Lead Educator/Interpreter (Program Specialist III)
Under the supervision of the Complex Site Manager, this position performs complex educational and interpretive services work for the Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site and Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site. Work involves overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of a full range of interpretive, educational, and outreach programs and events intended to promote the site’s history, increase visitation, and encourage stakeholder participation. Work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1. Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all interpretive and educational programs provided at Levi Jordan Plantation, and Varner-Hogg Plantation, including, but not limited to school tours, adult tours, seminars, workshops, and special programs.
2. Serve as the subject expert in the development of a new museum exhibits and interpretive programs.
3. Will be a point of contact with the African American Advisory Committee.
4. Serve as an on-site project management team member in the site’s development.
5. Research, develop and deliver programs related to the site’s collections, exhibits, and cultural/natural resources as needed.
6. Work in conjunction with the Educator/Interpreter in developing and implementing educational tours and special programs.
7. Greet visitors, provide site orientation and conduct tours.
8. Coordinate with Site Manager and Regional Collections Manager on matters relating to permanent and educational collection items including but not limited to care, use, acquisitions, deaccessions etc.
9. Assist with site marketing efforts by creating advertisements, print materials, and website/social media posts to promote programs and special events.
10. Write and publish articles for newspapers, newsletters and publications, print or electronic for all audiences.
11. Collaborate and develop relationships with local agencies, businesses, universities, and organizations to create and implement mutually beneficial programming as well as strengthen the site’s partnership with the community to better serve key audiences.
12. Provide cultural resource protection and maintenance of historic structures and sensitive grounds; protects material culture; and provide curatorial care of artifacts.
13. Speak to public and private groups to promote interest in the site and museum.
14. Speak to the public and private groups on the difficult truths of the enslaved and the climate surrounding the time period.
15. Develop and maintain training materials (instructional manuals or videos, etc.), as needed.
16. Oversee the workflow of the education, interns and volunteer staff.
17. Monitor, evaluate, and review programs for policy compliance and adherence to site goals.
18. Create and monitor an evaluation process to assess the quality and impact of all programs.
19. Participate and manage volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling.
20. Prepare reports and maintain records, particularly regarding site programming.
21. Assist with fundraising and grants, as needed.
22. Assist in preparing the annual budget for interpretive and educational program initiatives and monitoring of related expenses.
23. Assist with front counter duties including revenue handling, museum retail sales, phone calls, and visitor interactions as needed.
24. Assist with events both during operational hours and after hours.
25. Assist with maintenance and housekeeping, as needed.
26. Supervise, train and evaluate the work of other staff and volunteers.
27. Adhere to established work schedule with regular attendance.
28. Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
29. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
· Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in education, history, museum studies focused on African, African American, or African Diasporic Studies, or closely related field
· Minimum two years’ work experience in at least two of the following areas: (1) cultural resource interpretation at a historic site, museum, or similar facility; (2) researching, developing, and implementing public interpretive programs or events; (3) researching and writing for publication in a related field listed above;
· Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
· Required to travel up to 15% of the work period.
PREFER:
· Master’s degree in African, African American, or African Diasporic Studies or closely related field;
· Experience planning, implementing, and managing a historic site or museum school tour education program;
· Certification in interpretive techniques from a nationally recognized institution; or
· Experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for education programs.
To apply for this position, please complete the electronic State of Texas Application for Employment through WorkInTexas.com