July 2014
Mission Statement:
“The Concord Museum educates visitors of all ages about the history of Concord and its continuing influence on American political, literary and cultural life. The Museum’s nationally significant collection serves as a catalyst for changing exhibitions, extended classroom learning, dynamic programs, and publications relevant to an ever-changing world. Founded in 1886, the Museum is a center of cultural enjoyment for the region and a gateway to the town of Concord for visitors from around the world.”
Background:
Concord, Massachusetts, occupies a special place in American history and is central to many ideals that we share as Americans. With its outstanding collections, high quality educational programs, and professional staff, the Concord Museum is uniquely positioned to tell the story of the American experience from the pre-Revolutionary War era to the Literary Renaissance and beyond.
Founded in 1886, the Museum serves diverse local, regional, and national audiences interested in learning how Concord helped shape our nation. The Museum’s nationally significant collection of 35,000 objects includes icons of American history, such as Paul Revere’s lantern; exceptional Revolutionary War artifacts; the contents of Henry David Thoreau’s house at Walden Pond; Ralph Waldo Emerson’s study; and superior Native American holdings. It also includes exceptional holdings in American decorative arts and material culture, including furniture, clocks, silver, ceramics, and textiles.
The Museum is a vital educational resource that provides object-based learning programs to more than 8,000 students each year. These unique programs connect real artifacts with people, places, and ideas. Students explore the world of Henry David Thoreau, analyze objects and documents as primary sources, and solve dilemmas as 18th-century citizens. Historical detective work and role-playing are combined with problem-solving, tactile learning, and critical thinking. Lectures, tours, family programs, and community events further life-long learning and enjoyment.
The Director of Education and Public Programs will join the Museum at an exciting point in its history. Incorporating the goals of its Strategic Plan, a new Campus Master Plan positions the Museum for significant growth in key areas, including educational programs, outreach, and audience engagement.
The Museum operates with a budget of approximately $1.6 million; has a staff of 9 FT and 50 PT individuals; and reaches approximately 50,000 visitors annually. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Overview of the Position:
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Museum, the Director of Education and Public Programs is responsible for developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating the Concord Museum’s educational programming, which enhances understanding of Concord’s history and the relevance of the Museum’s collections for audiences of all ages.
The Director of Education and Public Programs shapes the strategic direction for the Department and serves as a member of the Museum’s senior management team.
The Director of Education and Public Programs is responsible for public programs, interpretation, school programs, group tours, and visitor services. The position also serves on the Museum’s Exhibition Team, which also includes the Executive Director, Curator, Manager of Exhibitions and Design, and Collections Manager.
The Director of Education oversees a Manager of Student, Group, and Family Learning (full-time); a Manager of Public Programs (part-time); a team of part-time Head Guides (5), educators (15), interpreters (20); and related staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Public Programs
 Grow and diversify audiences through a full calendar of programs and events;
 Present an exciting menu of public programs to expand audiences;
 Develop high-quality family programs that encourage family learning, build an appreciation for history, and attract area families;
 With the Public Programs Coordinator, oversee the implementation of most programs;
 Work closely with the Museum’s Guild of Volunteers on specific annual programs;
 Amplify community and regional partnerships and collaborations.
Interpretation
 Work with the Exhibition Team to develop engaging permanent, changing, and online exhibitions;
 Oversee the development of engaging interpretive strategies, including hands-on activities, media and on-line resources, and related approaches, for audiences of all ages;
 Assist with the writing of text and labels.
School Programs and Group Tours
 Work with Manager of Student, Group, and Family Learning to determine the overall direction and goals for school programs and group tours and to foster their continued growth;
 Assist with the development and implementation of training for tours and school programs;
 Maintain a strong relationship with Concord Public School teachers and administrators;
 Grow outreach programs for underserved audiences, including the Paul Revere’s Ride free school bus initiative;
 Provide assistance and support to the Manager of Student, Group, and Family Learning, including teaching, hiring, problem-solving, and back-up.
Visitor Services
 Ensure that all visitors have an enjoyable experience at the Concord Museum;
 Oversee general operations at the front desk and in the galleries;
 Maintain a positive, productive, and efficient staff;
 Work with the Manager of Student, Group, and Family Learning as well as the Manger of Operations and Communications to manage the VISTA ticketing system;
 Run customer service trainings, content trainings, and special exhibition trainings.
General Responsibilities
 Manage the Education Department budget;
 Assist in raising funds and generating revenue for the Department;
 Oversee the evaluation of all Department programs and activities;
 Work with an Education Advisory Committee;
 Serve as principal spokesperson for the Department;
 Serve on the Emergency Response Team.
Qualifications:
 Bachelor’s Degree in history, art history, or a related field required; Master’s Degree strongly preferred in Museum Education or Education;
 Seven years of experience working in a museum environment, developing and implementing education and public programs;
 Five years of progressive leadership experience in a museum or a related field, with a minimum of three years supervising others;
 Knowledge of and experience in principles, practices, and techniques of museum education.
Skills and Abilities:
 Passion for the Concord Museum’s mission and for the changing role of museums in society;
 Experience in program areas, including public programming, school programming, interpretation, and visitor services;
 Excellent strategic leadership skills;
 Team-building skills with a collaborative management style;
 Creative and innovative problem-solver;
 Superior organizational and time-management skills;
 Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written;
 A professional and resourceful style;
 High integrity and sound judgment;
 Excellent computer skills;
 Willingness to work nights and weekends, as needed.
This is a full-time salaried position with benefits, including vacation and sick leave, health plan, disability insurance, and 403(b) plan. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Please send a letter of interest, resume, interpretive writing samples, and the names of three references to: cm1@concordmuseum.org. No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
For further information on the Concord Museum, please visit www.concordmuseum.org