Director Of Education & Engagement

The successful candidate will be energized by the opportunity to create a holistic and visionary education program from the ground up and to deepen educational outreach and engagement at the Utah Historical Society. This position will oversee the development of education and public programming for the forthcoming Museum of Utah and the Historical Society. The Director will lead a professional team of public historians, history educators and communicators, and outreach specialists to create rich and thoughtful experiences for all audiences, fostering curiosity and inspiring engagement in historical thinking and discovery.
UHS practices inclusiveness in the work that we do and across our organization. We recognize the diverse strengths, needs, voices, and backgrounds of all members of our community and are committed to the equitable treatment of all people and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms.
About Us: Founded in 1897, Utah Historical Society works to foster curiosity about the past, inform the present, and strengthen our shared future. The agency continues to share the state’s history through seven major initiatives including our cemeteries program, public history, women’s history initiative, publications, Peoples of Utah Revisited, Library & Collections, and the Museum of Utah. Learn more about our work at history.utah.gov and explore our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
Principle Duties
The Director Of Education & Engagement Duties Include

• Personnel Management: Oversee our existing public history team, which includes the National History Day Program and K-12 initiatives, Publications, Women’s History Initiative, and Peoples of Utah Revisited Initiative. Build a team of museum educators and specialists in FY25 and beyond to develop museum programs. The Director will eventually oversee a diverse team of approximately 7 FTE and 7 PT staff.
• Leadership: The successful incumbent will serve as a leader for the Education & Engagement team through active mentoring and development of staff. Elevate UHS’ presence in the history education and museum fields by participating in state, regional, and national networks in a professional capacity.
• Project Management: The Director will serve as a primary project manager for work coming out of the Education & Engagement team.The successful candidate will be a strong project manager and assist their team in ensuring deadlines are met, programs are managed efficiently and professionally.
• Cross-collaboration and Partnerships: The Director will ensure the Education & Engagement team collaborates with staff across UHS, sister agencies, and external partners to identify and amplify mutually beneficial opportunities for UHS and partner organizations.
• Strategy and Planning: Lead the design, development, execution, and evaluation of a holistic strategy that integrates the Society’s public history, education, and engagement programs under a unified vision, ensuring its alignment with broader organizational priorities from the 2023-2027 Utah Historical Society Strategic Plan. Ensure that programs that are developed and implemented meet state educational standards. Identify clear, measurable short- and long-term goals, and effectively communicate goals to division and department leadership.
• Operational Budgets and Annual Plans: the Director will manage an Education & Engagement annual plan and budget, allocating funds for programs according to the needs for the year. Additionally, the Director will identify, track, and report metrics for programs, focusing on long term impact. The Director will serve as a mentor to the staff they manage and assist in developing program budgets and annual plans. Add tracking, metrics, and reporting here.

Ideal Candidate/Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a self-starter and someone with significant experience in informal educational spaces. Ideal qualifications include:

• Demonstrated project management experience, with strong leadership of staff and collaborative efforts.
• Demonstrated career growth and development of responsibilities in the public history and museum sector, with a focus on engagement with K-12, adult, family, university, and community stakeholders.
• Museum or public history program experience, with the ability to identify and create ongoing learning and engagement opportunities across UHS, to ensure programmatic currency and vibrancy.
• This position is based out of the Utah Historical Society’s office in Salt Lake City, UT
• Superior professional oral and written communication skills required.
• Demonstrated experience in program and curriculum development.

Why You Should Join Our Team
The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement isn't just another state agency. The programs we manage and the services we provide are the heart and soul of Utah. By working with local arts agencies, historical societies, volunteer organizations, libraries, museums, and other state and federal agencies, as well as the state's many indigenous and minority groups, the professionals in our department improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout Utah.
The department provides a fast paced, collaborative, and energetic work environment that supports employees in balancing work and home life. We actively encourage flexible work schedules and telecommuting options where it makes sense, as well as participation in exercise and mass transit programs. Consider joining the Cultural & Community Engagement team for a rewarding public service experience.
As a benefited employee of the Department Cultural & Community Engagement, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Click here to view a summary of the benefits we offer. We also provide generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balance. You will work on important public policy issues to benefit state residents.
The Agency
For more information about the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement and the Utah Historical Society, click here.