Director of Interpretation

State of Illinois • Springfield, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Museum Section Head III (working title Director of Interpretation) for its State Museum Division. The Director of Interpretations works closly with the Director of the Illinois State Museum (ISM) in planning and evaluating programs & services of the Illinois State Museum that directly impact the visiting public. Primary responsibilities include overseeing exhibition programs, visitor services, and discipline-based and interdisciplinary educational programming. As a member of the Division's Leadership Team, this position will act administratively for and collaboratively with the ISM Director. Leadership-level staff are responsible for preparation of detailed specialized budget materials and professional reports. They contribute to Division administration by formulating and carrying out strategic planning & implementation, and preparation of annual budgets. They are responsible for working with senior and subordinate staff in establishing objective and subsequrent evaluations. This position will also work collaboratively with all State Museum sites to support their administrative, management and interpretive objectives and responsibilities. We welcome all interested applicants to apply today.

Museum staff are impelled to engage in a regular cycle of professional development to maintain competence and currency in their areas of expertise or responsibility; and participate in relevant professional organizations. This position is expected to be able to occasionally travel locally, regionally, or statewide to participate in professional development, outreach events, and for general operational needs of their work site. They may be requested to consult, advise, or present information to share their knowledge and experience with museum professionals, students, and the public.

Requirements

• Requires a minimum Bachelors in appropriate area of specialization such as education, museum studies, science, art, history, or anthropology. Masters degree in appropriate field(s) of study or higher degree in museum adjacent fields preferred.
• Requires a minimum of 15 years’ experience working in museum-related areas such as education, exhibits, administration, visitor services, or interpretation. Work history should demonstrate increasing job responsibilities in program administration and staff management.
• Requires 10 years of people management experience.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires valid driver's license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires ability to work nights and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Working-knowledge level of experience in developing and implementing an institution’s Interpretive plan (a foundational guideline for all exhibits and educational programming).
• Working knowledge of administrating funds and budgeting.
• Working knowledge of grant management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior manager at Illinois State Museum
• Serve as lead position for ISM Interpretation section
• Serve as Interpretation specialist
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the Position Overview.

Benefits

• IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs; flexible/remote work schedules may be available for certain positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees