The Director of Programs and Operations at the Hingham Historical Society is a highly visible management position for an experienced museum or public history professional seeking a small museum environment and the opportunity to advance in the field. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Society’s three museums and the successful implementation of its annual calendar of programs and events, you will report to and work closely with the Executive Director, manage select part-time staff and engage with a variety of constituents including vendors, volunteers, donors, the local community and our talented Board of Directors. Success in your role ensures excellent operation of our museums and enables the Executive Director to focus on Strategic Advancement and Development and to manage the balance of our part time staff. Together the Director of Programs and Operations and the Executive Director will lead the delivery of the Society’s robust program schedule including in the important commemorative years of 2025 and 2026 and with the Board of Directors, create and implement a strategic plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Programs and Operations is responsible for designing and delivering effective, innovative, and engaging programs and events across our three museums that reflect our content and collections and respond to the needs of our varied audiences and supporters. Currently, our annual calendar includes seven ongoing programs and 18-20 annual events. Working with staff, vendors, community partners and receiving guidance from Board level committees, you will strategically manage and implement within budget the scheduling, promotion, launch, ticketing, staffing, execution and evaluation of those programs and events. You will work with the Executive Director and Board to evaluate and report out the results striving for continual improvement in programs and the visitor experience and with that, increased revenue through ticketing, membership and donations.
Day-to-day responsibilities include being the senior leader on site and successfully managing staff, the visiting public, donors, members, partners and vendors. You will model Museum leadership in communication, behavior and dress. You will work a Tuesday - Saturday schedule with occasional nighttime events.
Program Management
- Ensure quality in content delivery, and alignment with the museum's mission, annual revenue goals and our developing Strategic and Interpretive Plan
- Oversee program logistics and delivery, including hands-on participation in execution
- Develop or fine tune systems and protocols to prepare and manage program and event budgets, and monitor program performance against targets
- Lead the planning of a robust annual schedule of formal and informal programs using in-person, hybrid and virtual platforms
- Guide and coordinate program design and content, leveraging internal talent and content and external content experts
- Generate and develop program ideas
- Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with new and existing collaborating partners
- Collaborate with a Communications Associate to create content for use on social media, the Society website, and other audience engagement platforms that will generate excitement about and participation in programs
- Represent the Historical Society in the community in positive ways that further enhance the museum's goals and build reputation
- Stay informed of trends and current best practices in the professional field, connect with local and regional resources, and share information appropriately
Financial
- Working with the Executive Director, prepare and manage the annual budget in your areas of responsibility
- Operate within annual budget goals, course correcting as needed
- Create and sustain programming that generates earned revenue in accordance with annual goals
- Provide financial analysis at individual and aggregate program levels
- Work closely with the Executive Director and the Development Manager on a coordinated annual schedule of events, on program and event sponsorships, and to support other Development activity as needed
Staff & Staff Management
- Work with colleagues to establish appropriate staffing to achieve program goals, including training, scheduling, supporting, and working collaboratively with paid staff and volunteers and assisting with program implementation
- Manage the Membership Manager, Education Specialist and Visitor Services staff to:
- set annual goals
- work with their respective Board committees
- establish and refine their work schedule
- manage on-site visitation including school, youth and adult groups
- manage general visitation
- Hire a contract Communications Associate or promotion company who is responsible for our monthly newsletter, social media, event photography, digital and print program promotion. The Communications Associate will
- Work with Staff to understand the programs we offer
- Aggregate photo and text resources for proper promotion
- Work with vendors for creation of print promotions
- Work with webmaster for promotion of events and programs
- Evaluate effectiveness of promotions and report statistics quarterly
- Work collegially and cooperatively with departments across the organization to ensure good communication and the effective management and promotion of all programs and events
- Lead regular cross-departmental meetings to share information and timely operational and logistical details
Evaluation & Reporting
- Design and conduct evaluation to measure program effectiveness
- Develop or adjust programming as necessary in response to evaluative data and expressed audience needs and interests
- Track, analyze, and report regularly on program data, including participation, budgetary performance, and impact upon participation
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of four years of previous experience planning and delivering programs at a historic site, in a museum or other cultural non-profit organization in positions of progressive responsibility
- Minimum of two years of experience supervising staff and/or volunteers
- Bachelor's degree in History, Museum Education, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Education, or other relevant field
- Commitment to providing high quality visitor experiences and enthusiastic work with all members of the public
- Experience working collaboratively as a member of a team, and leading teams and partnerships
- Ability to work constructively and professionally with diverse groups across an organization
- Comfort working independently and taking initiative to perform multiple tasks efficiently without close supervision
- Punctuality and the ability to work a flexible schedule
- Evening and weekend work as needed (Saturdays and typically one or two evening commitments per month)
- Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent negotiation, resource management, and problem-solving skills
- Experience and comfort with technology, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office suite, Constant Contact, social media sites including Instagram and Facebook, audio-visual equipment, and internet conferencing.
- Interest in American History
- Must be able to lift 30 pounds unassisted, be on your feet for extended periods of time, and walk over irregular terrain
- Must have current driver's license and pass training program to operate museum golf cart