Program Assistant

Start Date: February/March 2025


The Schenectady County Historical Society seeks a full-time Program Assistant. This is an entry-level position that will be involved in many aspects of the Society’s operations, including assisting with programs, representing SCHS at community events, and assisting with daily operations. This position reports to the Executive Director, works closely with the Director of Education, and supports the rest of SCHS’ small staff. The Program Assistant should be outgoing, flexible, and self-motivated with an interest in history and very strong communication skills. This position requires some work outside, exposed to the elements.

Program Assistant Duties:

- Work with the Director of Education to develop and lead public programs at all SCHS sites, including 4th grade school programs, tours, and adult and family programs
- Assist with special events including planning, set-up, clean-up, and parking
- Attend community events on behalf of SCHS, running informational table
- Assist with wedding and site rental tours, questions, contracts, and details
- Provide ideas and produce content for newsletters, blogs, and YouTube
- Create and respond to social media posts and email blasts
- Work with staff to upkeep gardens and ensure historic house interiors and grounds are clean
- Work with staff on collections management and curatorial projects
- Assist at the front desk and gift shop, greeting visitors
- Responsible for some farm animal feedings and care
- Perform other tasks as requested by the Executive Director

Required Qualifications

- Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in history or related field
- Flexibility to work ~2 evenings each week
- Must have previous  experience working with the public in a museum environment; can be part time work or internships
- Confident and engaging when speaking in front of groups
- Highly self-motivated
- High level of flexibility and collaboration to effectively work in SCHS’ small team environment and on multiple projects concurrently
- Familiarity with best practices in museums, and with American and/or New York State history
- Must be able to talk, hear, stand, bend, and walk;  lift, carry, and move 40 pounds; and navigate stairs
- Must be able and willing to work outside in all seasons of Upstate New York including snow, rain, heat, and humidity

Schedule and Terms
This position is Tuesday-Saturday, generally 9am-5pm with some evening work required each week. This position is entirely in-person. In joining a small, dynamic staff, candidates must be open to collaborative scheduling and shared duties. Candidates must have a valid US driver’s license and access to a car for travel between SCHS sites. 

Salary and Benefits
The salary is $22.25 hourly. Benefits include generous PTO, sick time, health, dental, and vision insurance, and a 403(b) match.

About the Schenectady County Historical Society: Featuring public programs, exhibits, archives, and community events for all audiences, SCHS shares stories, inspires dialogue, and encourages understanding of the history, people, and cultures of our region.

SCHS is committed to being an inclusive organization, and as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 

How to Apply: Submit a letter of application, resume, and references to Mary Zawacki Graves at [email protected] with Program Assistant in the subject line.