Director of Interpretation

Principal Function: The Director of Interpretation at Conner Prairie will be responsible for leading a large team of dedicated museum interpretation staff and facilitating a comprehensive interpretive plan aligned with the Institution’s mission, values and strategic planning. This leadership position requires exceptional communication skills (written and oral) combined with extensive knowledge of museum operations, visitor studies, a variety of learning styles and teaching pedagogy in museum environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:

Provides leadership and direction for the Interpretation department.
Ensures alignment of Conner Prairie’s interpretive plan with the industry’s best practices as well as the institution’s mission, vision, values and strategic plan.
Collaborates with directors and managers across the institution to help reimagine and evaluate the content and research of the institution.
Oversees the administration of projects with respect to budgeting, community engagement, marketing, programmatic development, reporting, staffing and tracking.
Builds professional partnerships that strengthen and expand Conner Prairie’s interpretive repertoire.
Participates in and serves as an advisor to community and national organizations as it relates to museum historical interpretation.
Collaborates with various teams (especially Education, Programs and Trades) to develop classes, lectures and workshops.
Develops and implements a regular schedule for evaluation of Interpretation staff to assess alignment with methodology, mission, and DEAI initiatives.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Project supervision and supervision of Interpretation Manager, Domestic Trades Manager and Senior Interpreters. May include additional supervision dependent on departmental growth and future structuring.

Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, Museum Studies, or related field is required. A Master’s Degree in History, Public History or related field is desired. A minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a museum or similar non-profit environment is required.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations

may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:

Customer Service – Responds to requests for service and assistance; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping one’s emotions under control; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
Diversity – Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality/Quantity – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to promote and improve quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity and works quickly.
Safety/Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and events on time; Follows instructions; Responds to management’s direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan.
Job-related Competencies – To perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
Project Management – Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Other Skills and Abilities: The following skills and abilities are either required or desired.

Computer software skills, including Microsoft 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and collections databases.
A strong historical and civic literacy.
An ability to write and implement an interpretive plan.
A working knowledge of various museum interpretive tools and trends.
An ability to coach and direct a large team of full and part-time staff.
A working knowledge of collections and material culture appropriate for our organization’s time periods (especially mid 19th century) is required.
An ability to adjust interpretive techniques for various audiences.
The knowledge relating to the logistics and handling of collection of items is required.
The ability to prepare and maintain financial budgets is required.
Written and spoken fluency in English is required; a passing knowledge of Spanish, ASL or other languages is desired.
A high emotional intelligence and an adaptability to a fast-paced, fluid environment is vital.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently will stand; walk; and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  The employee occasionally will climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally is exposed to working near moving mechanical parts and the risk of electrical shock when working with office equipment and outdoor weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

While the offices of Conner Prairie are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, this position may require work beyond these hours and on the weekends. It also may require occasional domestic travel.  Thus, a valid driver’s license is desired.