ELK HORN, IOWA — The Danish Windmill, one of Iowa’s most recognizable cultural landmarks and a cornerstone of Danish-American heritage, is accepting applications for its next Executive Director. The organization is seeking a dynamic and community-minded leader to guide its continued growth, historic preservation efforts, and cultural programming.
Located in Elk Horn, Iowa, the Danish Windmill is an authentic 1848 Danish windmill brought to the United States and reconstructed by community volunteers in the 1970s. Nearly 50 years later, the Windmill remains a symbol of the community’s Danish heritage and a popular destination for visitors from across the country and around the world.
The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief staff executive, working closely with its Board of Directors to oversee daily operations, financial management, fundraising, historic preservation, educational programming, tourism development, and retail operations. The position also provides an opportunity to strengthen community partnerships and advance the organization’s long-term sustainability.
The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational leadership, financial management, communication, and strategic planning skills, along with an appreciation for historic preservation and cultural heritage. Experience in nonprofit management, tourism, fundraising, museum operations, or retail management is particularly valuable.
The full-time position offers an annual salary of $55,000–$65,000, plus benefits, depending on qualifications and experience.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, three professional references, and a brief statement outlining their leadership approach and five-year vision for the Danish Windmill. Materials must be submitted to careers@danishwindmill.com for review.
Applications must be received by November 16, 2026.
A complete position description and application instructions are available at:
https://danishwindmill.com/careers
About the Danish Windmill
The Danish Windmill is a nonprofit cultural and historic preservation organization located in Elk Horn, Iowa. Home to an authentic 1848 Danish windmill, an Iowa Welcome Center, a Scandinavian gift shop, and their new Education & Preservation Center, the organization is dedicated to preserving and sharing Danish heritage through history, education, tourism, and community engagement.
