be here and we like to build on their excitement as we answer an abundance of varied questions, but the most asked still remains: Where is the restroom?,” Nickols said.
Also on the hiring schedule is the position of Executive Assistant. Recently approved by LAHS’ Board of Directors, the Executive Assistant role was deemed necessary because of the evolution of the Society from a highly esteemed community organization to a thriving small business. It offers the right candidate experience in a wide variety of duties. Under Nickols supervision, the Executive Assistant will be responsible for general assistance to the Executive Director, assisting with membership support, outreach activities, organizational records disposition, and social media management.
Filling these three positions will put the organization on solid footing for forward momentum in raising funds for Oppenheimer House renovation, implementation of numerous programs for both children and adults, and continuing its adoption of best business practices, policies, and procedures. Budget development and completion of the organization’s 3-year Strategic Plan are also on the agenda for FY2023.
Nickols is optimistic that new team members will find career fulfilment in their new positions. “We look forward to welcoming our new teammates with enthusiasm, letting them know they have entered a team-based environment where new ideas are welcomed and expected ” he said.
Full job descriptions for Museum Educator, Shop Manager/Volunteer Coordinator, and Executive Assistant can be found at losalamoshistory.org.