Employment Opportunity with the Conservation Assessment Program (Heritage Preservation)

Position Announcement

Program Assistant, Conservation Assessment Program

Heritage Preservation seeks a Program Assistant to assist the Coordinator in the administration of the Conservation Assessment Program.

Heritage Preservation is a national non-profit organization based in downtown Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the United States. By identifying risks, developing innovative programs, and providing broad public access to expert advice, Heritage Preservation assists museums, libraries, archives, historic preservation and other organizations, as well as individuals, in caring for our endangered heritage.

The Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) helps small to mid-sized museums of all types, from art museums to zoos, obtain a general assessment of the condition of their collections, environment, and historic buildings. It is supported through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

CAP Program Assistant duties include, but are not limited to, assistance with program inquiries, production and distribution of application materials, oversight of the online application form, processing applications, screening application eligibility, production and distribution of CAPabilities (a semi-annual program newsletter) and Assessor Update newsletter, providing assistance to program participants and assessors by phone and e-mail, promoting the program to museums, coordinating program evaluation, and maintaining CAP program FileMaker database and paper files.

Compensation: Salary in the low $30,000s plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes a public transit allocation. Heritage Preservation will not cover relocation expenses.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in museum studies, art history, history, or a related field. This entry level position is ideal for a recent college graduate. Excellent organizational and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Candidates should have experience with Microsoft Office; knowledge of FileMaker Pro is desirable.

How to Apply: Email resume with cover letter describing relevant skills, experience, and interest to:

Teresa Martinez

Conservation Assessment Program

Heritage Preservation

cap@heritagepreservation.org

Please no phone calls.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the deadline of Friday, October 5, 2012.

Heritage Preservation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information on Heritage Preservation or CAP, please visit the Heritage Preservation Web site at www.heritagepreservation.org.

PA Museums Workshop: From Here To There: Exhibit Development for Small Museums

Pa Museums, http://www.pamuseums.org/ Pennsylvania's statewide museum association is organizing a workshop on exhibit development for small museums at the State Museum, Harrisburg PA on November 5, 2012.

 November 5, 2012
 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The State Museum, Harrisburg, PA
PA Museums Members: $30; Non Members: $40 Box lunch is included in registration.
Contact Chrisoula Perdziola at PA Museums (412) 999-9499.

 From Here To There: Exhibit Development for Small Museums

 Does your institution operate on less than $50,000 annually?
Do you operate with volunteers?
Do you want to move forward despite limited funds and staff?
That's what the Jefferson County History Center wanted in 2001.
Find out how you, too, can grow from a house to three buildings; from an operating budget of $4000 to one of $80,000; from an all-volunteer staff to a mix of 7; and from labeling "stuff" to award-winning exhibits recognized by the American Association for State and Local History.

 The program will include a presentation, discussion, activities, time for lunch, and a 1 p.m. behind the scenes tour of part of The State Museum for about an hour.

 Presenters:
 Ken Burkett is the executive director of the Jefferson County History Center and a field archaeologist for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. A current project in the county is the documentation of the Dedicated Rocks of Douglas Stahlman.
 Carole A. Briggs is the long-time volunteer curator at the Jefferson County History Center. Besides maintaining the collections, she enjoys writing and exhibit production.

 PA Museums Members: $30
 Non Members: $40
 Box lunch is included in registration.
 If you have any questions or would like to register for this program, please contact Chrisoula Perdziola at  PA Museums, (412) 999-9499.

 For more information about Pa Museums, visit http://www.pamuseums.org/

Employment Opportunity with Dumbarton House

Immediate Opening:                Business Manager

Unique opportunity to support one of the country’s finest nonprofit organizations devoted to historic preservation and patriotic service during an exciting period of growth and transformation.  Dumbarton House, national headquarters and historic house museum of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, seeks a Business Manager to coordinate bookkeeping and budget preparation, oversee office operations, and support human resource management and other institutional efforts.

Responsibilities of the position include:

·       Bookkeeping support: process office deposits and payments; prepare annual budget and monthly/quarterly financial reports; interface with contract accountant, auditors, vendors, and clients regarding financial matters; support Executive Director and Treasurer as needed; and manage grant awards and financial reporting.

·       Office management: monitor, order, and organize office supplies and equipment; coordinate tech support by maintaining site records and interfacing with contractors; maintain site attendance records; and assist with creation of quarterly dashboards and semiannual board reports.

·       Human resources support: manage new hire paperwork, payroll, tracking of annual leave for full-time employees, and employee recognition and appreciation efforts; coordinate employee benefits enrollment and renewal of contracts annually; assist with recruitment efforts; and maintain/update employee handbook.

·       Institutional assistance: coordinate Strategic Plan updates, insurance policy renewals, property tax exemption, and other city or federal paperwork required to maintain 501(c)(3) status, charitable business license, etc.

Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree, with 2-3 years bookkeeping, office management, or related experience;

·       High degree of initiative and proven attention to detail;

·       Highly organized, with a proven ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects and deadlines;

·       Unquestioned ethics and professional standards;

·       Proficient in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office software (outlook, word, excel), and willingness to learn;

·       Ideal attributes include a proactive, positive nature; strong interpersonal skills; abundant energy; superb organization; and a team player.

·       This position is on the historic site and requires the mobility and dexterity to climb stairs and carry objects. Occasional evening, weekend, and off-site hours required.

To Apply:

For immediate consideration, send cover letter and resume to Karen L. Daly, Executive Director, karendaly@dumbartonhouse.org or  fax 202-337-0348.  No phone calls please.

***

Karen L. Daly

Executive Director

Dumbarton House

202-337-2288 x228

KarenDaly@DumbartonHouse.org ■ www.DumbartonHouse.org

Grant Opportunity for SMA Members

United States Federation of Friends of Museums Small Museum Grant Project

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

Any museum which is currently or was formerly a member of the Small Museum Association is eligible to apply.

WHAT:

A grant of $2,500 to be used to fulfill an educational program or cultural activity that is not currently budgeted.

WHEN TO APPLY:

Apply by October 1, 2012. The USFFM Board of Trustees will review the applications and select grantees at its meeting soon after October 1, 2012. Selected museums  will  receive payment before November 10, 2012. 

ABOUT THIS GRANT:

Two of the grant payments will be made from the Clare Morehead Memorial Fund, established by the children of a USFFM Board member whose passion was small museums.  The other two will be paid from Federation funds.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Click here for the application (Google Doc)

Museum directors should apply before October 1, 2012, via email USFFM25@gmail.com or postal mail to USFFM 2001 K Street NW Suite 400, Washington, DC, 20006-1040. The application must include the following information:

*        Name of Museum:

*        Street Address, City, State and Zip:

*        Email Address:

*        Telephone:

*        Name and Title of Museum Director:

*        Year founded:

*        Type of museum and mission, in brief:

*        Number of days museum is open each typical week:

*        Museum open hours:

*        Number of visitors last year:

*        Annual budget:

*        Size of paid museum staff:

*        Number of museum volunteers:

*        Please describe the educational or cultural project you propose that would be helped by the USFFM Small Museum grant of $2500. (If project requires outside professional help or equipment, please describe and estimate costs.)

WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED: 

Applicants  are asked to commit to providing  two brief  progress reports (mid-year and end of year) to USFFM, so that the information can be shared with other small museums and the World Federation of Friends of Museums. Photos and stories for use in the USFFM newsletter will also be appreciated. 

QUESTIONS:

Please contact USFFM via email at USFFM25@gmail.com

Employment Opportunity: Historic London Town

Historic London Town and Gardens Hiring:

Public Programs Assistant

Museum Educators

Summary:

Historic London Town and Gardens is looking for 3 to 4 people with experience in museum education or education to assist us with programs, tours, working with teachers and other educators, scheduling and developing education activities and programs. These are part-time positions, and takes place primarily Wednesday through Friday, 8:30am till 2:30pm, August 29, 2012 through December 7, 2012 and March 6, 2013 through June 14, 2013 with additional summer camp weeks and potentially weekend dates as well. These positions will also assist with our living history days, family programming, candlelight tours, and other programs as they arise. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with the public and feels comfortable speaking to groups. This position will assist with the continued development of programs and materials that are appropriate for all levels of education, from pre-K to adult groups. 

Primary duties include recreating a variety of 18^th century lifestyles, tasks, and trades in a creative, educational, accurate and hands-on manner. The Museum Educator and Public Programs Assistant will help in coordinating and teaching museum education programs (primarily school group visits).  They will assist in developing and fabricating new education programs and activities and dealing with logistics of the program. They will also assist with creating and daily running of summer camps and specialized programming. Please see position descriptions for more information. 

Salary is $10 per hour. Please send your cover letter and resume to Lisa Robbins, Director of Education at education@historiclondontown.org or Historic London Town and Gardens Attn: Lisa Robbins 839 Londontown Rd. Edgewater MD 21037 or fax to 410.222.1918.

Responsibilities:

·         Demonstrated museum and/or education experience

·         Interest in working with school groups and special interest groups

·         Willingness to learn and perform all programs

·         Ability to research, prepare, and present educational materials

·         Conduct demonstrations of various 18^th century skills and assist in active interpretation and maintenance appropriate to the site

·         Support the museum’s policies and work practices by maintaining a prompt attendance record, offering encouragement to new staff, openly engaging the public, and displaying an inviting and enthusiastic attitude, attention to customer service

·         Assist with site maintenance using modern equipment

·         Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

·    High School diploma or equivalent preferred

·    One year of customer service preferred

·    Knowledge of colonial American history, domestic and agricultural skills preferred

·    Excellent communication skills

The applicant should possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

The following skills may be required in some or all exhibit areas. (Specific training is provided by Historic London Town and Gardens).

·    Knowledge of research practices and ability to perform critical analysis of historical studies, learn and then disseminate knowledge of colonial history to the public

·    Ability to take direction and to work efficiently either alone or with others

·    Ability to communicate effectively with people of varied ages and backgrounds in both individual and group settings

·    Ability to perform interpretive duties in 18^th century costumes in a wide variety of weather conditions, walk, bend, and/or stand for extensive periods of time.

·    Ability to learn about regional plants, animals, and geology for collecting resources

·    Ability to learn (or experience in) numerous craft skills including basic carpentry, hand sewing, hearth cooking, gardening, etc.

Museum Intern Olympics (Baltimore)

MUSEUM INTERN OLYMPICS
JULY 27, 2012
10:00am Opening Ceremonies

*Precision Cart Drill Team
*AAM Challenge
*1 Minute Living History
*Harvey’s a Wall Banger
*More Process!
*Stuff It!
*Object Triathlon
*Crafting Programs
*RU Museoknowledgical?
*Closing Kickball!

Games will be held at:
THE JEWISH MUSEUM OF MARYLAND
15 LLOYD STREET
BALTIMORE, MD 21202

CONTACT:
Jobi Zink, jzink@jewishmuseummd.org
410-732-6402 x226

EVENTS INCLUDE:
Museum Intern Olympics 2012 (MIO ’12) is meant to be a fun sort of field day for museum interns. While there is an air of competition we hope to emulate the real Olympics and make this a day for folks to come together and enjoy themselves.

MIO ’12 is open to ALL museum interns. A competition team is made up of 4 interns. Interns do NOT need to be from the same museum (i.e. if you’ve only got 1 or 2 interns this summer, we’ll match them up with other interns). Non-interns (supervisors, other museum staff, etc.) are strongly encouraged to volunteer as judges for the events or simply come enjoy the spectacle and cheer from the sidelines.

Registration will be $5.00 a team (this will go to fabulous snacks and prizes). The registration deadline for MIO ’12 is FRIDAY JULY 20th.

To register for MIO ’12 email Jobi Zink at jzink@jewishmuseummd.org with the names of all participants (both competing interns and spectating staff).

Some events will involve advance preparation. All materials for these events will be provided after registration has closed. All event materials will be provided by the Host Museum (JMM).

You will be responsible for your own transportation and lunch. Please direct all questions to Jobi Zink at the address above.

Checklist of Small Museum Friendly Sessions at AASLH

We all eagerly await next year’s Small Museum Association Conference scheduled for February 17 – 19 in Ocean City. The SMA conference committee is hard at work planning sessions for the upcoming event titled, Superheroes: The Extraordinary Power of Small Museums. We are eager to hear your “Super” strategies for board development, fundraising, community engagement, or collections care. If you have an idea for a conference session, please submit a proposal by visiting http://www.smallmuseum.org/conference.html

While we wait for the SMA conference, I wanted to let you all know about some of the exciting sessions for small museums at the AASLH Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City (October 3-6). 

One session, Small Museums, Big Impact!, will feature representatives from three small museums who will share their successful experiences in developing exhibitions focused on members of their local community. These exhibits serve as role models of how a small museum can play a significant role in recognizing the achievement of local residents in, or their connections to, the wider world.

The AASLH Small Museum Committee has created a checklist (attached) including this and other small museum friendly sessions. Please pass it along to your co-workers and colleagues. 

For more information on this conference you can download the preliminary program at http://www.aaslh.org/documents/PrelimProgramforWebsite.pdf

Thanks to AASLH and to the conference committee, board members, and members of SMA for their continued commitment to excellence in small museums.

John Pentangelo

Small Museum Association

AASLH Small Museums Committee