Senior Director of Interpretation

Position: Senior Director of Interpretation
Reports to President & CEO
Primary Function: Provide leadership and management for of interpretive functions of an 1800s historic village including village life, historic trades, foodways, agriculture, gardening, costuming, and base ball.
Reports: Seven direct and 80+ year-round PT and seasonal staff indirect
Salary Range: $62,000-$70,000 plus benefits outlined below.
Genesee Country Village & Museum, located outside of Rochester, NY, is the country's third largest living history museum and also includes a nature center and art gallery. GCV&M is embarking on a new strategic plan as we move towards our 50th anniversary in 2026 that will mark an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Museum as a more engaging, relevant, and sustainable community asset and attraction.
GCV&M seeks a creative, collaborative, energetic leader for its interpretive functions to achieve the ambitious strategic goals of the organization. The Senior Director will be a creative yet pragmatic thinker who can:
- manage and develop a diverse staff;
- incorporate new interpretive stories to tell a more complete, inclusive history of the region;
- develop informative and interesting programs for a wide range of audiences; and
- assist with implementing new strategic initiatives.
The position requires extensive collaboration with other key staff across the Museum and with outside organizations, while driving attendance and revenue.
Responsibilities:
Staff and Program Management - 50%
Provide the following support for all departments under Interpretation:
- Lead, mentor, delegate to, and evaluate the performance of a diverse team of year-round managers, providing opportunities to develop programs and interpretation that support Museum strategic priorities.
- Oversee the recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of 80+ seasonal interpreters who work in the Historic Village, ensuring that they are providing an informative and relevant experience for visitors.
- Work with colleagues across the Museum to provide programming to support special events, school field trips, group tours, development activities, etc.
- Oversee coordination of and provide creative solutions to potentially improve a variety of Interpretation-led programs including the Base Ball program, Pioneer Weekends, After Hours Tours, Historic Dining and food tastings, and other thematic events.
- Ensure that all interpretation and programs are of the highest quality. Programs must be mission and value driven - supporting the Museum's goals, incorporating diverse voices, and providing both educational and engaging experiences for those attending.
- Develop budgets for all Interpretation departments on an annual basis. Regularly monitor all budgets and promptly address any resulting issues/concerns to ensure that budget goals are met, particularly as they relate to revenue.
- Drive interpretive impact with audiences not on-site through virtual programs and digital offerings.
Implementation of Strategic Priorities - 35%
- Work with the Collections staff to manage the research and interpretation of stories that diversify, contextualize, and inspire curiosity throughout the visitor experience in the Historic Village.
- Develop and implement alternative on-site program delivery techniques across Interpretation, including innovative uses of technology, first-person interpretation, and exhibits.
- Develop and implement creative revenue-generating programs and retail opportunities across all Interpretation departments.
- Work closely with the Development Department to identify, prepare, and execute grants (particularly Federal ones), sponsorship requests, and other donor-related activities.
Other - 15%
- Serve as a member of the Administrative Committee
- Frequently interact with Board of Trustees, key donors, and volunteers
- Build relationships throughout the local community with individuals and organizations who can support strategic priorities.
- Maintain relationships with professional organizations and stay informed of the latest trends in museums and non-profits, particularly living history museums.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- 8+ years of experience in a museum or educational institution, with a preference for Master's degree in American Studies, Anthropology, History, Museum Studies, or other relevant field of study.
- Proven ability in management and leadership including supervision, mentoring, training, project planning, budgeting, and oral and written communications.
- Proven ability in creating, implementing, fundraising for, and evaluating creative and relevant visitor experiences for diverse audiences using a variety of interpretative tools. Experience with strategic planning is a plus.
- Ability and desire to work in a team environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and collaborating inter- and cross-departmentally to plan and problem solve.
- Ability to work nights and weekends, particularly during the summer; and to travel to museum conferences and other museums to observe and share best practices.
- Ability and willingness to perform tasks that require some physical exertion; regular movement around a large, open-air campus in all weather conditions. Must also be willing to occasionally wear historical clothing.
- Must complete a background check.
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills and comfort with navigating an organization through change.