Job Description
Connecticut Landmarks

Revised May 2011

JOB TITLE:              Education & Historic Sites Operations Manager

DEPARTMENT: Education

REPORTS TO: Director of Programs & Collections

STATUS: Full-time, exempt

OVERVIEW: Develop & implement, in cooperation with CTL Site Administrators and

Coordinators, strategic programmatic & revenue-generating initiatives.  Ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of CTL’s public sites and related

educational, programming and revenue-generating activities through oversight of Site Administrators and Coordinators, in alignment with and fulfillment of the organization’s priorities and strategic plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise Site Administrators and Coordinators, including hiring, scheduling, priority and goal-setting, work plan development and performance evaluation.  Visit sites on a regular basis to ensure strong communication and effective coordination.

Work closely with Site Administrators and Coordinators to:

  • Build on CTL’s rebranding, audience research (Reach Advisors) and strategic planning process work to implement Goal 4 of CTL’s Strategic Plan: “Develop and implement interpretive plans for those properties that are fully aligned with CTL’s mission with priority given to those properties with the highest potential for public visibility and attendance.”

The interpretive plans for each property will address, but not necessarily be limited to:

o   A mission statement for each property

o   Historical and architectural significance

o   Core themes, topics, and stories

o   Existing and potential audiences

o   Best interpretive strategies for engagement with existing and potential audiences

o   Potential partners and collaborators in the delivery of programs and services

o   Opportunities for increasing the earned revenue potential of the property

o   Appropriate, regular, and predictable schedule of operation as well as any other factors unique to the particular property

  • Ensure the effective implementation of interpretive strategies and themes for CTL’s public sites that have been developed in fulfillment of Strategic Plan Goal 4 and that reflect the organization’s overarching approach, values and priorities. Set clear criteria for evaluating the success—both quantitative and qualitative—of educational programming and services including site interpretation, curricula, collaborations with allied organizations, exhibitions and youth programming. Ensure the timely scheduling of annual programs and events, school field trips and other activities that require advance planning.
  • Ensure the effective implementation of revenue-generating activities, including events, site rentals and gift shop sales so that budget targets are met.  Establish clear goals and criteria for evaluating the success of community and fundraising events, including encampments, farmers markets, garden shows, dog shows and other programs.  Work closely with Site Administrators and Coordinators to ensure that these criteria are met.
  • Ensure compliance with planning, reporting, evaluation and programmatic commitments made to funders.
  • Develop strengthened relationships with school systems, designated communities, local businesses, current and future collaborators, community organizations, current and potential donors, etc.
  • Ensure that volunteer appreciation activities are planned and successfully carried out.

Participate in the development and oversee the introduction and implementation of computerized systems designed to capture financial and attendance information, track gift shop sales and inventory, and organize and track other needed data. Oversee and ensure recordkeeping and data collection/analysis from all sites, so that successes are clearly defined and problems are promptly identified and resolved.

Serve as the liaison between Site Administrators/Coordinators and Hartford-based staff responsible for programming and site interpretation, community relations, fundraising, marketing and technology.

Participate in the concept development and oversee the development and implementation of non-site specific programming and educational activities (academic conferences and symposia, lectures, travel trips, etc.) so that they achieve programmatic, public relations and revenue goals.

Work with Site Administrators/Coordinators, Central Office staff and consultants to further develop and synchronize the implementation of CTL’s brand expression across its core properties (opening welcome; complimentary seasonal beverage; distribution of CTL collateral, etc.).

Work with Central Office staff and Site Administrators/Coordinators to develop and implement an effective site based CTL membership sales  program.

Work with the Director of Programs & Collections, the Director of Donor Development and other staff to support existing and new audience development and outreach activities to targeted audiences.

Perform other duties as needed and/or as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum of 5–7 years experience in the development and implementation of entrepreneurial educational programming and revenue generating initiatives in a museum, historic preservation nonprofit and/or similar organization required.
  • Energetic, collaborative leadership style that encourages broad community engagement; well developed diplomacy, supervisory, managerial, communication, planning and coordinating skills; a hands-on, can-do, cooperative, glass-is-almost-full attitude; and a demonstrated audience-driven philosophy essential.
  • Commitment to increasing site revenue through enhanced gift shop sales, program and admissions revenue, rental fees and membership sales and demonstrated ability to utilize data and budgets to manage programs to achieve revenue goals required.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships within the Museum as well as within its broad-based constituencies and a proven track record in developing, creating and leading community-focused programs essential.
  • Self starter with demonstrated ability to prioritize and to handle multiple concurrent priorities under pressure with grace required.
  • Proven experience with successful fund generation including grant writing critical.
  • Event planning and management experience a must.
  • Proven understanding and successful application of learning theory and multiple intelligences necessary.
  • Proven experience with qualitative and quantitative program evaluation required.
  • Demonstrated experience with web-based communication and the use of social media for program and site marketing desired.
  • Willingness to travel regularly between Hartford and Connecticut Landmarks’ properties on a regular basis required.
  • BA required; MA, MBA or Nonprofit MBA preferred.

PROJECTS TO BE DEVELOPED & IMPLEMENTED IN FY12 INCLUDE:

  • SCVNGR cell phone tours for the Hartford Campus and the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden
  • Programming for the New London premier of the multi-media performance piece In This House
  • Academic conference/symposium
  • Interpretive plans for the Hartford Campus and Hempsted Property
  • Computerized inventory management and visitor data collection system