Sumter Museum

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Education and Programs Manager

Sumter Museum is a growing complex of sites where you can experience Sumter’s complete story.  The position plays a key role in making these components come to life by developing, coordinating, and delivering engaging educational programs that support the museum’s mission and connect diverse audiences to local and regional history.  The Education and Programs Manager leads the museum’s educational initiatives, including school programs on-site, curriculum-based resources, and lifelong learning opportunities. This position works closely with museum staff, volunteers, educators, and community partners to ensure high-quality, mission-driven offerings.  This position leads the Education Department which includes the Visitor Services Manager and Temple Sinai Jewish History Center Site Manager/Outreach Director.  This position will report to the Executive Director.

This role offers a unique opportunity to play a foundational role in shaping programs and visitor experiences for a new military museum scheduled to open in 2027, including the development of interpretive strategies, public programs, and educational initiatives from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities Program Development & Implementation

·         Plan, implement, and evaluate new and existing educational and public programs for diverse audiences, including school groups, families, adults, and lifelong learners.

·         Coordinate lectures, workshops, and camps, ensuring programs align with the museum’s mission, exhibitions, and collections.  Work with Curator of Collections to develop new artifact and exhibit driven programming. 

·         Develop innovative approaches to connect the past to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on and inquiry-based activities. 

·         Oversee and direct living history programs to include the museum’s tri-annual Carolina Backcountry days. Help maintain the Carolina Backcountry Homestead’s Vegetable and Herb garden with assistance from grounds staff.  Work with facilities staff to keep Backcountry buildings clean and safe for visitors.  Additionally, monitor costume supplies and rentals.

Educational Tours and Interpretation

·         Supervise the Visitor Services Manager in the coordination of group tours.  Lead group tours as needed.  Be familiar with and comfortable providing tours of all Sumter Museum sites.

·         Possess a strong knowledge of the museum’s interpretive subject matter and themes, in addition to a broad understanding of the area’s regional history.  This includes an emphasis on local history, military history, Jewish history, and colonial history. 

·         Develop educational materials related to current exhibits. 

·         Assist the Outreach Director with off-site programming as needed.  Develop traveling trunks and other off-site resources. 

·         Align school programs and educational resources with South Carolina curriculum standards and best practices.

New Military Museum Programming (2027 Opening)

·         Collaborate with museum leadership, curatorial staff, and community stakeholders to develop programming for the new military museum.

·         Assist in creating interpretive frameworks, signature programs, and opening-year initiatives.

·         Build partnerships with military organizations, veterans groups, educators, and historians.

·         Support program planning related to exhibition openings, commemorations, and special events connected to military history.

Administration & Evaluation

·         Manage program logistics, scheduling, and registrations.

·         Coordinate the tracking of attendance, collection of evaluations, and preparation of reports with Visitor Services Manager.

·         Manage assigned program budgets and support fundraising initiatives as needed.

·         Coordinate and train volunteers as needed for programs and tours.

·         Oversee and provide support for the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center Site Manager/Outreach Director

Marketing & Collaboration

·         Collaborate with marketing staff to promote programs through print, digital, and social media channels.

·         Contribute program-related content for the museum’s website, newsletters, and promotional materials.

·         Participate in museum-wide initiatives and events as part of a collaborative staff team.

Professional Standards and Expectations

• ·         Adhere to Sumter Museum Personnel Guidelines.
• ·         Occasionally serve as on-site staff during rentals.
• ·         Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, Public History, Education, or a related field.
• 2–3 years of experience in museum programming, public history, education, or informal learning environments.
• Experience working with diverse audiences and public-facing programs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History, or a related field.
• Experience supervising volunteers or part-time staff.
• Familiarity with best practices in public programming and interpretation.
• Experience with evaluation and grant-funded programs.

Skills & Attributes

• Passion for history and public engagement
• Creative and strategic program development skills
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration abilities
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills
• Comfortable working in a small, team-oriented museum environment

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in museum programming.

Hours:  Full Time. May be asked to work evenings and weekends for special events occasionally.

Wages: Based on individual qualifications and/or experience.

TO APPLY: Submit resume and cover letter to Annie Rivers at arivers@sumtermuseum.org

About Sumter Museum: Sumter Museum is a private, nonprofit located in Sumter, SC about an hour east of Columbia.  Our mission is to explore historical experiences through programs and exhibits that allow all of us to inform and shape our future.  Sumter Museum consists of the Williams Brice House (1916), Heritage Education Center, Carolina Backcountry Homestead, the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, and the soon-to-open Sumter Military Museum.

Sumter Museum is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.