Job Listing: Director of Education & Outreach (Wilton House Museum)

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Position Title: Director of Education & Outreach

Position Status: Full-time; Exempt

Reports To: Executive Director

Position Overview:

The Director of Education & Outreach is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, evaluating, marketing, and reporting on all museum educational outreach programs in support of the Wilton House Museum/NSCDA-VA mission. They will collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and market a wide range of programs including Wilton House Museum’s annual lecture series, school group tours, classes and workshops for children and adults, and community outreach initiatives. The Director of Education & Outreach will assist with historical research and interpretation in relation to the museum, special programs, and exhibitions. This position will create interpretive programs and materials for the museum’s temporary exhibitions and appropriate special events. They will also be responsible for recruiting, training, and scheduling interpreters and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works closely with the Executive Director on exhibition and program development for Wilton House Museum, including developing engaging programs to coincide with telling a full and diverse range of stories associated with the history of the house.
• Develop programs and special-focus tours that feature the new exhibitions, furnishings, and introduce new ways for visitors to experience the house and collections.
• Develop special events and programs throughout the year, such as special-focus or themed tours, lectures, summer concert series, annual decorative arts symposia, and more throughout the year.
• Design new and different ways to provide high-quality visitor experiences at Wilton House Museum for all audiences.
• Develop and deliver interpreter trainings multiple times per year as we recruit new volunteers to work with us at Wilton.
• Build collaborative relationships across the local museums and decorative arts community and develop programs that benefit the larger Richmond community.
• Research topics related to Wilton’s history and continue to update the interpretive plan as new research is discovered.
• Market and publicize museum events through public channels such as social media, the Wilton House Museum website, newsletters, and other local digital event calendars.
• Design and launch new digital strategies to help increase online and in-person engagement and attract new audiences to visit Wilton House Museum.
• Coordinate and oversee museum events and programs, including set-up before, during, and after the event as needed.
• Oversee the Visitor Center, including processing admissions, stocking the gift shop, updating brochures, signage and displays.
• Ensure the museum website is maintained, updated, and features the diverse stories in Wilton’s history.
• Provide information and assistance to museum visitors, researchers, and scholars regarding the collection.
• Participate in public programs, tours, and educational activities related to the collection.
• Supervise museum education interns and volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Public History, History, Art History, Museum Studies, Decorative Arts, or degree in related field.
• Experience leading a dedicated team of interpreters and volunteer docents using current historic house museum interpretive methods and best practices.
• Previous experience with event planning and a passion for history, decorative arts, and museum work.
• Demonstrated writing and public speaking skills with previous experience working with interpretive materials, American History and Virginia state curriculum standards.
• Strong experience working with digital technology, social media, virtual programs, databases, and website management.
• Creative approach to develop new ways for diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds to experience Wilton House Museum, the gardens, and programs held in our special event space.
• Collaborative approach working with different teams across Wilton House Museum such as interpreters, volunteers, operations staff, and NSCDA-VA staff.
• Support strong relationships with members of the Wilton House Museum Board and The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia (NSCDA-VA) Board of Managers.
• Serve as a representative of the organization and articulate Wilton and NSCDA-VA’s mission and goals for a wide range of audiences.
• Passion for working with the public, Wilton’s mission, and historic preservation preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable with handling delicate and potentially fragile items.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions and standing for long periods of time.

About Wilton House Museum/NSCDA-VA:

The mission of Wilton House Museum is to increase public understanding of life in Virginia since the 18^th century, the paradox of hardship amidst elegance, and how the past continues to shape life in America today. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and headquarters for the National Society of the Colonial Dames of American in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Wilton was originally built by William Randolph III in 1753 and moved to its present location on the James River by the Virginia Society Dames in 1934. Today, the site includes Wilton House, a visitors’ center and gift shop, and an event space. For more information, please visit, www.wiltonhousemuseum.org.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range is $45,000 to $50,000/year with compensation commensurate with experience. We currently do not offer health insurance but are actively investigating options to offer a health plan to our team soon. In addition to accessing professional development opportunities, we offer paid time off and holiday pay.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Amanda Keller, Executive Director, at akeller@wiltonhm.org. This position will remain open until it is filled.

Wilton House Museum/NSCDA-VA is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.