Living History Coordinator | Fredericksburg, TX

Position Description

Living History Coordinator

Education Department

Admiral Nimitz Foundation

Organisation

Founded in 1971 as a 501(c) 3, the Foundation in an agreement with the Texas Historical Commission, manages and provides financial support to the State owned National Museum of the Pacific War to:

· Preserve and exhibit the material history of the war in the Pacific and Indo-China during World War II;

· Offer and participate in programs that honor all veterans past and present and in programs that provide strategic insights into national security issues affecting our country;

· Support education concerning the American experience in the Pacific Area during World War II;

· Preserve and exhibit the material history of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz; and,

· Provide the public, researchers, teachers and historians with a readily accessible platform for the exploration of the War in the Pacific during World War II.

While working collaboratively with all employees and volunteers in accomplishing the above mission, the Education Department has the lead in developing programs on- and off-campus, virtually and engaging visitors through a variety of means to accomplish bullets two and three of the mission.

Position

The Living History Coordinator (LHC) reports to the Education and Museum Programs Director and works collaboratively with the Museum and Foundation staff in supporting all education programs both onsite and off-site; including our virtual programs. The LHC leads the development and execution of all Living History programs, off-site outreach events associated virtual education programs and onsite interpretive programs. The LHC role is principally as a Museum educator and a full team member of the Education and Museum Programs Department, thus contributing to and supporting all undertakings of the department.

Responsibilities

· Organise and operate the Living History Program and other associated programs.

· Recruit and train volunteers for the Living History Program(s).

· Maintain the artifacts in the Education Outreach Collect ion (EOC).

· Maintain the reenactment area.

· Act as lead for off-site public events.

· Work closely within the Education Department to develop and coordinate all programs.

· Create and implement new programs.

· Assist in all museum and foundation programs.

· Oversee and schedule repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and infrastructure.

· Assess Living History programs including program evaluation, preparing reports documenting programs and attendance, and evaluating financial feasibility and sustainability of programs.

· Manage and develop creative participatory experiences and inclusive visitor engagement.

· Serve as liaison with applicable project partners.

· Help ensure that the museum continues to strive for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion with its programs, staff, and public interactions by serving the cognitive, physical, and social/emotional needs of diverse audiences.

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

· Combination of at least 2 years of experience in a similar position and related internships.

· Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to quickly learn new software.

· Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to engage a people with a wide range of ages and experiences.

· Flexible and adaptable style.

· Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the Foundation.

· High energy and passion for the Museum’s mission.

· Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.

· Supervisory experience of a professional staff.

· Some weekend and evening work is required.

· Ability to lift 35 lbs.

· Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history and sex offender registry check, and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record check.

Preferred

· BA/MA in American (US) History, Education, Public History, Museum Studies, Anthropology or related field required.

· 6 -plus years of relevant experience in a museum setting leading a program.

· Certified National Association (NAI) for Interpretation

· Preferred knowledge of WWII weapons.

· A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.

· Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence."

· High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.

· Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters.

· Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.

Passion

The successful candidate will want to follow the NAI definition of interpretation as “a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource."

Job Benefits

This is a Full Time, salaried position in the range of $38,000 to $44,000 with health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays. A 401-B retirement savings account is offered. The applicant’s lifestyle must be flexible enough to work evenings and weekends, when required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To Apply

Please submit resume, cover letter (including desired salary and living history rationale) to Education and Museum Programs Director, David B. Shields, PhD, dshields@nimitzfoundation.org.