Description

Position Summary

Historic Locust Grove seeks a strategic and dynamic Director of Engagement to lead and grow public-facing programs, interpretive events, community partnerships, and mission-based experiences. This role develops, implements, and executes a comprehensive annual program calendar with a focus on meaningful engagement, mission impact, and strategic audience growth while preserving the historic integrity of the site.

This position serves as a mission-focused ambassador, ensuring our programs reflect the values, hospitality, and interpretive goals of Historic Locust Grove. The Director of Engagement works collaboratively across all departments. Evening and weekend availability is required based on event schedules.

All staff are cross-trained in various aspects of site operation, including tours, daily accounting, and site security, and may be asked to assist in areas beyond their immediate role when institutional needs require.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight & Program Development

•         Develop, implement, and execute a comprehensive annual program calendar.
•         Align program content with mission, historical interpretation goals, and institutional strategy (including revenue generation and expense minimization).
•         Collaborate on budget development, financial tracking, and program evaluation.
•         Work with Marketing Administrator, Graphic Designer, and Marketing Consultants to develop and update promotional materials and communications.

Event & Program Coordination

•         Lead all stages of program planning, scheduling, staffing, and execution.
•         Ensure all presenters, partners, and participants are familiar with site policies.
•         Coordinate with all teams to communicate program needs and logistics.
•         Support event day operations and collaborate with staff or volunteers for implementation.

Partnerships & Community Outreach

•         Coordinate with all teams to secure and schedule volunteers for public programs and events.
•         Develop and sustain mission-aligned partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, tourism agencies, and cultural collaborators.
•         Initiate outreach to underserved audiences and cultivate new community relationships that expand engagement and access.
•         Represent Locust Grove in local and regional tourism, cultural, and professional networks.
•         Co-create programming with partners that support shared goals, community impact, and historical interpretation.
•         Establish partnership agreements that define objectives, roles, deliverables, and evaluation measures.
•         Participate in meetings, coalitions, convenings, and networking events to strengthen institutional visibility and collaborative opportunities. 

Fundraising, Grants, and Partnership Development

•         Collaborate with Leadership to identify, cultivate, and steward funders, sponsors, foundations, and community partners whose priorities align with Locust Grove’s mission and programming goals.
•         Research and recommend grant opportunities that support new or existing program initiatives; contribute content, data, and budget information for proposals and reports.
•         Track, document, and communicate program successes, outcomes, and impact metrics to support fundraising and reporting requirements.

Team Leadership & Cross-Training

•         Coordinate with all teams to secure and schedule volunteers for public programs and events.
•         Uphold a culture of professionalism, flexibility, and mission-focused customer service.
•         Participate in site operations, including tours or guest services as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

•         Starting Salary: $47,000.00
•         Paid vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement time, as well as paid holidays
•         Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available after 90 days; 401K options after first year
•         Opportunities for professional development
•         Meaningful work in a collaborative and mission-driven environment

Requirements

Technical Capabilities Required

•         Proficiency in computer and telephone systems 
•         Office administration and multitasking in a fast-paced environment
•         Report, memo, invoice, and correspondence creation
•         Scheduling and calendar management for both staff and events
•         Strong research skills to support program development and evaluation
•         Filing system creation and maintenance (electronic and physical)

Social Competencies Required

•         Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
•         Strong collaboration and team-oriented mindset
•         Superior organization and attention to detail
•         Sound decision-making and judgment
•         Effective time management under tight deadlines
•         High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
•         Ability to multitask while maintaining quality
•         Professional demeanor, flexibility, and integrity in all interactions
•         Exhibit hospitality and Locust Grove values

Minimum Qualifications

•         Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, public history, or other relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred
•         Five (5) years of experience in program development, museum programming, event planning, or cultural engagement
•         Demonstrated public engagement experience, ideally in a nonprofit or cultural setting
•         Familiarity with basic bookkeeping, budgeting, and point-of-sale systems
•         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and other platforms

Additional Requirements

•         A commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion while upholding the values, goals, and strategic initiatives of Historic Locust Grove. Applicants are expected to be a positive addition to our internal culture of transparency, accountability, support, and innovation.
•         An inquisitive mind and a passion for history. Creativity, collaboration, and experimentation are crucial to this position.
•         Organization and an eye for detail 
•         Be well suited to working with the public, both in groups and one-on-one
•         Proficiency in public speaking and community engagement
•         Be able to juggle projects with different timelines and deadlines, with consistent communication throughout. Project management experience is extremely helpful.
•         Have excellent research skills, both in person and online
•         Communicate in a timely manner and with complete transparency. We believe change is inevitable, roadblocks can stump progress, and people will make mistakes—but communication and accountability are required to reassess and redirect.
• Be willing to embrace and drive change with an open mind, a positive outlook, and the desire to learn