The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Museum Programs Team seeks an outgoing and collaborative colleague to join us in helping students engage with Kentucky’s history. The Museum Programs Coordinator will join a creative and energetic team where they will help grow Kentucky’s chapter of National History Day, the ultimate history-centered, inquiry-inspired, project-based learning experience for students in grades 4 to 12. Through the creation of exhibits, websites, documentaries, performances, and papers, National History Day in Ky (NHDKy) provides experiences that promote an understanding and appreciation for the use of history to build critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and presentation skills -- all skills that benefit them both inside and outside of the classroom.

This position will also work with the other members of the Learning Team to offer museum tours, outreach, programs, and special events. Students travel from all over to visit our three museum sites – the Kentucky Military History Museum, the Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky History Center – to learn about Kentucky’s past. The Museum Programs Coordinator will guide school groups and deliver educational programming in an exciting way. When done successfully, the work of the Museum Programs Coordinator provides a positive experience for students and teachers, wanting them to come back for more.

The Kentucky Historical Society:

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet.  The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort:  The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more.  KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has full American Alliance of Museums accreditation.

To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, visit https://history.ky.gov

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Coordinate National History Day in Kentucky, a student outreach program:

• Organize multiple regional contests and one statewide contest that showcases student projects.  This includes managing the online registration system, logistics, vendors, judges, volunteers, and participants.
• Maintain relationships with colleges and universities, local history organizations, school districts, and museums to support the program with teacher recruitment, contest space, judge recruitment, and project development.
• Arrange an experience for the national contest participants in June that includes a guided trip to Washington, D.C.
• Meet requirements for existing grants that fund NHD activities and support efforts to find new grants as needed.

Coordinate programs delivered to the student and teacher audience:

• Use inquiry-based learning practices to provide outreach lessons in K-12 schools that coincide with best practices in Social Studies education and compliance with Kentucky Academic Standards in Social Studies.
• Provide opportunities such as field trips and museum experiences that allow students to interpret and investigate Kentucky’s past at our three museum sites.
• Work with the Teacher Resources Manager to offer professional development workshops and provide educational resources to teachers.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of professional experience in a museum, history center, library, school, or other related institution, preferably working with students and/or teachers, along with experience planning and facilitating programs and events.
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in history, education, communication, event management, or a related field is required.
• Specialized Knowledge: Basic knowledge of Kentucky history and new educational trends is preferred.  Previous engagement with the National History Day program is not necessary but is a plus.
• Skills: Basic internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email competency required. Professional customer service abilities.
• Abilities: Write and communicate effectively with a variety of audiences including teachers, students, parents, staff, volunteers, and vendors. Has high attention to detail with the ability to organize files and multiple projects at once and complete them in a timely manner. Has demonstrated success at relationship building in different communities and with diverse stakeholders with both existing partners and new ones.
• Other Characteristics: Personable nature and a high degree of comfort speaking in front of large audiences. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical Demands:  Must be able to remain stationary (sitting or standing) for long periods. This position will travel between the KHS campus of three separate museums – the Kentucky Military History Museum, the Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky History Center – all located in downtown Frankfort within a .25-mile radius.
• Work Schedule: The position works on a regular Monday-to-Friday schedule, 37.5 hours per week, but must be willing to work some Saturdays, evenings, and holidays and travel to help support the mission, programs, and special events of the Kentucky Historical Society.
• Location: The primary office for this position will be located at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History at 100 W. Broadway in downtown Frankfort.
• Probational Period:  This job has an initial probationary period of six (6) months.

DIRECT REPORTS:  None.

For a complete position description, visit history.ky.gov/about/careers.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Teacher Resources Manager. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $37,028.64. Benefits include health and life insurance, 401k retirement plan, deferred compensation plan options, optional dental and vision insurance, monthly accrued vacation and sick leave, and holiday pay.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 21, 2024. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. 

KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, genetic information, or veteran status in accordance with state and federal laws.