Museum Director

Van Cortlandt House Museum
Museum Director, January 2024

The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York, NSCDNY, is looking for a dynamic individual to be the Director of the Van Cortlandt House Museum, VCHM, in Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, New York. The NSCDNY has partnered with the state of New York since 1898 in stewarding the VCHM.

This position is based full-time in-person at the VCHM at 6036 Broadway, Bronx, NY. The VCHM will undergo a major restoration projected to begin January 2026 at which time the museum may be closed, and this position may have a remote component.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and implement programs and events that engage visitors in the historical interpretation of the VCHM and its occupants.
• Foster and maintain relationships with Van Cortlandt Park organizations, City and borough representatives, members of Community Board 8 and the local community. Foster and maintain the productive and collaborative relationship with Historic House Trust that is in place.
• Plan and implement exhibitions to be viewed at VCHM and/or remote locations that focus historic insight on the museum’s collection and the Van Cortlandt family, the people that the Van Cortlandt’s enslaved, and their plantation’s role in the colonial history of New York City and neighboring area.
• Develop a promotional strategy for the VCHM that includes social media to highlight the important initiatives being produced at the VCHM so that community members are aware of all that the VCHM is doing with its programming.
• Plan programming for borough and city-wide tourism initiatives such as Bronx Week, Open House New York, and Archtober.
• Seek partnerships and collaborate with community-based organizations for the purposes of hosting and sponsoring events at the museum.
• Be accessible and communicative with the VCHM committee chair and relevant NSCDNY board members.
• Implement diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Qualifications

• Educational background and experience in museum management
• Understanding and appreciation for the colonial period in American history and its material culture
• Interest in historic preservation
• Commitment to institutional values including diversity and community engagement
• Practice of managing complex relationships
• Excellent ability with organizational, written, and speaking skills
• Ability to interact successfully as part of a small team
• Ability to be flexible, solve problems, and be able to operate independently
• Successful candidates should consider themselves compassionate, friendly, and personable

Physical Demands of the Work Environment:

The duties of this position require standing, walking, sitting, lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, moving light furniture, collection objects, and stanchions, rolling up rugs and rug pads.

Compensation

• Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 per year plus health insurance. (Possible annual performance bonus.)
• United Oxford Health insurance, gold level
• 403B (non-contributory) retirement saving plan
• Initial PTO includes: Two weeks paid vacation, 4 personal days, 11 paid holidays

NSCDNY is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you have questions about accessibility or require accommodations as part of the interview process, please let us know.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to careers@vchm.org as soon as possible.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person