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Senior Curator of Archaeology, State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is looking for a versatile and experienced archaeologist to direct the archeology section of the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the official museum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a Senior Curator, you will oversee a team of archaeologists who preserve more that 11.5 million artifacts and use them to help tell the story of more than 12,000 years of Pennsylvania history through changing exhibitions and public programs. You will have the opportunity to represent PHMC within the field of archaeology at the state and national level, developing new initiatives related to outreach and fieldwork. If you have a passion for Pennsylvania, archeology, and museums, apply today to become part of the State Museum’s curatorial leadership team.

As a Senior Curator of Archaeology, you will oversee a team of archaeologists within the State Museum of Pennsylvania, supervising all programs and activities including collecting artifacts and collection registration, documentation, cataloging, inventorying, and physical care in accordance with laws, regulations, and best practices. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with leadership and other senior curators to incorporate Pennsylvania archaeology within the exhibits and programs of the State Museum. Work involves overseeing and contributing to the development of short- and long-term plans for museum exhibits, writing and editing scripts, and serving as a content advisor. You will also be responsible for developing research projects including limited seasonal fieldwork that result in an exhibition, publications, and/or public interpretation programs as well as working closely with the State Historic Preservation Office and PHMC’s Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums, where fieldwork may be conducted. Lastly, you will serve as a link to archaeological organizations and the public, responding to inquiries concerning prehistoric and historic archaeology and making identifications of archaeological artifacts and collections.

Closing date: 6/3/25

Salary range: $66,250.00 - $100,686.00 Annually

Please click here to see the full job description and apply.
(Posted 5/5)

Archivist 3, Pennsylvania State Archives, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg

Are you a dedicated leader with a passion for archival sciences?  Join forces with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) as an Archivist 3 and serve as the head of the Records Services Section!  This rewarding position is responsible for state and local records management programs and assists agencies and local governments with records management retention concerns and advising them on records storage and best practices.  Showcase your organizational skills by managing the appraisal and accessioning of Commonwealth records for the State Archives and overseeing the State Archives grant program and several outreach programs.  Apply today to help with our mission to discover, protect, and share Pennsylvania’s past, inspiring others to value and use our history in meaningful ways.

As the head of the Records Services Section, you will supervise professional Archivists working in a portion of a statewide archival program to ensure the preservation and availability of Government records and to stimulate interest in the principles and methods of maintaining and using historic manuscripts and records.  Work involves planning and conducting specialized programs for accessioning, inventorying, appraising, arranging, describing, and preserving documentary materials and public records; providing advice and guidance to government officials and agencies on record retention, storage, and preservation issues; and making recommendations relating to the collection and disposition of public records.  Duties may also include planning and participating in informational programs, conferences, workshops, and seminars, in addition to supervising technical and clerical employees.  Work is performed independently and is reviewed by a manager for compliance with policies, procedures, regulations, and expected outcomes.

Closing date: 5/22/25

Salary range: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually

Please click here to see the full job description and apply.
(Posted 5/5)

Director of Programs and Engagement, Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth

The Moravian Historical Society seeks an experienced nonprofit professional to advance its mission through program leadership and community engagement. The Director of Programs and Engagement is responsible for the development and implementation of dynamic programming to reach new audiences, build relationships with existing audiences, and enhance public engagement. The Director of Programs and Engagement also manages activities and initiatives associated with the fundraising, marketing, and public relations efforts, including corporate sponsorships, grants, membership, and individual giving. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Programs and Engagement will work with the staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors to achieve the overall goals of the organization. The successful candidate will provide leadership regarding trends in history museums, museum education, and community relations and outreach.

About the Moravian Historical Society 

The Moravian Historical Society (MHS) is home to some of America’s rarest treasures, illustrating Moravian contributions to American industry, education, music, and art. Founded in 1857, the Moravian Historical Society cares for a 3-acre historic site, two 18th century structures, and a significant museum collection of objects important to the story of early America. MHS shares this fascinating history through publications and a robust schedule of educational programs, guided tours, museum exhibits, and public events.

Key Accountabilities 

1. Research, develop, and manage public engagement programs and events
   1. Design and implement programs, initiatives, and campaigns to reach new audiences, build relationships with existing audiences, and enhance public engagement.
   2. Cultivate community partnerships and initiatives that build relationships between the Museum and its wide-ranging communities, including school districts, higher educational institutions, retirement communities, and other community organizations.
   3. Manage public programs and events, including but not limited to, Arts and Crafts Festival, Share the Heritage gala, Annual Meeting, and monthly lecture series.
   4. Plan and facilitate educational programming, including Hands-on History Camp, Free Summer Sundays, and school programs to grow attendance, strengthen visitor experience, and deepen connections to the community.
   5. Manage registration and payment for educational programs, workshops, and events.
   6. Oversee the guided museum tours, provide updates, and develop new tours.
   7. Work with the Curator of Exhibitions to support exhibition development, including devising visitor learning goals and outcomes, editing and writing in-gallery text, and designing interpretive strategies and programs.
   8. Track and assess the effectiveness and impact of programs and projects and make changes as necessary to serve the needs of diverse audiences.

2. Development

a. Manage and update donor and membership lists and implement new fundraising campaigns to increase support for the organization’s mission.

b. Identify and solicit businesses to secure in-kind donations and sponsorships for events.

c. Research new funding sources, write grant applications, track applications, and write final reports.

3. Supervision

a. Recruit, train, and supervise tour guides, interns, and volunteers.

b. Oversee the guided museum tours, provide updates, and develop new tours.

c. Manage and provide leadership to the guest services areas of the museum to ensure a consistent and overall engaging experience for visitors.

d. Develop projects and support interns and volunteers throughout their work.

4. Communications and Marketing

a. Work with colleagues to develop content and plans for marketing, press coverage, web content, and other promotional and interpretive materials.

b. Develop strategies to create greater awareness of our mission in the community.

c. Provide leadership to increase tourism, visitor traffic, educational tours, and attendance.

Required Knowledge & Experience

● Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience.

● Excellent writing skills.

● Exceptional communication skills to professionally represent and convey the organization’s mission at speaking engagements and other community events.

● Leadership skills, including supervisory experience to train and motivate staff and volunteers.

● Proven record of managing events and public programming.

● Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, flexibility and excellent time management skills.

● A team player capable of implementing plans in partnership with the Executive Director, Board members, and other key staff and volunteers.

● Must be a self-starter, work well with others, and pay excellent attention to detail.

● Able to maintain a high degree of discretion with confidential and sensitive information.

Special Consideration

The offices and museum are located inside a historic three-story building without air conditioning or an elevator. Various museum-related tasks, including lifting moderate weights and working outside during events, are required.

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, exempt

Compensation: $45,000-$48,000 annual salary dependent on experience, health insurance benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and personal days dependent on length of tenure.

Schedule: On site, Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends.

To Apply: Qualified individuals are invited to send a cover letter and resume to director@moravianhistory.org.
(Posted 4/17)

President and Chief Executive Officer, Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia

Please Touch Museum (Museum or PTM) seeks a visionary, strategic, and exceptional organizational leader to serve as its next president and CEO (president). 

Founded in 1976 by a Montessori educator, PTM is the only children’s museum in the sixth largest city in the nation, Philadelphia, and has been voted a USA TODAY/10 Best Readers’ Choice Top 10 children’s museum four years in a row. Located in Memorial Hall, a National Historic Landmark and one of only two remaining buildings from the Centennial Exposition in 1876, the Museum’s mission is to change a child’s life as they discover the power of learning through play. 

Today, the Museum welcomes 400,000 to 500,000 visitors annually, of which 30 percent attend for free or reduced admission. With two floors of fun, the Museum features over 15 permanent exhibits for children to engage with, as well as literacy, science, and creative and performing arts programs. PTM has a staff of 80 employees and a point of pride for the Museum is that 66 percent of its staff identify as people of color and/or are members of the LGBTQ+ community. A leader in informal and early childhood learning, the Museum partners with regional colleges and universities on research studies. Noted as a standard of excellence in the field, it is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. 

The next president will join the Museum at a pivotal time. PTM is developing a comprehensive Interpretive Plan that will outline a strategic framework and implementation roadmap to enhance the play-based visitor experience for multigenerational learners across exhibits and programs. Last year, the Museum began a $4.2 million marble floor renovation project in advance of the building’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2026. Given that the building’s celebration coincides with the 250th-anniversary celebration of American independence and the 50th anniversary of the Museum, 2026 will be a momentous year for both the Museum and Philadelphia. To commemorate this historic year, Please Touch Museum, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts and the Philadelphia Zoo are collaborating on a Children’s World’s Fair, an unforgettable, multi-generational, family-friendly experience that celebrates the promise of children as the leaders and decision-makers of the future and recognizes the Centennial District’s contribution to Philadelphia’s past, present, and future. In essence, it is an exciting time ahead.

Reporting to the board of trustees, the next president will build on the Museum’s strong foundation and momentum and lead the Museum through exciting projects, initiatives, and celebrations. They will work to secure the Museum’s position as an innovative leader in play-based learning, ensure that the Museum is an active contributor and catalyst in Philadelphia and beyond, attend to the operational and financial requirements of the Museum, and build a best-in-class development operation. Utilizing managerial expertise and emotional intelligence, they will partner with and support Museum staff, champion diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility, and crystalize the Museum as the third place of learning for families. 

PTM anticipates a salary range of $275,000 - $310,000 for this position, commensurate with experience. 

Inquiries, nominations, and applications, in the form of a CV and cover letter, should be submitted below. 

Jackie Mildner is leading this search with Ryan Leichenauer and Jonathan Sanchez. 

Please Touch Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks and employs without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, citizenship, ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, family or marital status, genetic information, or other classifications identified and protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, promotion, assignment, discharge, training, wage & salary administration, employee benefits, application of policies, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Please click here to apply.
(Posted 4/17)

PT Administrative and Visitor Services Manager, Historical Society of Montgomery County, Norristown

The Historical Society of Montgomery County (HSMC) seeks a part-time Administrative & Visitor Services Manager. Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving the past, promoting community engagement, and developing new ways to bring life to history.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Administrative & Visitor Services Manager is a key member of the team, playing a vital role in supporting programs and enhancing the visitor experience. This multifaceted job involves providing essential operational and administrative support to mission initiatives, such as membership and annual fund campaigns, while simultaneously ensuring the smooth delivery of engaging programs, events, and research. The Administrative & Visitor Services Manager contributes significantly to a welcoming and informative environment by ensuring the office is open and accessible, assisting patrons and offering suggestions for exploring Montgomery County through the collections of its historical society and its historic cemetery.

Essential Functions

• Office Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors and colleagues, answer phones, general email accounts, and manage office supplies, equipment and collateral material. Help support on-site archive and record maintenance.
• Financial Operations: Coordinate processing of payments/invoices, prepare and make bank deposits, assist with petty cash management, and work with bookkeeping in financial reconciliation.
• Event Support: Provide logistical support for programs and events, from pre- and post-event communications to fulfilling administrative needs, e.g., registration lists, event signage and materials, visitor check-in preparations/process, support of volunteers/public, event setup and breakdown.
• Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date constituent records within the Historical Society of Montgomery County PA, constituent database (QuickBooks and PastPerfect), including data entry, gift processing, data cleansing, and generating reports, queries, metrics. 
• Stewardship Support: Prepare gift/membership acknowledgements and ensure accurate and timely gift recording in accordance with development best practices.
• Development/Membership/Annual Fund/Volunteer Support: Provide assistance to support development activities – including collaboration and participation in membership and annual fund appeals, member/donor/volunteer stewardship and engagement opportunities, prospect/donor research, cultivation/outreach efforts, and other special projects.
• Communications: Assist with the creation and distribution of marketing and communications materials, including but not limited to graphics, event/development/program collateral, and social media content.
• Gift Shop: Provide operational support for small retail footprint, including assisting with sales, inventory management, order fulfillment, and merchandising displays.
  
  Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in a development, administrative, or customer service role, preferably in a non-profit or cultural organization.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), and experience with CRM software (QuickBooks preferred)..
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask effectively and prioritize competing demands.
• Passion for the mission of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and a commitment to supporting its success.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) is a plus.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours are required.
• Interest in history a plus.

Compensation

$20-22 per hour, depending on experience, averaging 25 hours per week.

To Apply

Please send your resume and references to: contact@hsmcpa.org. NO PHONE CALLS, please.
(Posted 4/17)

Museum Educator 2, Anthracite Heritage Museum, Scranton

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is seeking a skilled, energetic person to engage with museum visitors of all ages, abilities, and demographics in the exploration and discovery of a unique 19th century American mining culture that helped define the American working class and U.S. industrial might.

This position is assigned to the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces in Lackawanna County. The Museum Educator 2 provides active leadership in the development, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of educational programs and interpretation related to the mission of the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces. This includes but is not limited to interpretive tours of industrial sites and museum, workshops, classes, lectures, seminars, virtual programs, exhibits, special events, and historical demonstrations. 

Salary range: $58,035.00 - $88,235.00 Annually

Closing date: May 5, 2025

For a full job description and to apply, please click here.
(Posted 4/15)

PT Chocolate Lab Instructor, The Hershey Story Museum, Hershey
The Chocolate Lab is seeking chocolate lovers interested in teaching the secrets of the chocolate making industry to families and kids in fun and informative classes. Instructors also lead groups as they roll up their sleeves and try their hand at chocolate molding and decorating.

This position is responsible for the monitoring of specialized Lab equipment, such as tempering machines, and clean-up of work stations between classes.

No previous chocolate knowledge required, just enthusiasm for chocolate and working with the public.

Minimum skills and requirements:
Applicants must be 18 years or older
Applicants must be available on weekends and holidays
Ability to teach 45 minutes classes
Ability to interact with the public, good oral communication skills
1-2 years experience interacting with the public preferred
Ability to lift 25 lbs.
Ability to stand for up to 3 hours

Additional Information:
Starting rate $12/hour
Part Time, 15 – 25 hours a weekApply online at https://hersheystory.org/jobs-at-hershey-story/
(Posted 4/7)