The Mitford Museum is planning to hire two new positions starting in February 2025. We will be reviewing resumes as they are submitted and will beginning conducting interviews in October. Thank you for your interest in being part of the Mitford family here in Hudson, NC.
VISITOR EXPERIENCE MANAGER
Job Description – The Visitor Experience Manager ensures that visitors feel welcomed, cared for, and valued when they spend time at The Mitford Museum. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of retail processes and familiarity with nonprofit operations. Primary duties include museum gift shop operations and event support. The Visitor Experience Manager will greet visitors, sell tickets, manage the gift shop, and assist with museum upkeep. This salaried position reports to the Museum Director. The schedule is typically 30 hours per week—Wednesday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with an hour break midday. The schedule may be adjusted to accommodate events.
Responsibilities
- Develop a strong knowledge of the Mitford series of novels and museum collections.
- Oversee opening/closing and operating Happy Endings Bookstore each day.
- Greet visitors as they arrive, ensuring they feel welcomed and cared for. Assist shoppers as needed.
- Help develop itineraries for groups visiting the museum. Develop a familiarity with other destinations, services, and activities in the area.
- Coordinate volunteer docents assisting in the bookstore and guiding tours of the museum. Lead tours when needed. Work with Curatorial Manager to train docents and provide details about museum displays.
- Manage inventory using Square sales software. Order inventory as needed and work with the Museum Director to develop new items for sale.
- Maintain and update the online shopping experience. Process all online orders.
- Enter visitor data into eTapestry software.
- Work with the Curatorial Manager as needed to update and maintain museum displays.
- Support Events Manager with social media and photography needs.
Expectations
- Creative eye for design and sales displays.
- Familiarity with the Microsoft suite of programs. Familiarity with Square point of sale systems a plus.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Superior time management and organizational skills. The ability to stay on task while also being responsive to visitors and volunteers.
- Personable and eager to work with the public as part of a supportive team.
Application – To apply, please email the following to sthomas@themitfordmuseum.org:
- A cover letter including a personal statement describing your reasons for seeking a position at The Mitford Museum and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- A résumé outlining your educational, professional, and volunteer experience.
- Contact information for two references.
OUTREACH & EVENTS MANAGER
Job Description – The Outreach & Events Manager oversees all aspects of museum events as well as managing our online presence. This includes social media management, event planning, and ensuring visitors feel welcomed, cared for, and valued when they participate in museum-related events and activities. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of event planning, excellent customer service experience, and will be familiar with nonprofit operations. This salaried position reports to the Museum Director. Working hours are generally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday with occasional evening/holiday hours.
Responsibilities:
- Coordination and oversight of annual events including but not limited to the spring tea, summer reading program, photography contest, literary weekend, candlelight tours, etc.
- Working with the Museum Director and the Founder to develop new events and fine tune existing events with an eye to growing the museum’s reach and bottom line.
- Developing and maintaining a list of vendors to include caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, etc. to support events.
- Keeping social media channels and the website vibrant and up to date. The position requires having and fine-tuning an eye for photography and videography to support the Mitford brand. Enthusiasm for staying abreast of trends and new opportunities for promotion is critical.
- The museum is in the process of raising funds for The Mitford Discovery Center across the street from our current location. The Events Manager role will grow to manage the MDC. Key areas of responsibility will include:
- Helping to develop and manage a robust slate of workshops, classes, and activities at the MDC.
- Working with the Curatorial Manager to identify and install traveling museum exhibitions as well as developing in-house exhibitions.
- Managing a roster of teachers and volunteers to support programming.
- Building relationships with target audiences including at-risk youth, seniors, churches, and community groups.
- Coordinating/hosting any events including those put on by outside groups renting the space.
Expectations
- Develop a strong knowledge of the Mitford series of novels and museum collections.
- Cross-train to assist in the bookstore and as a docent in the museum when needed.
- Coordinate social media and photography needs adhering to museum standards as outlined in the Operations Manual.
- Creative eye for detail, design, and displays—ability to use a cell phone camera and video editing software with expertise.
- Strong attention to detail with exceptional follow-through and time management.
- Experience in nonprofit management, arts programming, and museum operations strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with the Microsoft suite of programs in addition to design/editing programs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Personable and eager to work with the public as part of a supportive team.
Application – To apply, please email the following to sthomas@themitfordmuseum.org:
- A cover letter including a personal statement describing your reasons for seeking a position at The Mitford Museum and what skills you bring to the position.
- A résumé outlining your educational, professional, and volunteer experience.
- Contact information for three references.
