Current Postings

• Museum Coordinator (Old Saybrook, CT)
• Archivist (Litchfield, CT)
• Executive Director (Kent, CT)
• Executive Director (Windsor, CT)
• Digital Records Archivist (Hartford, CT)
• Director of Facilities and Security (Hartford, CT)
• Rental Associate (Hartford, CT)
• Museum Interpreter (Ridgefield, CT)

Museum Coordinator

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is seeking a part-time (with full-time potential) coordinator for the Katharine Hepburn Museum. The Museum Coordinator plays an integral role in the growth and vibrancy of this unique museum that presents an authentic view of the cultural and historical impact of Miss Hepburn and her family. The position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with staff and the Board of Trustees to maintain and expand the museum’s collections, programming, attendance, funding streams and position among like institutions. The successful candidate should possess a Bachelor’s Degree (major in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Theater, Film Studies or closely related field preferred) with at least three years of experience in museum curation and/or cultural education programs.

Salary: $40,000 - $50,000

Part-time with full-time potential

To read the full job description, click here. Applicants should email (no phone calls please) a resume and cover letter to robin.menzies@thekate.org by July 12, 2024.

Archivist (FT)

Litchfield Historical Society

Salary Range: $45,000-$55,000 + benefits

Position Title: Archivist

Status: Full-Time (40 hrs/week)

Supervisor: Executive Director

Purpose:

The Archivist of the Litchfield Historical Society (LHS) will oversee the physical and intellectual management, development, and processing of the organization’s archival and library collections. They will ensure public access of materials through the use of digital information management tools and oversight of the organization’s public research offerings. They will support teammates in activating archival materials and content through use in exhibitions, programming, and other initiatives.

Qualifications:

Education, Experience, and Knowledge:

• Degree from an ALA-accredited program or degree in Public History, Museum Studies, or related field of study required, master’s preferred. 
• At least 2-5 years of experience in archives, special collections, or museums.
• Alternative combination of degree and experience will be considered so long as proficiency and aptitude in archival and records management can be demonstrated. 
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in museum-based archives, including archival theory, standards, and best practices. 
• Familiarity with archival appraisal, arrangement, description, and processing practices; digitization processes; and cataloging and metadata standards. 
• Knowledge of digital asset management and digital preservation, or willingness to learn. 
• Familiarity with content management systems. Experience with ArchivesSpace desirable.

Skills and Abilities:

• High level of initiative, independence, flexibility, and aptitude to work as a team player with colleagues, volunteers, and interns.
• Excellent research and communication skills – written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Appreciation of the organization’s mission and desire to play an active role in achieving it.
• An interest in U.S., Connecticut, and local history.
• Ability to successfully manage time, priorities, and simultaneous projects, both short- and long-term.
• Desire to interface with donors, visitors, researchers, and colleagues.
• Willingness to attend and assist with occasional evening and weekend events.
• Lifelong learner desiring to stay abreast of archival theory and best practices, and eager to learn new skills and knowledge sets to refine and grow the organization’s capabilities as a collecting repository.

Key Responsibilities:

As a small, non-profit, LHS is team-oriented and collaborative. All staff contribute to the overall success of the organization and its daily operations. To that end, all positions are expected to:

• Achieve the organization’s purpose by demonstrating LHS’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Help others achieve the organization’s purpose through collaboration and teamwork.
• Carry out job function through ensuring completion of the following essential job duties.

Job Responsibilities:

• Process, describe, arrange, and digitize incoming and backlogged archival and library materials according to accepted archival and library standards.
• Create online finding aids in ArchivesSpace and manage book cataloging utilizing Bibliomation.
• Provide oversight and management of archives and library storage area and archival supplies, including working in coordination with the LHS Curator to monitor environmental conditions.
• Handle all registration duties for archival and library materials, including, but not limited to, temporary receipts, accessioning, deaccessioning, incoming and outgoing loans, deeds of gift, and maintaining paperwork and files, physical and digital.
• Identify and evaluate archival and library materials for acquisition, retention, deaccession, and conservation. Work with potential donors. Make recommendations to Executive Director and Collections Committee.

• Provide in-person and remote reference and research assistance to external and internal researchers.
• Support the LHS Curator in exhibition development through the identification of potential materials and resources. Participate as an active member of the staff exhibit team, including intermittent research support, label editing, and design review.
• Support the LHS Head of Education in program development through the identification of potential materials and resources. Provide occasional assistance in delivery of archives related programming.
• Maintain and implement archival and research plans, policies, and procedures (ex: processing manual, housekeeping plan for archival storage, institutional document retention plan, reading room user guidelines). Work in collaboration with LHS Curator to maintain and implement institutional collections policies and plans (ex: collections management policy and collections development plan).
• Coordinate updates to, and maintenance of, LHS’s ArchivesSpace instance, BentoSpace site, and The Ledger database with contract developer.
• Fulfill image requests for archives materials.
• Work with Executive Director to identify potential grants and implement grant projects.
• Work with LHS Curator and Collections Committee Chair to coordinate quarterly collections committee meetings.
• Maintain and develop donor relationships.
• Supervise volunteers and interns.
• Remain current on archives, library, and museum practices and standards.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

To Apply:

Please email cover letter and resume to jjenkins@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org .

Executive Director (PT)

Kent Historical Society

The Kent Historical Society is seeking an energetic part-time Executive Director. The Society is a donor-supported nonprofit organization, founded in 1954. Our mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the rich history of Kent as well as to provide educational and research material to enrich the public understanding of Kent's artistic and cultural heritage. The prized possession of the Kent Historical Society is Seven Hearths, a large pre-Revolutionary house. As the flagship of the Flanders National Historic District, and the only original building open to the public, Seven Hearths offers a unique view of the early development of the Town of Kent. For much of the twentieth century, it was the home and studio of noted New York artist George Laurence Nelson. We also own a pre-Revolutionary one room school house. With the exception of the Executive Director and the Curator/Archivist, we are a volunteer-based organization with a membership of over 450.

JOB SUMMARY:   The role of the Executive Director is to work closely with the board and staff to ensure that the mission and vision of the Kent Historical Society are realized and the goals of the organization are met. The Executive Director is the face of the organization to the entire community, the public, membership, guests, clients, vendors and all others. As such the Executive Director will always act with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism. The Director is responsible for administering the policies formulated by the Board and for providing overall direction of the day-to-day operation of the organization. The Director reports to the Board, supports the Board and staff in the performance of their duties and provides leadership in meeting the strategic goals of the organization.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform routine administrative duties including mail, email, banking, membership processing and communications, newsletters, website and other social media updates.
• Manage and participate in comprehensive fund development and fundraising programs to ensure the financial health of the organization. Provide creative leadership through the development and implementation of long-range planning by ensuring that the goals of the Strategic Plan are achieved and revised as appropriate.
• Undertake and manage public relations activities and effectively represent the Kent Historical
• Society to governmental, professional, civic and private agencies.
• Ensure that the Kent Historical Society is providing creative, regular and educational programming to the public and members of the Kent Historical Society.
• Supervise the curator, the assistant and any future full or part-time employees, as well as oversee the volunteer program needed to carry out the Kent Historical Society projects, including events and exhibitions.
• Oversee all properties owned by KHS, including the Seven Hearths museum, Tallman House and Skiff Mountain Schoolhouse.
• Part-time position is 24 hours (generally three days a week, which occasionally includes weekends and evenings).

Job Qualifications/Expectations:

The applicant must have an outgoing personality and enjoy working effectively and courteously with the various constituencies, including the public, members, volunteers, donors, staff and Board members. Demonstrate strong leadership, and organizational and communication skills. Have an ability to work under deadlines and pressure and also be able to accurately handle a number of projects at various levels of completion simultaneously.

Have a background in cultural organizations, especially museum experience, OR be willing to participate in professional development and nonprofit learning.

Have an educational background in history or a related field, OR at least a committed interest in history, in order to help strengthen the community’s connection to our past, each other and to our future.

Have computer literacy and familiarity with current technological tools.

Part-time position is 24 hours per week which occasionally includes weekends and evenings. Annual Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000, depending on experience.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume and three references to hiring@kenthistoricalsociety.org.

Executive Director

Windsor Historical Society

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the chief executive officer of the Windsor Historical Society and will be a strategic and people-oriented executive who values community engagement and leads with a clear sense of purpose and direction. As the face of the organization, the ED will build authentic relationships with the community by regularly communicating with civic leaders and public officials and developing and nurturing partnerships with community groups, and the greater Windsor nonprofit and business communities to ensure the Historical Society is seen as a cultural and educational resource. Reporting to the board of directors, the ED will oversee all society operations and be an active presence and support for the staff. This individual will ensure widely held museum and public history best practices are followed in the care and stewardship of collections and all matters related to the society's operations and strategic priorities including WHS’s commitment to inclusion and community building.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Strategic and Visionary Leadership
• Guide and ensure the implementation of WHS’ strategic plan and inclusion action plan leading diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion efforts to engage the community and transform the society’s collections, programs, and the stories it tells to reflect Windsor’s diverse community.
• Develop, steward, and maintain strategic partnerships throughout the community to enhance the society’s reputation, relevancy, and standing locally and regionally in support of its mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Participate in local, regional, and national industry meetings and organizations to share and implement current best practices and industry standards with staff.
• Serve as the chief advancement officer for the institution, working collaboratively with the board and staff to design, set, and achieve operational and strategic revenue and communication goals.
• Embrace other strategic and visionary leadership responsibilities, as needed.
  
  Administration and Operational Excellence
• Provide day-to-day management and supervision of WHS operations and programming according to its bylaws, policies, and strategic plan.
• Develop strategies, procedures, and goals that will support the staff’s creative and professional development and encourage a workplace environment that fosters employee engagement.
• Assume primary responsibility for the preparation and approval of the annual financial budget and operating plans, collaborating with the treasurer and finance committee; and serving as liaison to auditors, endowment managers, and other contractors.
• Ensure that the necessary organizational structure, policies, systems controls, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed for sustainability.
• Embrace other administration and operational excellence responsibilities, as needed.

Revenue Enhancement and Community Engagement

• Lead staff and board in development operations and activities including fundraisers, annual appeals, membership programs, and planned giving strategy.
• Maintain strong relationships with the funders, developing effective donor stewardship and cultivation methods with the board and staff.
• Manage grant application calendar and work with society staff to prepare and submit grant applications, monitoring compliance and reporting within grant parameters.
• Supervise media and external communications including production of quarterly newsletter annual report, press releases, website, and all official publications.
• Embrace other revenue enhancement and community engagement responsibilities, as needed.

Governance and Board Relations

• Build and nurture strong relationships across the board of directors; providing support to best utilize the board’s talents and resources, effectively mobilizing volunteers in support of the society’s mission.
• Partner with the board in prospect identification, cultivation, recruitment, and orientation of new board members.
• Facilitate the flow of all information between the board and the society staff; attend monthly board, executive committee, and other committee meetings.
• Serve as an effective partner to the board’s policy-making role by researching and recommending best practice policies, procedures, and plans and lead the organization in the successful implementation of board decisions.
• Embrace other governance and board relations responsibilities, as needed.

Collections Stewardship, Exhibition, and Program Planning

• Establish diverse exhibitions and program plans that support the society’s vision and operational goals in collaboration with the curatorial staff.
• Seek opportunities to develop and strengthen exhibitions and programs through partnerships with other historical and cultural organizations, collectors, and educational institutions.
• Ensure the sound and responsible management of the collection, research, and archives, including legal, social, and ethical obligations.
• Embrace other collections stewardship, exhibition, and program planning responsibilities, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Executive Director will be a collaborative, people-oriented, emotionally intelligent leader who values teamwork, continuous improvement, and collaboration with others. An active member of the community, this individual will enthusiastically interact with a diverse constituency with cultural acuity to develop partnerships that support WHS and enhance the community. The Executive Director will have the capacity to adapt to frequent change while maintaining focus on the organization’s goals and priorities. They will bring a balance of professional expertise, credibility, and interpersonal skills along with a strong capacity for self-management and the highest levels of personal accountability and integrity. Versatile and receptive to new ideas and methodologies, this individual will be an intellectually curious, innovative, and harmonious professional with a proven track record of success.

Other key competencies include:

• Interpersonal Skills – The ability to build rapport and develop and nurture relationships with people across the organization and throughout the community, demonstrating a sincere interest in others.
• Diplomacy – The aptitude to handle situations gracefully and with sensitivity, and communicate effectively by listening, observing, and appreciating cultural and personal perspectives.
• Self-Starting and Personal Accountability – The capacity to prioritize and complete tasks necessary to meet or exceed the agreed-upon expectations of the role, and to assume accountability for personal actions.
• Leadership and Teamwork – The capacity to articulate a vision and create a sense of purpose and direction for internal and external stakeholders, build trust by demonstrating respect and integrity, and create an environment where team members are appreciated and supported, enabling their success.
• Resiliency – The agility to quickly recover from adversity or setbacks and move past obstacles with a sense of humor and without delay.

Qualifications

At least five years of progressively responsible leadership experience within a museum, arts, educational, historical, or nonprofit organization is required. A master’s degree in history, museum studies (or equivalent experience), is recommended. Previous senior leadership level with supervision responsibilities is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate success and commitment to principles associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion. They must possess a passion for community outreach and resource development as well as knowledge of the needs, best practices, and standards of the field and the ability to generate enthusiasm, inspire others, and translate vision into workable priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

Windsor Historical Society offers competitive compensation with an anticipated annual salary range between $85,000 and $100,000. Benefits include paid time off, holidays, sick leave, personal days, and health and dental insurance with WHS covering 75% for individuals or 50% of costs for family plans.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please click here or visit artsconsulting.com/opensearches. For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, including the anticipated salary range, please contact: Renée Danger-James, Vice President

Digital Records Archivist

Connecticut State Library

The Connecticut State Library (CSL), has one (1) available opportunity for a Librarian 2 (Digital Records Archivist) - State Library, within the State Archives. The position's primary location will be the State Library and Supreme Court Building, 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT  

POSITION DETAILS:

• Full time, 40 hours per week
• Monday-Friday
• 8:00am-4:30pm
• Located in Hartford, CT

 POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The incumbent will serve as the Digital Records Archivist. The incumbent in this position will report to the Assistant State Archivist. This position performs a wide variety of archival work which includes:

• Developing and maintaining a sustainable program for the long-term preservation of permanent born-digital and digitized materials including related policies, procedures, and workflows
• Appraising, transferring, processing, describing, and providing access to digital records and manuscript materials
• Collaborating with records creators, records management, information technology, Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA) staff, and donors on the long term preservation of public records and manuscript materials

The work requires considerable knowledge of:

• Archival theory, standards, and best practices
• Digital preservation standards, policies, procedures, and best practices
• The organization and workings of state and local government
• The principles and concepts of information governance through the various phases of the records lifecycle
• Risk mitigation and disaster response for digital records as part of agency and municipal continuity of business operations

ABOUT CSL:

CSL is an Executive Branch agency founded in 1854. The State Library provides a variety of archival, records management, museum, library, information, and administrative services to employees and officials in the three branches of State government as well as various communities within Connecticut, students, libraries, researchers, and town governments. It consists of the State Archives, Office of the Public Records Administrator, Museum of Connecticut History, References Services: History and Genealogy, Law and Legislation, and Government Information; and the Division of Library Development and the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books.

Director of Facilities and Security (Permanent, full time, 35 hours/week)

Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (formerly the Connecticut Historical Society)

This position is responsible for managing the facility and grounds maintenance and upkeep, security, and oversight of collections housing of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History.  S/he is responsible for ensuring that the systems, policies, procedures required to support these operations are in place and kept current, and for hiring, supervising, evaluating and guiding the staff and contractors responsible for carrying out the duties below.

• Oversee the successful operation of the Museum’s real estate holdings, including the main office building (external landmark status) and exhibition spaces;
• Oversee planning and implementation for all capital projects for facilities.
• Partner with the Chief Curator of Collections to ensure collections security and safety including the maintenance of HVAC-related standards to support an optimal collections environment, safety awareness, collections housing, and work/study activities in all storage and public service spaces;
• Propose and manage budget development and monitoring of the annual operating budget for the facility and security;
• Liaison to external building and security contractors. Manage various contractors from initial contact to completion and monitor their performance; negotiate favorable terms with contractors and suppliers; schedule work to ensure minimum disruption to core activities. Direct, accompany and monitor as needed.
• Manage contracted seasonal grounds and garden care including weeding, watering, pruning and snow removal.
• Supervise staff responsible for daily housekeeping and long-term maintenance and repair of the facility.
• As needed, assist and back-up staff with room set-up and take-down needs for programs, and in performing routine periodic maintenance such as light carpentry, plumbing and painting as required.
• Monitor and assist in the maintenance of the Museum’s facility and grounds including, but not limited to: roofs, drainage, mechanical, environmental, electrical, fire and security systems, as well as housekeeping using a combination of hands-on activity and vendor services;
• Coordinate and manage various capital improvement projects as they may arise from time-to-time, including space renovations, roofing repairs/replacements, HVAC enhancements, groundskeeping initiatives, and security system improvements;
• Manage the security functions of all Museum properties to ensure public, staff and collection safety;
• Manage access rights, keys/fobs and other physical security.

Experience required:

• Experience and ability to negotiate with and supervise outside contractors;
• Technical understanding of building systems, including, but not limited to HVAC equipment and controls and modern security systems;
• Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making ability essential;
• Strong management skills; supervisory experience required;
• Must be able and available to work extra hours and a flexible schedule; some weekend work required and in case of emergency;
• 5+ years’ relevant experience required.
• For additional information and complete position description, please visit: https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/job-internships/ . 

Compensation: $65,000 - $75,000 per year. Generous benefits. Schedule: Full time, Tuesday through Saturday. Two Thursdays per month Noon-8pm when there is Museum programming. On-site in Hartford, CT.  How to apply Please email cover letter and resume to Susan Presutti, Director of Human Resources, spresutti@connecticutmuseum.org, by June 17, 2024. The Connecticut Museum is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer.

Rental Associate ($20/hour; not to exceed 900 hours a year), travel up to 75%

Connecticut Landmarks

Connecticut Landmarks seeks a Rental Associate to coordinate a wide range of rental events (including weddings, social, corporate, and community events) at the Nathan Hale Homestead (Coventry, CT), the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden (Suffield, CT), and the Butler-McCook House & Garden (Hartford, CT). This position reports directly to the Executive Director with support from the Director of Public Engagement & Marketing and Site Administrators.

Examples of work duties include:

• representing the organization during meetings with potential and confirmed clients;
• coordinating events from contracting to implementation;
• working with site staff to ensure appropriate scheduling;
• attending all events, ensuring the safety of our historic properties and collections;
• and supporting client satisfaction.

Applicants must be well organized, outgoing, and have a strong attention to detail. Experience in sales, marketing, hospitality, event management, or similar is required. Must have both writing and verbal communication skills with experience in database and event management. Applicants must have a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays – particularly between May and October. Travel between Hartford and Connecticut Landmarks’ historic sites will be necessary, and applicant must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive to properties throughout the state. At least three years’ experience in sales, marketing, hospitality, event management, event planning, or another related field desired. Candidates with a comparable combination of education and experience are welcome to apply.

The position is permanent part-time, with most hours between May and October. The compensation is $20/hour with travel reimbursement and a flexible work environment.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and at least three references to Robert Brock, Interim Executive Director at robert.brock@ctlandmarks.org with the subject line: “Rental Associate.” References will not be contacted without the applicant’s consent. 

See the full job posting on Connecticut Landmarks' website.