Program Specialist

Minnesota Historical Society; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State insurance

Employer retirement

Vacation & sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

Minnesota Historical Society seeks qualified applicants to provide advanced leadership in program development, outreach, and resource support for K-16 audiences. The Program Specialist will guide the Northern Lights Interactive eBook and curricular resources, planning research, development, and delivery, while building partnerships with schools and communities.

The role emphasizes collaboration with MNHS leadership and staff on K-12 education issues, with opportunities to influence resource

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in history, education, or humanities discipline, or related field or experience.
• Four years experience in historical research, education, program delivery, or curriculum development.
• Knowledge of historical research methodology and data gathering, including primary sources.
• Knowledge of K-12 teaching practices and curriculum used by K-12 teachers and students.
• Knowledge of education technology platforms used by K-12 teachers and students.
• Computer skills to develop project and program documentation.
• General knowledge of Minnesota and United States history.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to meet ongoing needs of the Northern Lights Interactive eBook.
• Lead R&D of engaging curricular resources for K-16 teachers and students.
• Work with partners to plan and deliver new curricular resources and programs.
• Design and implement partnerships with schools and educational organizations.
• Represent MNHS in professional orgs and advisory boards.
• Promote MNHS education resources to K-16 teachers and students.

Skills

Effective communication

Collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in history, education, or humanities

Job description

OPEN TO: This job is open to current MNHS staff.

LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

RATE OF PAY: Typical starting range $59,841.60 - $65,332.80 annually, commensurate with experience

STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (approximately 2080 annual hours) position.

BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.

DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE: September 28, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: October 5, 2026

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks applicants to provide advanced leadership in program development, outreach, and resource support to various K-16 audiences.

The Program Specialist will spearhead efforts to meet the ongoing user, delivery platform, functionality, and content needs of the Northern Lights Interactive eBook; program development projects, including planning and overseeing research, development, implementation/delivery, and communication about professional development programs and curricular resources and products for various audiences, primarily K-16 teachers and students; to establish and nurture connections with community partners such as K-16 schools and districts, colleges and universities, community and professional organizations and individuals; to support and promote the work of the institution and advocate for the needs of the K-16 audience within the institution; to serve as a resource for MNHS leadership and staff on issues related to K-12 education.

SUMMARY OF WORK

1)Lead efforts to meet the ongoing needs of the Northern Lights Interactive eBook; 2)Lead the research and development of engaging curricular resources and programs for K-16 teachers and students; 3)Work with internal and external partners to create and implement plans for delivery of new curricular resources and programs; 4)Design, develop, and implement strategies to create partnerships with schools, educational organizations, historical/cultural organizations, businesses, and community groups/leaders; 5)Participate in and actively represent MNHS in professional organizations, advisory boards, and community forums to be knowledgeable about and keep the institution informed on social studies education best practices; 6)Communicate and promote MNHS and other appropriate education resources with K-16 teachers and students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in history, education, or humanities discipline, or related field or experience.

Four years experience working in historical research, education, program delivery or program development, curriculum development, or equivalent education/experience.

Knowledge of historical research methodology and data gathering techniques, including ability to conduct original research in primary source collections, synthesize research, and communicate findings.

Knowledge of K-12 teaching practices and types of curriculum used by K-12 teachers and students.

Knowledge of education technology platforms and practices used by K-12 teachers and students.

Computer skills necessary to develop quality project and program documentation.

General knowledge of Minnesota and United States history.

Ability and willingness to travel.

Valid driver’s license.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS IN OR KNOWLEDGE OF

Effective communication skills, including ability to write clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively with individuals and groups.

Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently to complete projects.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree in history, American Culture studies, public history, museum studies, humanities, education, or a relevant field.

6 years previous experience developing curriculum for school or museum audiences OR 6 years classroom teaching experience OR 6 years education technology experience OR a combination thereof.

8 years previous experience delivering classroom or interpretive programs to diverse audiences.

Familiarity with the Minnesota Historical Society, including K-12 programs, resources, and products.

Familiarity with educational standards and the structure of education delivery in Minnesota.

Familiarity with education technology platforms, methods, research, and best practices.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.