What are the responsibilities and job description for the Historic Interpretation and Programs Manager position at Montana State University?
Museum of the Rockies seeks a full-time Historic Interpretation and Programs Manager. The Manager is responsible for the interpretation, operations, and management of the museum’s history programs. Responsibilities also include supervising, managing, and training seasonal staff, volunteers, and interns. The Manager will work with the museum’s Education team and administration to develop innovative and educational programs that engage the museum’s visitors with the region’s diverse heritage. The position is responsible for the interpretive programing at the Living History site (1889 homestead, blacksmith shop, outbuildings, and heritage orchard) along with history-based programs within the formal museum. They also help to manage and deliver high quality educational content for the public and school-age children.
Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is Montana’s most visited museum. MOR regularly serves over 220,000 general visitors and thousands of additional visitors through school, youth, and public programs. MOR is a college-level division of Montana State University, an independent nonprofit organization, a Smithsonian Affiliate, an accredited AAM museum, and a repository for state and federal fossils.
Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is Montana’s most visited museum. MOR regularly serves over 220,000 general visitors and thousands of additional visitors through school, youth, and public programs. MOR is a college-level division of Montana State University, an independent nonprofit organization, a Smithsonian Affiliate, an accredited AAM museum, and a repository for state and federal fossils.
Benefits: MOR pays a competitive salary with an exceptional benefits package (Package includes: health, dental, and life insurance along with an employer matching retirement plan and the possibility for tuition reduction for staff and dependents).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Be responsible for the interpretation, management, and operations of the museum’s Living History Program and special events.
- Hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate seasonal staff, including: interpreters, volunteers, and interns and be prepared to fill in as needed in interpretive areas.
- Develop and implement educational programs for the public and schools.
- Manage and track program budgets.
- Assess programs including program evaluation, financial feasibility, and sustainability.
- Work with Exhibits and Curatorial to coordinate repairs in interpretive areas.
- In collaboration with the museum’s Development Department, participate in occasional fundraising, including grant writing, events, and other support as required.
- Partner with Curatorial and Exhibits; helping source, maintain, track, and safeguard the educational and interpretive collections used in history programs.
- Help ensure that the museum continues to strive for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion with its programs, staff, and public interactions.
- Flexibility to assume other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in History, American Studies, Education, Anthropology, or equivalent.
- At least two years of experience with historic sites or museums.
- Demonstrated experience creating and implementing programs in an informal setting for a broad range of visitors.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated experience leading historic interpretation and developing innovative educational programs.
- Experience managing and training seasonal staff and volunteers.
- Experience with first person interpretation, museum theater, and/or historic trades and crafts.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Passion for history and telling stories.
- Dedication to historic accuracy.
- Strong people skills and be capable of working in a dynamic and diverse work environment.
- Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
- Communicate effectively and be a successful team player.
- Provide excellent, professional customer service.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Continued employment is contingent upon continual grant funding.
NOTE: Please submit a resume and a 1- to 2-page cover letter that clearly addresses how you fulfill the position’s Required Qualifications and any of the Preferred Qualifications.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
NOTE: Please submit a resume and a 1- to 2-page cover letter that clearly addresses how you fulfill the position’s Required Qualifications and any of the Preferred Qualifications.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on February 5, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
