Chief, Collections & Interpretation

ADP, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Chicago History Museum seeks a visionary Vice President of Collections and Interpretation to shape narratives and access to its urban history holdings. You will lead strategy, modernization, and digital access, ensuring inclusive, community-informed stories are preserved and activated for visitors on-site and beyond.

Reporting to the CEO, you will build high-performing teams, steward the collection lifecycle, oversee education and exhibitions, and partner with boards and partners to secure

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in relevant humanities; MA or PhD preferred.
• 7–10 years of senior museum leadership experience.
• Strong fundraising, board relations, and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise the CEO on collections, interpretation, and public engagement strategy.
• Lead modernization of digital collections access and cross-department collaboration.
• Represent CHM with external partners and cultivate stakeholders.
• Oversee budgets and fundraising to support institutional priorities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising

Public engagement

Budget management

Communication

People leadership

Education

Advanced degree in relevant humanities

MA or PhD preferred

Job description

Chicago History Museum seeks a visionary Vice President of Collections and Interpretation to shape narratives and access to its urban history holdings. You will lead strategy, modernization, and digital access, ensuring inclusive, community-informed stories are preserved and activated for visitors on-site and beyond.

Reporting to the CEO, you will build high-performing teams, steward the collection lifecycle, oversee education and exhibitions, and partner with boards and partners to secure