Careers

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 American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov. 

The Genealogy Engagement Specialist position is an integral part of the Library and Publications team and is primarily responsible for sharing our family history collection and insights with visitors across multiple locations and platforms.  

The Genealogy Engagement Specialist is responsible for expanding public engagement with the library's genealogy and local history collections through outreach, programming, partnerships, and digital initiatives. This position cultivates relationships with genealogical and historical organizations, develops educational content and presentations, and promotes the library's resources through conferences, social media, and community events to increase awareness, accessibility, and use of its collections and services.  

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:  

• Create and coordinate public programming that promotes the library's genealogy and local history collections and services. 
• Research, develop, and deliver educational presentations and tours related to genealogy, family history, and local history topics. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with genealogical, historical, and heritage organizations throughout the state. 
• Manage and expand the KY Ancestors Facebook Group presence by creating content, responding to inquiries and comments, encouraging audience engagement, and promoting library resources and initiatives. 
• Assist with the KY Ancestors Online publication to solicit authors, coordinate, edit, review submissions, and develop content.  
• Travel throughout Kentucky as needed to support outreach activities, conferences, programs, and partnership initiatives as a library representative.  
• Research the contextual background of KHS collections and understand their place in Kentucky history, family history, and material culture. 
• Monitor trends and developments in genealogy, local history, and public engagement to identify opportunities for new programs, partnerships, and services. 
• Staff the KHS library reference desk to assist patrons with research and provide access to KHS collections while providing excellent customer service.   
• Assist as needed with patron research requests, photocopy requests, and library projects. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

Click HERE to read the full position description.

Preferred Skills and Abilities: 

• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and online research and genealogy databases. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Strong public speaking and writing skills   
• Problem solving 

Minimum Requirements:  

Education: Minimum of A bachelor’s degree in history or a related field. Master’s degree in library and information science or a related field is preferred. 

Experience, Training, or Skills: Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in an archive/library or equivalent research setting is required 

Substitute Education for Experience: Additional education will substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis. 

Working Conditions: 

• This is a 37.5-hour workweek, Tuesday-Saturday, with holidays, occasional evening, and weekend hours. 
• Must be able to lift materials of up to 25 lbs.  Must be able to remain stationary for long periods. Must be able to use various office systems and machines. 
• Will require in-state travel and occasional out-of-state travel.  

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Research Library Manager.  This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u).  The annual salary for this position is $35,712.48 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period.  Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans. 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov.  No telephone calls are accepted.  The deadline for submissions is 07/31/2026.  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 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law. 

An outstanding opportunity awaits at the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) for a finance executive with operational experience and a proven track record of creative problem-solving and change management.

The Director of Finance & Support Services will lead the effective and efficient financial and operational functions of KHS and contributes to the development of the organization’s strategic goals. This position oversees the stewardship of the KHS’s financial and support assets and ensures a safe and secure experience for both guests and staff. They also serve as the agency contact with Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet CFO and interact with the KHS Governing Board.

The Director of Finance & Support Services works with the KHS Leadership team to ensure the smooth operations of a complex historical organization with approximately 50 employees, an annual budget of $8.2 million, and hosts over 48,000 guests annually.  They will be a thought leader about organizational matters, overseeing and directing policies and procedures related to operations, and leading efforts for process improvements and performance enhancement throughout the organization.  They support the Executive Director in efforts to ensure long-term financial stability, expand capacity, and enhance the overall reputation of KHS and Kentucky history.  

The Director of Finance & Support Services oversees a support staff at the museum, including accounting and finance, security, information technology systems, legal matters, and facilities operation and maintenance for a 167,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art museum, research library, and offices in downtown Frankfort, KY, as well as the Old State Capitol and Kentucky Military History Museum.

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 American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the finance and support services teams.
• Direct overall financial management for the agency, working collaboratively with the KHS Foundation, and always working toward achieving long-term sustainability.
• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for administration, existing programs, and proposed new initiatives.
• Direct and supervise the operational and support functions of KHS including finance, technology, property/facility management, the safety of the work environment, and provision of furnishings and equipment necessary for effective operations.
• Direct the administration and coordination of facility and security services across the KHS campus.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting or related field required, a master’s in business administration or related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in finance or accounting with progressively responsible administration required for areas of responsibility in financial management, facilities operations, and/or technology. At least three (3) years must include supervision and implementing major projects. Must be familiar with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations.

Communication: Ability to write and communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and outside vendors.

Computer Skills: Advanced skill with database management, spreadsheets, and financial management software, along with basic word processing, internet, and email skills.

Work Environment: Ability to organize files and projects and complete them in a timely manner.  Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion.  Must be willing to work some evenings, weekends, and occasionally travel.

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit or stand for long periods.

Preferable Experience and Expertise: Knowledge of point of sales systems, ticketing systems, inventory systems, electronic constituency management systems, or organizational dashboards are useful.  Knowledge and familiarity of the Commonwealth’s eMARS (accounting system) is a plus.  Previous experience in payroll and fiscal operations, both budgeting and procurement, within state government is preferred. Experience in a history organization, museum, or other cultural institution is beneficial. Background in facility management is helpful.

Benefits include paid health and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, state retirement, and optional deferred compensation plan. This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY.  This position is an unclassified (non-merit) position in state government pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $80,372.62 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period.  This position has a regular work schedule of Monday through Friday with a 37.5 hour work week. 

Click HERE to download the full position description.

To apply, e-mail cover letter and resume to khshr@ky.gov. This position is open until filled. Candidate screening will begin on July 13, 2026 and continue until filled.  No phone calls, please.

KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.

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 American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov. 

The Learning Team Manager plays an integral part on the Learning Team, modeling high standards in program development and implementation.  They are responsible for the administrative and tactical support of educational programs on the KHS campus and off-site. They work under the direction of the Director of Learning to implement strategic initiatives and priorities for KHS through effective utilization of staff and resources. The Learning Team Manager often works in partnership with internal colleagues as well as supporting educators and other constituents across the Commonwealth. The position participates in and oversees museum educators that facilitate experiences such as youth programs, museum events, in-classroom and virtual opportunities, field trips, tours, and in-gallery activities.   

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:  

• Guide the development and implementation of learning experiences such as field trips, instructor-led labs, workshops, self-guided activities, and guided tours.  
• Collaborate across KHS functional teams to plan, implement and evaluate programs. 
• Supervise planning and implementation of major KHS events such as, but not limited to, History Day, National History Day KY, Homeschool History Day, Teaching Kentucky History Institute, etc. 
• Assist Director with the Learning Team's program audit process by coordinating reviews, tracking progress, ensuring compliance with established standards, and implementing continuous improvement measures. 
• Hire, train, and supervise full-time museum coordinators and educators, seasonal learning specialists, and contract teachers to implement KHS programs.  
• Manage implementation of budgets, purchases, payments, and classroom inventory. 
• Participate in efforts to update or create policies or procedures within the Learning Team and across the organization. 
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Marketing team to ensure Learning Team programs are communicated effectively, consistently, and in a timely manner. 
• Establish connections with potential constituents, educators, and collaborators and nurture relationships that have already been established. 
• Oversee and participate in day-of operations for student groups including arrival, lunch, and departure.  
• Oversee and participate in gallery experiences that allow the visitors to interpret and investigate artifacts to understand a portion of Kentucky’s history. 
• Provide information about KHS and Learning Team programs through outreach programs, media appearances, grant applications, or other avenues.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Click HERE to see the full position description.

Preferred Skills and Abilities: 

• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency. 
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license. 

Minimum Requirements:  

Education: Master’s degree in museum studies, public history, education or related field.  

Experience, Training, or Skills:  Five years of professional experience in a museum, education, or history-related institution developing, implementing and evaluating educational programming for school, youth, and family audiences.  

Substitute Experience for Education: Experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. 

Working Conditions: 

• This is a 37.5-hour workweek, Monday – Friday. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and occasionally travel. 
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.  Must be able to stand for long periods. 

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Director of Learning.  This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u).  The annual salary for this position is $52,283.52 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period.  Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans. 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov.  No telephone calls are accepted.  The deadline for submissions is 08/21/2026.  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 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.