The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is offering an exciting opportunity to join a team of passionate history professionals who are commemorating the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

The America250KY Manager plays a critical role in helping plan and implement this multi-year statewide commission by managing the Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission (America250KY) and the Harrodsburg Sestercentennial Commission. This position will also coordinate several key KHS outreach programs and will serve as the primary contact between KHS and the state’s museums and local history organizations.

As such, KHS is seeking a vibrant and experienced professional interested in the larger public history field who wants to help communities and organizations preserve and interpret their history, improve heritage tourism efforts, and educate the public about the Bluegrass State’s important past.

The Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission and the Harrodsburg Sestercentennial Commission were established during the 2021 regular session of the General Assembly to “plan and implement events to celebrate the 250th anniversary” of the United States on July 4, 2026. Aligning to the major themes of the national commission--to Educate, Engage, and Unite—America250KY will highlight a diverse and inclusive history about Kentucky’s past.

For more information about KHS and its programs and services, please visit https://history.ky.gov.  Details about the America250KY Commission can also be found on the KHS website by clicking the participation tab and selecting the America250KY page link.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission (America250KY) and the Harrodsburg Sestercentennial Commission, including coordinating meetings and promoting activities sponsored by these entities.
• Work with communities, partners, and colleagues to implement programs, events, and activities to ensure that the Sestercentennial is a vibrant, statewide commemoration.
• Manage grant programs affiliated with the America250KY Commission.
• Facilitate key KHS outreach programs that support Kentucky museums and local history organizations by providing them with technical advice and connecting them with experts in the museum and public history field.
• Coordinate several key KHS outreach programs including the Kentucky Local History Trust Fund grants, the Kentucky History Awards, Kentucky History Day, and more.

For a complete position description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in History, Museum Studies, Public History, or related area required; master’s degree preferred.
• EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, or SKILLS: Minimum three years of experience in community outreach, development, collaboration, and experience in humanities-based work.  Experience researching, writing, compiling, and managing grants to private foundations and governmental entities.  Must be comfortable with speaking in front of various groups and community stakeholders.
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  This position will require frequent travel across the Commonwealth.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Must be able to sit or stand for long periods.  Must be able to travel, including overnight travel.
• WORK SCHEDULE:  This is a full-time position of 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday schedule during regular KHS operational hours but must be able to work the occasional evening or weekend to provide for the needs of KHS in its programming and services.
• LOCATION:  The primary office for this position is located in the Thomas Clark Kentucky History Center in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky.

This is a full-time, non-merit (unclassified, non-chapter) position with the Kentucky Historical Society.  The Kentucky Historical Society is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, an American Alliance of Museums accredited museum, and a Smithsonian affiliate.  KHS operates a three-museum campus, all located within a 0.25 mile radius in downtown Frankfort, Kentucky.

The annual salary for this position is $38,066.16 and is paid on a bi-monthly basis on the 15^th and 30^th.  Health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plan benefits are available for this position.  This job has an initial probationary period of six (6) months.

Interested applicants should submit a current resume along with a cover letter to KHSHR@ky.gov.  Applications will be received through February 20, 2024.  Late applications will not be considered.  No telephone calls will be accepted.

KHS is an equal opportunity employer M/F/D.