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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
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