Community Engagement Officer

Getz Museum; Bardstown, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown, Kentucky seeks a Community Engagement Officer to build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, cultural groups, and underserved communities to broaden the museum's reach.

You will shape inclusive programming, drive participation, and collaborate with internal teams to create accessible exhibits, education, and outreach.

This role emphasizes equity, community voice, grant support, and civic engagement to strengthen the region’s cultural life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 3+ years of outreach/public engagement/nonprofit community relations experience.
• Strong interpersonal and cultural competency.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate partnerships with schools, nonprofits, community centers, and cultural organizations.
• Develop outreach programs and collaborative events reflecting community interests.
• Represent the museum at public meetings, festivals, and neighborhood events.
• Collaborate with internal teams to shape inclusive marketing, exhibitions, and educational programs.
• Coordinate with other staff to engage new audiences.
• Gather and analyze feedback from community stakeholders to guide strategy.
• Promote accessibility and inclusion through community-informed initiatives.
• Assist in applying for and managing grants related to outreach and access.

Skills

Community partnerships

Outreach

Public relations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Community Development/Related field

Job description

Location Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History – Bardstown, Kentucky (On-site with regular community travel)

Community Engagement Community Liaison Museum Development Nonprofit Jobs Outreach Public Relations

Help bridge the gap between museum and community. As the Community Engagement Officer at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, you'll build partnerships, foster inclusivity, and ensure our programming reflects and resonates with the diverse people we serve.

About the Role

The Community Engagement Officer is responsible for developing and sustaining relationships with local organizations, educators, cultural groups, and underserved communities to extend the museum’s reach and relevance. This role helps shape inclusive programming, drives participation, and ensures the museum is a vital and accessible part of the region’s cultural life.

Responsibilities

Cultivate partnerships with schools, nonprofits, community centers, and cultural organizations.

Develop outreach programs and collaborative events that reflect community interests and needs.

Represent the museum at public meetings, festivals, and neighborhood events.

Work with internal teams to shape inclusive marketing, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Coordinate with the Membership & Outreach Coordinator to engage new audiences.

Gather and analyze feedback from community stakeholders to guide strategy.

Promote museum accessibility and inclusion through community-informed initiatives.

Assist in applying for and managing grants related to outreach and access.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.

3+ years of experience in outreach, public engagement, or nonprofit community relations.

Strong interpersonal and cultural competency skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain relationships across diverse sectors.

Passion for history, public service, and community-building.

Bonus Skills

Experience working in museums or cultural institutions.

Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the region.

Knowledge of bourbon or regional cultural history.

Grant writing and community impact reporting skills.

Experience with civic engagement or grassroots organizing.

What to Expect

Be a visible, trusted presence in the community.

Build authentic, reciprocal relationships that benefit both museum and public.

Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across museum initiatives.

Actively work to remove barriers to participation and representation.