Director | Orange, TX

Director, WHSH 

Description  

Job Summary:

Leads interpretive and curatorial efforts to place The W.H. Stark House, Carriage House, and grounds in historical context and to encourage awareness and appreciation for the history, traditions, and resources of the site. Manages site administrative duties. Oversees and collaborates with WHSH Program Coordinator on all aspects of venue tour program for all three floors of the Stark House, the Carriage House, and the grounds. Collaborates with WHSH Education & Programming Manager on development and implementation of annual menu of on-site programs and events. Research and lead collections-based programs and develop interpretive content for print and digital use. Work in concert with the A & H Collections department to oversee selected priority collections projects related to interpretation and collections care and downtown Lead Horticulturalist related to interpretive grounds projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee research strategy, implementation, and documentation including family, buildings and grounds, businesses, etc. to best inform, and as needed update, the site interpretive plan and tour program.
• Oversee development, facilitation, and evaluation of all aspects of the venue tour program for all three floors of The W.H. Stark House, the Carriage House, and site in collaboration with WHSH Program Coordinator; conduct tours as needed to maintain regular weekly access to property; develop strategy for growing on-site tour program in response to demand.
• Review available site research and training materials and oversee updates to content and tour training program; Oversee training of part-time educators(s); Develop strategies to incorporate trained volunteers (program facilitators) into tour program as available and appropriate.
• Review and collaborate with programming and collections staff on seasonal change outs to rooms in the House in advance of seasonal and event programming.
• Collaborate with WHSH Education & Programming Manager and WHSH Program Coordinator for development and implementation of on-site programs and events that dovetail with site tour program; as part of annual program menu, coordinate collections programs in person and virtually as needed. Prepare and facilitate Lutcher Theater pre-show talks (2 per calendar year pending scheduling) tying local history to theater performance content.
• Assist the WHSH Education & Programming Manager with implementation of the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, a qualified scholarship program.
• Conduct research of On Deposit and Research Collection objects as time allows.
• Collaborate with Collections Manager/Registrar to define and, once defined, assist as needed with priority collections projects, including, but not limited to regular room and object care, sensitive object rotation, maintenance and conversation efforts, conservation recommendations.
• Conduct review, research, and recommend replacement of collections pieces too delicate to have on view at WHSH that are a vital part of interpretation. Lead efforts to acquire suitable reproductions and/or replacements, especially for textiles.
• In concert with Foundation marketing team, develop interpretive content for social media and web site to maintain a robust and engaging online presence using the WHSH collections; provide interpretive content for promotional and marketing purposes.
• Facilitate development of 360 digital tour of the Stark House and property utilizing Matterport platform. Assist with developing and editing digital content for social media and other outlets.
• Oversee The W.H. Stark House administrative operations, including budget development and tracking, letters of agreement, correspondence, employee timekeeping approval, and general supplies ordering.
• Serve as primary liaison with Building Services & Custodial, Security, and Horticulture Departments. Coordinate and facilitate access to the site for internal and contractor needs.
• Regularly meet with Building Services and Security staff to review upcoming scheduled maintenance and contractor access at site buildings or grounds.
• In coordination with ERB Library & Records Manager field requests related to broader historical inquiries and assist with research as needed.
• Ensure accuracy of historical content in print materials and on-line content.
• In concert with WHSH Education & Programming Manager and WHSH Program Coordinator maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve on A & H Collections Management Policy Team.
• Assist with other Art & History and Foundation activities as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises WHSH Education & Programming Manager, WHSH Program Coordinator, and two to be hired part-time educators. Utilizes and supervises volunteers when available and appropriate to help facilitate tour program. As needed helps supervise volunteers on site for programs and events. Works closely with staff at the Stark Museum of Art, including but not limited to the Collections Manager/Registrar, ERB Library & Records Manager, Exhibitions Manager, Executive Director of Stark Art & History Venues, and others.

Expectations:

• Work functions are performed to create high quality visitor and community relationships for the Stark Art & History Venues.
• Support Foundation's goals and values; display passion and optimism; mobilize others to fulfill the vision; provide inspiration to others; further Stark Art & History purposes and Foundation mission.
• Give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit, build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Develop and manage approved budget.
• Follow policies and procedures, maintain appropriate records; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
• Maintain proficiency in all computer related programs and applications to perform job duties.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience:

Strong interpretive and management experience at a historical site or organization with 3 - 5 years of progressive leadership responsibility. Experience successfully leading a historical site or historical organization, including supervision of paid and unpaid staff.

Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in related field such as public history, history, humanities, historic preservation or the equivalent. Preferred Master's degree.

Interpersonal Skills:

Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals. Must be a team player able to work comfortably and effectively with cross-functional teams.

Other Skills:

• Proven experience with innovative approaches to significantly enhance a historic site's impact and contribution to the community
• Knowledge of best practices in public history and historical interpretation
• Track record of successfully developing and presenting dynamic programs, events, and tours for multi-generational and senior groups, students, and the general public
• Knowledge of research principles; protocol, techniques, and standards within historical organizations and museums
• A track record of successfully leading a team and working in a team setting to develop educational offerings for the public
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively and to communicate well with a wide range of people
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials; ability to adapt text or narrative to an audience or platform
• Proven ability to develop and make presentations within the community and at the A & H Venues. Excellent speaking skills necessary
• Knowledge of collections care fundamentals, conservation and preservation techniques and procedures; knowledge of collections management systems, such as The Museum System
• A proven track record successfully administering budgets, supervising staff and making historic venues accessible to the public and multi-generational groups
• Passion for history and preservation and its educational role in today's world
• Experience generating and editing digital interpretive content
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Strong planning and management background
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of an organization and with the public; ability to serve as a spokesperson
• Computer skills including proficiency in MS office
• Patient with proven and exceptional people skills
• Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities
• Highly motivated self-starter with a hands-on work ethic, good judgement, and mature thinking
• Have a positive, can-do attitude and a sense of humor
• Valid driver's license with good driving record

Physical Demands:

The ability to see, with or without corrective measures, and adjust focus, see in color, as well as speak and hear is essential. Have good communication skills both verbally and written and able to understand spoken communication. Ability to enter data into a computer and be able to retrieve information by computer. Ability to move between Art & History Venues buildings and climb 44 steps at The W.H. Stark House. Ability to pack, shelve, and move variety of materials; push, pull, lift, and carry up to 30 lbs. Ability to help set up program furniture such as awnings, tables, chairs, coolers, and signage.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will normally work in a climate-controlled environment. Some programs and events do take place outside, primarily on the grounds of The W.H. Stark House. Ability to function in a high energy and creative environment. Noise levels are generally quiet.

Work Schedule: Employee generally works Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This position requires at least one Saturday per month and some additional evenings and weekends as needed for special events and other assignments.