The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization.  The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history.  Click here for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits 
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

Position Summary

The Villa Louis Site Manager supports the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society and goals of Southwest Sites (SWS). The Site Manager has responsibility for daily operations of Villa Louis Historic Site, one of twelve museums and historic sites operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society.  Under the general supervision of Southwest Sites Director and in accordance with the Society’s mission, the Site Manager is responsible for articulating the vision of the Villa Louis Historic Site, implementing interpretive plans, assisting in developing an annual roster of programs, developing and implementing an annual work plan, directly or indirectly supervising employees (permanent staff, limited term year round and seasonal staff, interns and volunteers), overseeing day to day operations, assisting in implementing the budget, generating revenue (e.g. general admissions, special events, school and group tours, facility rentals,), assisting in raising funds, and promoting the site to donors, local communities, businesses and civic groups.

This position is based at Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien and reports to the Southwest Historic Sites Director and provides support to the Division of Museums and Historic Sites. Villa Louis is a National Historic Landmark Site and consists of 19 buildings on 26 acres. Villa Louis went through one of America’s most accurately documented historic house restorations using the Dousman family manuscripts which detail decoration, purchasing of furniture and family retention. The site is now moving forward to work on interpretive planning that will deliver a relevant and diverse, mission-based experience that broadens the understanding of Prairie du Chien’s early history. Future site work also includes multiple capital improvement projects. This position will also provide support to First Capitol, Pendarvis and Stonefield historic sites.

The salary will be between $28.00 - $34.00 per hour ($58,240 - $70,720 annually) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. This Historic Site Coordinator position is in pay schedule 81, range 03.  A 12-month probationary period will be required. 

Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits:  https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Special Requirements:   Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and traverse a magnitude of terrain. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and travel to support the other Southwest Historic Sites: First Capitol, Pendarvis, Stonefield.

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in all of the following:

• Supervision or management of staff and volunteers (create workplans for staff, hire and train staff, evaluate staff performance)
• Experience working and engaging with community stakeholders.
• Ability to generate revenue through creative programming, fundraising (including grants), and operations. 
• Experience working at a historic site or house, traditional or outdoor museum, or multi-location cultural attraction.  

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one of the following areas:

• Experience managing a budget and working with a team to achieve budgetary goals. 
• Participation in planning and implementation in key areas of work: PK12 programming, event planning, interpretive or experience plans.
• Extensive experience leading a department: (Programs, Events, Collections or Education) or a historic site or cultural attraction.
• Demonstrated ability for designing programming and/or experiences that are notably engaging, innovative, and multi-generational.
• Managed a history or cultural attraction.

How To Apply

Apply online via WiscJobs HERE. To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions..

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Applications are due at 11:59PM on May 29, 2024.