First Division Museum Operations Coordinator

McCormick Foundation; Wheaton, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

McCormick Foundation’s First Division Museum seeks a highly organized Operations Coordinator to oversee daily museum operations and staff during open hours. You will supervise volunteers, coordinate events, and ensure safe, welcoming facilities while supporting Cantigny programs.

You will work with internal teams and external partners to collect visitor data, report metrics, and contribute to exceptional guest experiences through proactive service and professional demeanor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, business, or related field.
• At least 2 years in operational management, preferably in a museum or historical society.

Responsibilities

• Organize daily museum operations, including shift manager assignments, kiosk assignments, and museum event staffing.
• Directly supervise volunteers; ensure museum is staffed during open hours; provide training and reference materials for Cantigny memberships and events.
• Ensure facilities are clean, safe, welcoming, and fully equipped; conduct daily inspections prior to opening.
• Identify and address facility and AV maintenance issues and maintain records.
• Coordinate with internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders for programs and events.
• Collect visitor data and use it to enhance visitor experiences.
• Report visitation, program numbers, and staff/volunteer hours.
• Model excellent customer service and direct visitors to galleries, exhibits, and amenities.
• Participate in museum programs, lectures, and professional development training.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Highly organized

Detail-oriented

Guest-service operations

Leadership

Project management

Museum software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, business, or related field

Tools

Collection management databases

Volunteer management platforms

Museum software

Job description

Description

Foundation Summary

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is a leading philanthropic institution investing more than $75 million annually in Chicagoland, with a focus on improving economic opportunities on Chicago’s South and West Sides. The Foundation is named for its donor, Colonel Robert R. McCormick. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick’s estate, which today provides educational and recreational opportunities in Chicago’s western suburbs.

The 500-acre Cantigny estate includes McCormick’s Home and Gardens, which host dozens of programs and events annually for nearly half a million visitors; the First Division Museum, a military history museum that tells the story of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, beginning in World War I, in which Col. McCormick served, to present; and Cantigny Golf, a 27-hole public golf course and a 9-hole short course, perfect for children and families.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and experienced First Division Museum Operations Coordinator to join our team. As the Operations Coordinator, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the museum, ensuring the smooth functionality of exhibit galleries and activities. You will play a vital role in preserving and promoting our museum's mission of educating and inspiring visitors about the army through the lens of the First Infantry Division. The standard schedule for this position is Wednesday through Sunday with some flexibility based on operational needs.

Essential Functions

• Organize the daily operations of the museum, including shift manager assignments, kiosk assignments, and museum event staffing
• Directly supervise volunteers; ensure that the museum is staffed during open hours; conduct volunteer training and provide updated and accurate reference materials for Cantigny memberships and events, procedures, emergency preparedness, and policies.
• Ensure the museum’s physical facilities are clean, safe, welcoming, and fully equipped for daily operations by conducting daily inspections prior to opening.
• Identify and address facility and AV maintenance issues and maintain records
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of museum programs and events
• Collect visitor data through evaluations, demographics, or other methods, and use as a tool to enhance visitor experiences.
• Report management indicators such as visitation, program numbers, and staff/volunteers hours.
• Model excellent customer service for staff and volunteers, including proactive greeting and interaction with visitors to direct them towards galleries, exhibits, and amenities.
• Participate in museum programs including, but not limited to special events, lectures, and professional development training
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in museum studies, business, or a related field

Experience: At least 2 years of experience working in an operational management role, preferably in a museum or historical society setting

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong knowledge and understanding of guest-service operations
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in museum software and systems, such as collection management databases and volunteer management platforms

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a museum and public-facing environment and requires frequent standing, walking, and interaction with visitors, staff, and volunteers. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required to support museum operations and events. The standard schedule for this position is Wednesday through Sunday with some flexibility based on operational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cantigny and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.