Careers

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) seeks a full-time Director of Learning based in Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital city.

Position Description Synopsis - find the full document here.

Kentucky history education is at the core of the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) mission.  KHS is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader who will embrace innovation in Kentucky history and education to create learning experiences that provide historical information and develop historical literacy skills that empower us with insight into ourselves, our Commonwealth, our nation, and the world.

The Director of Learning is a senior-level position overseeing a significant portfolio of KHS’s history education-related programs and services, including popular field trips to the KHS campus and participation in National History Day in Kentucky. They lead a team responsible for public history museum programs, student programs, and teacher education activities at the KHS Kentucky History Center, Kentucky’s Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum. The Director of Learning serves as a member of the KHS Leadership Team and is integral to advancing the Kentucky Historical Society’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

They will lead the Learning Team, comprised of education and museum professionals, and KHS leadership in keeping up-to-date an annual and long-range Museum Learning Program Plan.  They work collaboratively with KHS colleagues and other history education organizations across the Commonwealth.  They will be the primary contact for current civics education partnerships with the Kentucky Civic Education Coalition and Made By Us.  

The Director of Learning will be called upon to represent KHS in public meetings and programs, other state agency or cabinet meetings, governing board meetings, education-affiliated groups, or when there is an opportunity to develop and strengthen collaborations with other organizations relating to the KHS mission. They will serve as a fundraising and advocacy partner.

Qualifications

Supervisory - Minimum of 5 (five) years of leadership experience in a museum, history center, or other applicable non-profit settings, overseeing multiple programs, exhibits, and educational efforts.

Education/Experience - Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) plus a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible administration required. Highly experienced senior manager with demonstrated relevant experience in areas of responsibility of a museum, history center, or other museum-related institution; Demonstrated experience managing a high-performing team in a complex structure to include professional development and mentorship; Comprehensive working knowledge of program planning, education, organizational structure, budgeting, administrative operations, and fundraising; Demonstrated development and oversight of budgets and finances.

Special Requirements – Ability to lead the creative development of complex program projects in a museum setting and preferably in a historical context.  This includes project definition of scope, budget, scheduling, fundraising, grant development, and promotional campaigns. Three years of experience developing and implementing major projects is required.

Work Environment - Ability to organize files and projects and complete them on time.  Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion. Must be willing to work Saturdays, some evenings, and occasionally travel.

Salary and Benefits: Annual salary - $70,802.68. Benefits include paid health and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, 401k plan, and an optional deferred compensation plan.

Application Deadline: August 21, 2023

To apply, email cover letter and resume to khs.hr@ky.gov. No phone calls.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

The Kentucky Historical Society is a state agency and membership organization that has full American Alliance of Museums accreditation. Our mission is to educate and engage the public through Kentucky history in order to confront the challenges of the future.