Description

The Interpretation Coordinator i s an integral member of the Old Salem Education and Interpretation leadership team, charged with moving OSMG forward as a place of continued discovery, learning, and sharing preserving artifacts and skills. This position will drive the development of learning opportunities for the K-12 school community, walk-in visitors, and adult group tours, as interpretation relates to spaces of the historic district that are more focused on storytelling and facilitating visitor activity than demonstration. The coordinator will lead the Museum Interpretation team to create a professional culture emphasizing research, customer service, and engaging storytelling.

The position is an exempt full-time position responsible for developing and implementing educational programs that utilize 18th and 19 th -century Moravian history to teach a variety of topics to a diverse audience. The position oversees all Museum Interpreters who work as door greeters, parlor interpreters, and storytellers and it is responsible for unifying the programming of multiple spaces. This role reports to the Director of Education.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Education:

• Develop standards-based interpretive programs that align with education objectives and maximize resources within budget.
• Conduct research, experimentation, and interpretation planning as a part of guiding Museum Interpreter staff with storytelling, education, and customer service as its focus.
• Implement educational programs, including the preparation and presentation of programs and events, both on-site, off-site, and through digital franchise.
• Help lead special tours, student education programs, and other projects as needed.
• Maintain the flow of visitors within the historic spaces and provide quality education and engaging storytelling.
• Wear appropriate period clothing provided while performing the work to maintain the historical accuracy of the site. And oversee compliance and accuracy within the team.
• Develop learning materials for the historic site to be used in daily activities and events.
• Provide direction in purchasing and behind-the-scenes operations including the maintenance of equipment, training, and safety of staff, that support daily activities and events in the historic district.
• Maintain the historical accuracy of the site in a period-appropriate manner using up-to-date research, programming, and interpretive techniques.
• Represent Old Salem at classes, presentations, and professional organizations with respect, dedication, and professionalism.
• Collaborate as needed with other museums and historic sites.

• Maintain cleanliness and preservation of the assigned historic location.

Safety & Security:

• Act as manager-on-duty on a rotating basis with other coordinators
• Provide safety support, including fire prevention, for the historic district as assigned.
• Enforce agency safety policies and procedures .

Staffing:

• Oversee staff of at least three full-time and four part-time Educators, including scheduling staff and providing supervision and evaluation.
• Lead the professional development of new Educators and volunteers throughout the department, as well as provide direct professional development opportunities for division staff.
• Monitor the stock of consumable supplies and re-stock supplies when necessary.
• Participate in the interview and selection process of new staff.
• Participate in and present at regular departmental meetings and all staff meetings.
• Must be available to occasionally work evenings, and weekends for special events.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Learn to work with K-12 Social Studies standards and work to ensure that interpretation touches upon select standards
• Work to unify interpretation between various related spaces.

• Provide support to other Educators within the department, as needed.
• Adhere to all OSMG Policies and Procedures.
• Participate in required OSMG training and continuing education programs & readings.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Preferred 4-year degree in History, Education, Museum Studies, Public History, or other related field.
• Experience with or willingness to learn how to work with K-12 Social Studies Standards
• Minimum of one year of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrate confidence in presenting on controversial history topics such as race relations, religion, gender roles, and enslavement.
• Must be customer service oriented, be able to communicate effectively, and be organized .
• Must have at least three years of experience working in Education, Museum work, or Heritage Sites.
• Must work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push, pull, crawl, and sit on low chairs.
• The work is conducted year-round in all weather conditions.

• May require working near a fire.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud.

DIRECT REPORTS:

• Full-time Educators
• Part-time Educators
• Volunteer Interpreters