by Em Chiappa, Creative Arts, Media & Communication Career Community Intern
As part of the Entrepreneurial & Innovative Mindsets in Nonprofits and the Arts on campus conference in February, Paul Muir ’98 was one of two successful and acclaimed alumni to join students over a meal as part of the Creative Career Conversations series.
Paul Muir has had an inspiring career encompassing public service, nonprofit leadership, and museum work. Currently serving his twelfth year as Mayor of Bethlehem Township, Muir has spent much of his professional life working at the intersection of community, cultural institutions, and civic engagement, making him the perfect contact for students interested in careers that revolve around leadership and impact. During the conversation, Muir discussed his career journey after Bucknell and the evolving role of museums and nonprofit organizations. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions about trends in the museum industry, nonprofit sustainability, and the skills needed to build a career within these fields.
Muir’s experience at Bucknell was initially shaped by a strong interest in business. With aspirations of one day taking over his family’s business and harboring what he describes as an “entrepreneurial mindset,” he immersed himself in coursework that would later become part of Bucknell’s Freeman College of Management. This foundation gave him a practical understanding of leadership and organizational thinking. After graduating, however, his interests began to shift toward nonprofit work and museums, where he found a similar need for strategic thinking and innovation. These spaces offered him an opportunity to apply his business background in a mission-driven environment, allowing him to combine his professional skills with a passion for sustainable impact and cultural engagement. “The best thing students can do is maintain a determined, forward-moving mindset,” Muir said while reflecting on his career journey. “Keep having conversations and follow what interests you.”
Muir currently serves as the Director of External Affairs for the Morris Museum, a 112-year-old cultural institution. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Director of the Red Mill Museum Village, where he helped develop collaborative programs connecting museums, nonprofits, and local advocacy organizations. When asked about the current state of museums, Muir described the field as increasingly competitive, influenced by rapidly evolving technologies and changing modes of communication. He noted a fundamental question: how can institutions meaningfully engage with the public today? Muir, as someone who has played a key role in strengthening the relationship between cultural institutions and the communities they serve, recommended students look at museums more as open spaces for respectful discourse and connection. Approaching these institutions as environments for thoughtful, respectful discourse, where diverse perspectives can be shared and explored, will allow both institutions and visitors to play an active role in helping museums remain relevant and impactful in the modern age.
In addition, Muir emphasized the importance of volunteer work within museums, and recommended any students interested in the field to seek out opportunities. He noted that hands-on experience not only provides a deeper understanding of how museums operate day to day, but also allows students to build meaningful connections and pave a more direct path to entry. Volunteering can foster mentorship and ultimately provide a more informed approach to careers in cultural and nonprofit spaces. Muir also recommended students not be hesitant to engage with AI, even within museums. He described it not only as a practical tool for improving efficiency and managing operations, but also as a creative outlet that can expand how institutions interpret and present their collections.
Muir views the future of nonprofits in high regard. “They will be looked to as places of rationality and dependability,” he said confidently. “They represent missions that truly matter, and communities are increasingly recognizing them as worthwhile investments.” Muir also noted how much opportunity exists for students within nonprofits. While he acknowledged the field can be competitive, he pointed out that there are many entry-level roles where motivated and resilient candidates can make an immediate impact. He encouraged students to explore a broad range of coursework, including history, art, creative writing, literature, as well as business-focused classes like operations and management, to build both creative and practical skill sets. Muir also emphasized the value of networking, advising students to use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals and seek out mentorship, while taking full advantage of Bucknell’s alumni network.
Ultimately, Muir stressed the importance of finding a nonprofit or cause to feel passionate about. He recommended demonstrating problem-solving abilities, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset in interviews in order to stand out in the competitive field. Muir’s final piece of advice was to seek out experiences firsthand, and to never shy away from opportunities. To Muir, growth often comes from engaging with unfamiliar situations and taking initiative. As a whole, experience is something for students to actively pursue.
Students interested in connecting with Muir can reach him by email at bigpaulscars@gmail.com. Additional information about his current work and initiatives can be found on the Morris Museum website.
