Education Support Assistant
Henricus Historical Park
Chester, VA

Duties: Under the direction of the Henricus Historical Park Education Supervisor, responsible for booking and scheduling area school district field trips to Henricus Historical Park; teaching all grade level SOL- and age- appropriate (Pre-K - adult) programs, five weekdays per week. Will provide program materials upkeep and some lesson plan and educational information packet revisions. Responsible for researching and learning educational information for each program to be implemented for various age groups. Assists in the general oversight of the Indian village as a "classroom" venue. Helps organize, coordinate and run all day camps and scout camp-ins as well as teacher in-services, workshops and educational open houses; works 6 weekends per year for special event programs. Performs other duties as required.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a temporary full time position. It is currently funded for 12 months.

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and two years of college coursework required; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Two years of experience in teaching (classroom or museum),living history interpretation, or cultural history preferred. Good driving record required. Must not reflect a total accumulation of six or more negative points within the past three years or a major violation within the past four years. Pre-employment drug testing and FBI criminal background check required.

Contact: Cheryl Duong
Phone: 804-751-1551
Email: duongc@chesterfield.gov
Website: http://www.chesterfield.gov/

Posted 8/23/10

Associate Director of Development, Foundations and Grants
Western Reserve Historical Society
Cleveland, OH

Responsibility:    The Associate Director of Development for Foundation and Grants is responsible to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement for all foundation and grant giving to WRHS. 

Classification:    This position is classified as full-time professional and is exempt from overtime compensation.


Duties:   

• Works with the VP for Institutional Advancement, the President and WRHS staff Directors to stimulate contributions from the foundation and corporate community to support operations and special projects.
• Maintains contact with key foundation personnel through the grant/sponsorship/giving process. 
• Prepares and submits detailed fundraising plans for all foundation and corporate grant giving to the VP for Institutional Advancement.
• Develops and oversees a prospect research program for local, state and national foundation and corporate grant prospects.  
• Establishes and administers fund raising and cultivation programs including plans and proposals in the following areas: foundation grants, foundation annual fund giving programs, governmental agency grants, foundation fee-for-service programs.
• Assists VP for Institutional Advancement in areas related to foundations and corporate relations for special events, programs and sponsorships.
• Works with development support staff to maintain all foundation and corporate giving records and a log of solicitations made, responses pending, and tracking reports/grids for foundations.
• Monitors all grants to ensure that all deadlines are met – from application to final reports, including ongoing stewardship of funders.   
• Works with entire Institutional Advancement team on special events and programs.
• Performs development tasks as assigned by the VP for Institutional Advancement

Qualifications: The Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations is a professional position of the Western Reserve Historical Society that requires professional experience and achievement, unquestioned personal integrity and creativity. Educational requirements include an undergraduate degree in a related field. Professional experience should include at least three years of development work with a non-profit organization, preferably a museum or other cultural non-profit organization. Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills are essential as well as the ability to work in a team atmosphere and meet a continuing series of goals-oriented deadlines. Good working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge is desirable.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Shari Kochman at skochman@wrhs.org or send via mail to:  10825 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH  44106

Posted 8/18/10

Assistant Site Manager
Garfield Farm Museum
LaFox,IL

1840s Garfield Farm Museum far west Chicago suburbs near Geneva, IL. M.A. in Historic Administration or related fields. On site security, animal care, gardening, event planning, interpretation, public relations, prairie restoration, volunteer management, collections, all aspects of museum management and development. Must be flexible, hard working and a team layer. Ideal experience for individual career committed to historic site anagement. Work with executive director and site manager.  Box 403, LaFox,IL 60147. www.garfieldfarm.org

Jerome Johnson
Executive Director
Garfield Farm Museum
630 584-8485

Posted 8/18/10

Director of Special Gifts
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA 

Department: Development 

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, the home of George Washington seeks a Director of Special Gifts to join the Development team during an exciting time of growth and opportunity.  Our Director will plan and implement all aspects of Mount Vernon’s deferred giving program, collaborate with Development office colleagues to integrate deferred giving into direct mail, membership and major gift programs.  We look forward to the Director actively identifying and managing his or her own portfolio of prospects and donors for the capital campaign for the National Library for George Washington as well as other special projects, annual giving and membership programs.

Successful candidates will have:

• A minimum of 5 years experience in fundraising with particular expertise in planned giving
• A passion for working with individual prospects, donors, and people in general
• An interest in the Mission of Mount Vernon and eagerness to share its importance with others
• Ethical fundraising standards and practices
• Bachelor’s degree; Advanced degrees preferred
• Computer proficient, including RE, PG Calc, Microsoft Word
• Excellent communication skills
• Successful track record in raising major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in raising major gifts for museums and working with foundations and individuals supporting antique collections and historic artifacts. 

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by email to: hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.


Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted 7/28/10

Character Interpreter
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA   

Department:  Interpretation & Events Division, Office of Character Interpretation     

General Description:
Mount Vernon’s Office of Character Interpretation produces educational and entertaining experiences by authentically portraying persons from George Washington’s world, including family members, close friends, enslaved workers, colleagues, and other noteworthy contemporaries.  Character Interpreters engage guests through improvisational dialogue and staged/scripted performances.  Both approaches aim to grow guests’ knowledge of George Washington and his lasting legacy as well as life at Mount Vernon in the 18th Century.  

Mount Vernon’s Office of Character Interpretation seeks a professional character interpreter to portray an enslaved person who lived and worked on George Washington’s Estate (Possible historical figures include: Frank Lee, enslaved butler; Billy Lee, enslaved valet; Caroline, enslaved house servant; or Charlotte, enslaved seamstress).  


Essential Duties:

• Thoroughly research and portray at least one personality from Washington’s world
• Engage a diverse audience in impromptu conversation, targeting pre-determined    interpretive/educational goals.
• Research, write, and perform (multiple times daily) 10-20 minute dramatic vignettes
• Regularly adapt presentations for numerous unique occasions and various internal programs
• Maintain appropriate appearance for the person portrayed; follow all standards for 18th-century etiquette/deportment
• Assist Director in developing and implementing specialized interpretive performances and  programs including extensive research, writing and taking on new responsibilities

Special Requirements:

• Position requires standing/walking for long periods of time and being exposed to all weather conditions as most performances are outdoors  
• Dressing in 18th Century appropriate attire required (concealing modern styles/ accessories etc…)
• Frequent weekend and evening work is required

Qualifications:

• Professional acting experience - ability to perform formally and informally in a variety of settings and conditions to a diverse audience
• Knowledge of and interest in George Washington, Mount Vernon, and 18th-century America
• At least 2 years of relevant experience
• Strong research and writing skills
• Well developed interpersonal communication skills
• A bachelors degree in a relevant field of study preferred

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by email to hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted 6/16/10

Farm Manager
Coggeshall Farm Museum
Bristol, RI

          
Reports to:          Executive Director
                          (Executive Committee in absence of Executive Director)
Compensation:    $25,000 per year
Benefits:             On site residence provided, Seven days paid time off
           
The Coggeshall Farm Museum is seeking an individual to actively fill the position as Farm Manager. The job requires experience handling livestock, practical application of historic and modern agricultural skills, pleasant, skillful and knowledgeable interaction with the public, among the other duties detailed below. Experience with non-profit organizations is preferred.  The Farm Manager is required to live in the Manager’s Residence which is provided to aid in convenient on-call coverage of the Museum.

Primary Responsibilities:   

1. The Farm Manager is directly responsible for all tasks required for the proper care and maintenance of all livestock, including, but not limited to, feedings, health and safety, providing sufficient shelter, planning, and purchases.
2. The Farm Manager is directly responsible for all tasks required for the proper care and maintenance of all structures, fields, tools & equipment, fencing & walls, and accesses. Attendance is required at all Site Committee meetings.  Cooperation and adherence to the Site Committee recommendations is expected.
3. The Farm Manager will provide honest interpretation of 1790’s Bristol Rhode Island salt march farm life to the public.  Presence on site is required during regular Museum hours as well and during special programming and events. The Farm Manager is expected to collaborate with other staff and volunteers to ensure complete coverage of the site.
4. The Farm Manager will operate all aspects of the Museum in accordance with the approved Budget.   It is expected that the Farm Manager will actively participate in all efforts of the Financial Committee in the annual budgeting process.  The Farm Manager is directly responsible for proper fiscal management of all of the Museums normal operating activities.  Detailed record keeping, documentation, and organization relating to entrance fees, tour and retail income, and other income and expenses is required.
5. In collaboration with Director of Historic Interpretation, the Farm Manager is expected to demonstrate proficiency and skill in site management and operations relating to farming, gardening, animal husbandry, building and structure maintenance, and utilization of Museum tools & equipment.
6. Cooperate with the Director of Historic Interpretation to coordinate programming, event planning, tours, and scheduling.  The Farm Manager is to have an active role in volunteer recruitment and proper application of duties & training.
7. The Farm Manager is to be knowledgeable of all provisions of the current lease the Museum has with the State of Rhode Island and ensure that all farm operations, required reporting, and approvals are met.  Furthermore, the Farm Manager is expected to be actively engaged in the administration and achievement of outcomes for current and future grants.
8. Provide on-going updates to Executive Director.  Attendance is required at all monthly board meetings at which time the Farm Manager will provide a monthly report.

Secondary Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to the monthly on-line and seasonally printed newsletters with written information, articles, and points of interest in collaboration with other staff and relevant parties.
2. Help organize, coordinate, orchestrate, and oversee functions and special events in collaboration with staff and other relevant parties.
3. Facilitate in maintaining open communications with staff, supervisor(s), volunteers and others.
4. Contribute to correspondence relevant to Museum Farm Manger’s position in replying to inquiries, letters, phone calls and emails.
5. Work in conjunction with staff and Executive Director to participate in and represent the Museum in outreach to local and regional museum associations, councils and other relevant organizations and occasions.
6. Additional responsibilities and tasks may arise from time to time that are not detailed here and will be required of the Farm Manager.

Physical Requirements:
   

1. Ability to wear period attire while working on site, before the public during Museum hours and special events.
2. Ability to lift and carry at least 50 Lbs.
3. Ability to safely and competently handle poultry and large animals.

Non-Physical Requirements:  

1. Demonstrate a keen sense of fiscal responsibility and ability to keep detailed records.
2. Communicate in a professional and pleasant manner at all times with Museum visitors, guests, board members, and others involved with the farm.
3. Must exhibit sufficient and proper writing skills.  The Farm Manager will be expected to contribute to newsletters and other relevant written materials for the Museum (both printed and electronic)
4. The Farm Manager is to have two, scheduled days off in each one-week period. It is expected that the Manager will remain in residence throughout the workweek, excepting one overnight in association with a day off.
5. In addition to the normal weekly scheduled days off, the Farm Manager receives paid time off equal to seven days per calendar year. Working with the Executive Director or Executive Committee, it is the Manager’s responsibility to provide a plan of coverage for all aspects of the Manager’s position during this paid time off, in order to provide consistent, competent staffing and care during the Manager’s absence.

Please reply to:
Andy Tyska
c/o Coggeshall Farm Museum
PO Box 562
Bristol, R.I. 02809
or CoggeshallFarm@verizon.net -Subject box should read MANAGER APPLICATION

 Posted 6/11/10

Visitor Services and Retail Manager
The New York State Historical Association
Cooperstown, NY


The New York State Historical Association, Fenimore Art Museum, and The Farmers’ Museum seek a Visitor Services and Retail Manager to operate their admissions and retail museum stores with an entrepreneurial spirit, supporting the organizations’ missions and objectives and achieving financial goals.

This position manages a staff of 12-14 and establishes and maintains excellence in service to all visitors. Duties include: manage and thoughtfully analyze weekly and yearly attendance reports; master the museums’ calendar for scheduling all events and activities; promote the changing exhibitions and programs of the museums by refreshing the appearance of museum stores; supervise and continuously innovate web store operation to maximize profit; maintain all recordkeeping for admissions and stores, including daily cashups, profit and loss analyses, annual budgets, management reports and store inventory counts; supervise wider distribution of publications and products that support museum exhibitions; promote sales at special events and programs; develop new product lines by attending trade and craft shows.

The successful candidate will have managed a retail/admissions operation for a minimum of five years, preferably at a not-for-profit; is proficient in Microsoft Office and point of sale systems; has a bachelor’s degree; and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be highly detail oriented with excellent organizational skills. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule with some weekend and holiday work required.

NYSHA, Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits. To apply, send cover letter, resume and three professional references to Barbara Fischer, Senior Director for Human Resources, New York State Historical Association and The Farmers’ Museum, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Fenimore Art Museum, located on the shores of Otsego Lake—James Fenimore Cooper’s “Glimmerglass Lake”—in historic Cooperstown, New York, features exciting collections of American art, folk art, and the renowned Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art. Founded in 1945, the Fenimore Art Museum is NYSHA’s showplace museum. Please visit FenimoreArtMuseum.org for more information.

As one of the oldest rural life museums in the country, The Farmers’ Museum, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience 19th-century rural and village life first-hand through demonstrations and interpretative exhibits. Please visit FarmersMuseum.org for more information.

5/4/10