Work at Rokeby

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to share your skills and talents with your community. At Rokeby Museum, volunteers are integral to helping us achieve our mission.

There are so many ways to get involved at Rokeby Museum. From tours, collections work, or trail maintenance, there is something for all interests.

Employment

Education Manager

Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $43,000

Currently, the museum does not offer benefits, but they may be available in the future.

Deadline to apply: August 9, 2024

Rokeby Museum is seeking a full-time Education Manager. This position is a vital part of the museum’s team and is responsible for developing, implementing, promoting, and evaluating educational programs at the Museum. The Education Manager oversees and trains education volunteers. This position works closely with the Museum Director to deliver educational programs year-round and develop creative engagement activities.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Establishing and maintaining educational programs for the Museum, including but not limited to:
• Build and maintain relationships with regional school districts/educators/home school programs to deliver yearly field trips and/or virtual learning
• Evaluate, review, and revise educational programs to maintain alignment with current education standards and curriculum
• Manage and develop the Museum’s PreK racial learning/anti-bias in-classroom and family programs
• Develop and deliver an anti-bias professional development course for preschool teachers
• Develop and deliver history workshops for elementary, middle, and high school teachers
• Manage and develop the Museum’s adult Lifelong Learning conversation tours
• Develop and deliver history summer camp programs that tie into Rokeby’s mission
• Deliver and grow Museum programming for young children
• Manage and build family events like Reading Frederick Douglass and Sheep & Wool Day
• Manage, recruit, and train education volunteers and occasional education interns

Secondary Responsibilities

• Cover the front desk as needed, welcome visitors, and manage the cash drawer
• Work with the Director to update site interpretation, conduct historical research, and write exhibit signage
• Work with the Director on education-related grant applications
• Submit applications and present at museum and education conferences
• Serve as a positive representative of the Museum and expand its social footprint in the community
• Work with staff to coordinate bus tours
• Assist the Museum Director with lecture series, book groups, and fundraisers

Knowledge & Expertise

• Experience with education program development and management
• Experience with museum interpretation
• Experience with volunteer and intern management
• Experience facilitating and interpreting difficult history
• Experience teaching young people in a classroom, camp, or professional learning environment
• Experience teaching anti-bias and anti-racist education – particularly with young children
• Experience working with diverse audiences (age, race, nationality, etc.)  
• Able to research, understand, and interpret history

Education

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in education, history, museum studies/public history, art, and/or environmental science is preferred.

Skills & Other Characteristics

• One to three years of experience in education or a museum education setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Comfortable speaking to large groups and diverse audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others in a team setting
• Self-motivated
• Flexible and able to handle unexpected situations

Working Conditions
Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for standing or sitting for extended periods; moderate lifting, such as setting up tables and chairs for programs, may be necessary. The position involves working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. The working hours will vary depending on need and require some weekend and evening work.
Licenses & Certifications

• Possession of a valid Vermont Driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record, and current insurance
• Federal background check   

Hours & Compensation

• Five paid vacation days (increases to ten after one year of employment)   
• Eight paid sick days
• Holiday pay (as described in the employee handbook)
• Rokeby currently does not offer health or retirement benefits
• Pay is bi-weekly. A schedule will be provided at the beginning of each year.

How to Apply
Send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Lindsay Varner, director@rokeby.org. In your cover letter, please address how your qualifications and experience meet the responsibilities outlined in this announcement.

About Rokeby Museum

Rokeby is committed to lifelong education and understanding our nation’s complex past. It is also a space to explore and facilitate difficult conversations on racism, inequality, and our history’s impact on communities today.
A designated National Historic Landmark on 90 acres, Rokeby Museum introduces visitors to four generations of the Robinson family and their contributions to the Abolition movement, agriculture, art, and literature. The collection at Rokeby includes 15,000 letters, artwork by the family, and household items belonging to the family. The site includes a historic house, farm buildings, and a modern education center. 
The Museum’s main exhibition, Seeking Freedom: The Underground Railroad and the Legacy of an Abolitionist Family, explores the history of the antislavery movement and the ongoing impact and legacy of enslavement in the U.S. Each year the site curates a seasonal exhibition that explores different aspects of the family’s history.

Rokeby Museum is an equal opportunity employer. Members of underrepresented groups and those committed to diversity and inclusivity are encouraged to apply.