While there is no distinction made in many cases, a text book answer is
that Executive Directors are part of a board/staff relationship, where the
Board is an entity that is legally responsible for the activities of the
museum.  In this type of relationship, the board employs the Executive
Director who then manages all aspects of the museums operations following
the policies established by the board

Museum Directors are employed by agencies to direct museum operations,
following either a job description, a work plan, or ordinance, set down by
a higher authority.  Examples are University Museum Directors, City Museum
Directors where the museum falls under a city agency, or directors of
museums that are part of a larger association or corporation.

This is a very brief statement.  Thousands will probably disagree.  Real
help is available in AAM literature, the Center for Not-for-Profit Boards,
ASAE, a growing number of web sites and much more.

Hope this is of help.

Thom Rhodes

-----Original Message-----
From:   Cynthia Sutton [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Monday, June 29, 1998 6:10 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Museum Director vs Executive Director

Can anyone tell me the difference in these titles? Does one imply more
responsibility/administrative oversight than the other?

Thanks !

Cynthia Sutton