Director of Programming

Job Title: Director of Programming
Organization: Rye Historical Society
Location: Rye, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time (Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Compensation: $45,000 annually

Position Overview:
The Rye Historical Society seeks a passionate and dynamic Director of Programming to lead its educational, scholarly, and community-based initiatives. This position is pivotal in shaping visitor engagement through innovative programming, school tours, family activities, and scholarly pursuits. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Programming will oversee interns and volunteers, collaborate with local schools, and enhance interpretive strategies to bring history to life for diverse audiences.

Please note: This is an on-site position that requires the candidate to be present at the museum five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday) during operating hours. Remote work is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide vision and management for historical engagement, exhibits, and visitor experiences, aligning programming with the Society’s mission.
• Exhibit Development and Integrated Programming:
• Update and enhance permanent and reproduction exhibits to reflect current historical narratives and visitor interests.
• Develop and implement compelling programming that aligns seamlessly with both permanent and temporary exhibits.
• Ensure exhibits remain dynamic, relevant, and impactful, driving consistent attendance and fostering meaningful community connections.
• Lead the planning, design, and installation of new temporary exhibitions, paired with innovative programming to maximize educational and cultural engagement.
• Educational Programming:
• Collaborate with the Rye City School District as well as schools across Connecticut and New York to schedule and host curriculum-aligned tours for all grades. This initiative reflects the Society's recent efforts to work regionally with schools, including those in Connecticut and New York City. Tours have a focused emphasis on grades 2 and 4, exploring Indigenous peoples, Colonial life, and other key historical themes connected to the Square House and the region.
• Develop and implement innovative K-12 education programs, using Rye Historical Society’s archives and diverse historical sources, with a specific focus on bringing Indigenous and Colonial history to life for students.
• Lead object-based learning initiatives that empower students to engage as active historians and explore the connections between the past and present.
• Visitor Engagement: Conduct visitor evaluations and research to identify and address gaps, enhancing programming impact.
• Community Collaboration: Work with public and private institutions to expand educational outreach and community engagement.
• Volunteer and Intern Oversight: Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor volunteers and interns, ensuring they are supported and engaged in meaningful roles.
• Additional Duties and Archivist Transition Support:
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Archival Researcher to ensure high standards of historical accuracy and authenticity are maintained during the Archivist’s absence.
• Executive Director Support: Provide support to the Executive Director with strategic, financial, and operational responsibilities as needed, including administrative and logistical assistance to help achieve organizational goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, education, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in museum programming, education, or a similar role and/or a master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience with volunteer and intern management.
• Proficiency with Past Perfect software or similar museum databases is a plus.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a collaborative mindset.
• Passion for history and community engagement.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join us in championing Rye’s history and fostering a deeper understanding of its past through creative and impactful programming!