Program Manager
About the Position
The SCHS Program Manager is responsible for planning, promoting and executing on-site and off-site SCHS public programs for adults and youth. The Program Manager also serves as the public face of the museum, greeting visitors, managing the SCHS social media, creating blog posts and compiling the SCHS newsletter. In support of these duties, the Program Manager also conducts research on historical topics to develop new programs and content.
The ideal candidate for this position is an emerging museum professional who has a love for history—especially local—and an ability to share and foster that same love in others through engaging public speaking. We are also looking for someone with an ability to work independently but a strong understanding of the importance of the team for a small, close-knit organization.
About the Organization
Scott County Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit museum, historic house, and research library with a mission to search, save, and share Scott County history. Located in downtown Shakopee since its founding in 1969, SCHS serves the entire Scott County community by preserving information and making it available through professional collection practices, engaging exhibits and educational outreach programs for people of all ages.
Internally, our team of three, including you, works every day to create a supportive, caring, and fun working environment that provides as many opportunities for personal and professional growth as possible within the means of our small organization. Alongside our mission to preserve and share Scott County history, we are committed to creating opportunities for emerging museum professionals.
Compensation and Schedule
This position is permanent and full time with a salary of $40,000 per year. Core hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend hours as required. Day to day schedule has a high degree of flexibility, but hours are primarily on-site in Shakopee, Minnesota. The position is eligible for a full range of benefits, including health and dental insurance and paid vacation and sick leave.
Essential Duties
On-site Programming
Develop ongoing calendar of innovative and engaging adult and youth programming
Deliver on-site adult programming, including Scott County Stories talks, craft nights, happy hours, etc.
Deliver on-site youth programming, including monthly Kids Kraft events, story time, etc.
Schedule guest author talks and lectures
Conduct evaluation efforts to assess success of programs and determine future events
Deliver tours for youth field trips and adult groups
Write youth and adult tours for new SCHS exhibitions and develop interactive exhibition elements
Outreach Programming
Deliver classroom outreach programs, including working to build relationships with local educators
Manage the SCHS Education Trunk program, including promoting to educators, fielding requests, processing invoices, and designing new Trunks
Design and deliver the Museum by Mail program
Work with community partners, businesses, schools, local tribes, and other organizations
Create mobile programming and staff SCHS booth at summer fairs and festivals in Scott County
Seek out new outreach programs and partnership opportunities
Research and Writing
Research and create “Scott County Stories” presentations
Write professional articles and blog posts relating to local history and oversee volunteers writing for blog
Produce SCHS communications, including a monthly e-newsletter and quarterly members-only e-newsletter
Write quarterly article for the Scott County SCENE newspaper
Administrative
Provide front-of-house customer service, including orienting visitors, processing admission and store sales
Manage and create content for the SCHS social media pages
Supervise education and program interns
Participate in fundraising activities of SCHS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in museum studies, public history, history, education, or a related field.
Required Qualifications
Professional research and writing skills
Knowledge of historiographical methods, and ability to compassionately discuss complex histories
Ability to synthesize complex historical content for a public audience
Passion for local history and fostering a similar love for history in others
Ability to think creatively and develop engaging programming or partnership opportunities
Ability to work independently
Exceptional public speaking and communication skills
Experience working with the public
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a museum or equivalent organization, or experience which reveals ability to develop public programs
Experience working professionally with diverse community partners
Experience planning and leading educational and public programming for youth and adult audiences
Experience managing or working with volunteers and/or interns
Physical Capabilities Required
Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
Ability to travel and provide reliable transportation
To Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to hhoagland@scottcountyhistory.org no later than January 24, 2021. For questions about the position or application process, email to the above or call (952) 445-0378.