Job Description
The Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is seeking a dynamic and experienced Historic Sites Manager to oversee daily operations and projects of the New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont Historic Sites (including the Sacred Grove, Smith Family Farm, Hill Cumorah, Grandin Print Shop, Priesthood Restoration Site, Whitmer Farm, and Joseph Smith Birthplace). As a member of the department’s historic sites division, this individual will help manage and preserve these sacred settings of the Restoration so they can bear witness to the world that God has restored His Church and Kingdom in the last days.
This is a full-time position located in Palmyra, New York. The New York Historic Sites Manager works daily in Palmyra and surrounding areas.
Responsibilities
- Manage a group of individual contributors performing similar roles within the historic site. May include a mixed workforce.
- Oversee daily site operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of all activities and services offered to visitors.
- Lead cross-functional project teams to achieve site objectives, such as historical research, collections management, preservation of historic buildings and cultural landscapes, and the development and dissemination of content through sites, exhibits, publications, websites, audiovisual materials, monuments, markers, public programs, etc.
- Develop and implement programs and solutions to improve site processes, reduce operational costs, and enhance visitor experience.
- Strengthen strategic collaborative relationships with stakeholders in the Church and community to address issues, gather feedback, and improve services.
- Ensure financial accountability and impact within the scope of immediate activities, including budgeting and cost management.
- Maintain the historical integrity of the site while identifying opportunities for operational improvements.
- Maintain awareness of industry best practices and develop self professionally by participating in various development activities, such as professional seminars and conferences, and reading professional literature.
Required
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience, or a master’s degree with four years of experience, in History, Museum Studies, Business Administration, or a related field, and/or equivalent education and experience.
- Excellent leadership and organizational skills with proven ability in managing and leading teams or projects in a museum, historic site, or similar environment.
- Experience in planning, problem solving, project management, negotiation, diplomacy, team building, and change management.
- Demonstrated ability to align with and work within strategic priorities.
- Knowledge of business practices and the ability to balance competing interests.
- Ability to develop strong collaborative relationships.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with visitors, peers, senior management, and ecclesiastical leaders.
- Patient and supportive when working with other people.
- Willingness to learn.
- Proficiency in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software.
- Ability to work independently, as well as a leader of projects, and as part of a collaborative team.
- Dependability and effective time management.
- Critical thinking, research skills, and natural curiosity.
Preferred
- Knowledge of Latter-day Saint history.
- Familiarity with cultural or heritage site regulations, historical or cultural interpretation, and historic preservation practices.
About Us
Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord’s work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings— giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances—our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.
Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.
Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.