Community Engagement Coordinator

Shelby County Historical Society & Museum; Harlan (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Shelby County Historical Society & Museum in Harlan, IA, seeks a community-focused museum assistant to expand outreach, manage social media, and support educational programs. The role blends marketing, research, and guest services in a small-town historical setting.

You will collaborate with schools and partners, plan events, assist with collections, and greet visitors while delivering excellent customer service and reliable support to the Museum Director, with occasional evening or weekend

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong creative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Canva or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds and safely use ladders.

Responsibilities

• Managing the museum’s social media presence and assisting with marketing.
• Conducting and responding to historical research requests.
• Assisting with the design and implementation of educational programs.
• Planning and coordinating museum events.
• Coordinating field trips, school programs, and youth day camps.
• Building relationships with schools, organizations, businesses, and community partners.
• Assisting with collections management and archival projects.
• Greeting visitors and providing excellent customer service.
• Assisting with daily museum operations, exhibit upkeep, and general facility care.
• Supporting the Museum Director with projects and other duties as needed.

Skills

Communication

Customer Service

Relationship Building

Organizational Skills

Creativity

Problem Solving

Independent & Collaborative

Physical Fitness

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canva

Job description

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the museum’s social media presence and assisting with marketing.
• Conducting and responding to historical research requests.
• Assisting with the design and implementation of educational programs.
• Planning and coordinating museum events.
• Coordinating field trips, school programs, and youth day camps.
• Building relationships with schools, organizations, businesses, and community partners.
• Assisting with collections management and archival projects.
• Greeting visitors and providing excellent customer service.
• Assisting with daily museum operations, exhibit upkeep, and general facility care.
• Supporting the Museum Director with projects and other duties as needed.

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people, is organized, communicates well, and is passionate about history.

Required:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong creative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Canva or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds and safely use ladders.

Preferred:

Experience or education in one or more of the following is a plus:

• Public relations or community engagement
• Marketing, communications, or social media management
• Event planning
• Historical or genealogical research
• Collections management or archival practices
• Graphic design
• Videography or video editing
• Grant writing
• History, Public History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Library Science, Education, Communications, Marketing, and/or a related field

We recognize that excellent candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds. If your experience doesn’t match every preferred qualification but you believe you’d be a great fit for this role, we encourage you to apply.

Shift and schedule

The work schedule will be determined upon hiring. Monday availability is preferred. Most hours will occur during weekdays with occasional evenings and weekends for special events and programs. Schedules may be determined on a monthly basis for events or if increased flexibility is needed.

Shelby County Historical Museum
1805 Morse Ave.
Harlan, IA 51537

Questions about the position are welcome and may be directed to the Museum Director by email or by calling(712) 755-2437.