Manager of Education & Museum Programs

Position Summary

The Manager of Education & Museum Programs oversees the successful execution of a multitude of educational services for school groups, including established on-site programs, and the development of new outreach programs.  These programs have traditionally served elementary-age students, but in recent years, the museum has reintroduced new middle & high school level programs.

This position will be responsible for the hiring & training of new education staff, achieving high proficiency in all museum program content, and will serve as a liaison to teachers and school administrators in the region, with the specific goal of forging new partnerships and promoting visibility and interest in Noah Webster House (NWH) education programs.  The Manager of Education & Museum Programs will seek to establish closer communication and relationships to identify the challenges that teachers and administrators encounter in the modern classroom, and work together to reduce barriers to school visitation, while advocating for the incorporation of NWH services into local school curriculums.

Additionally, the Manager of Education & Museum Programs will be the primary contact and project lead on other NWH education initiatives, most critically the “Connecticut Spelling Bee”, but also adult lecture programs, the longstanding “Early American Adventure Camp” and other special projects as assigned by the Executive Director.   This position will research & contribute content for grant submissions to education-focused foundations and may be required to assist in writing press releases, historical script research for the popular “West Hartford Hauntings” program, or other history or education-based content.

 

Primary Responsibilities   

 

Education Programs

 

• Achieve proficiency in all aspects of the museum’s core education offerings & the historic house tour; greet & orient students upon arrival, lead the coordination of staff during school visit days and ensure positive & effective learning experiences for students.
• Coordinate regularly with the museum’s Education Coordinator for scheduling, communication with teachers, and meeting the curriculum standards and learning goals of regional schools. Remain flexible with special requests from external educators.
• Establish strong relationships with schoolteachers & administrators throughout Connecticut, with the goal of developing long-term partnerships and the inclusion of Noah Webster-related content into classrooms in the region.
• Work with Education Coordinator to assist with reservations, scheduling, and inquiries, and take lead on recruitment, training, and direction of the organization’s valued Museum Teachers, who are on the front lines of delivering quality programs for student visitors.
• Assist Executive Director with securing education-related grants and reporting.

Public Programs

This position is also responsible for the successful management of adult lectures throughout the year, monthly family programs, and most critically, the CONNECTICUT SPELLING BEE, a signature component of the museum’s support of students throughout the State.    Assists colleagues with  “all hands-on-deck” projects such as the “Real Ale Beer Festival”, “West Hartford Hauntings”, and the “War of the Words” fundraiser.   Related duties include:

• Scheduling presenters of relevant lecture content. Manage all aspects of events, including contracts & payments, extra staffing if necessary, A/V requirements, creation of ticketing links for public purchase and public promotion via social media, website and/or press release.
• In coordination with the Executive Director, develop new programs that will attract diverse audiences and support the revenue & attendance goals of the organization, to align with the mission of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.
• Works in collaboration with external partners on West Hartford-specific programs and special initiatives, as assigned by the Executive Director.

 

Marketing

Responsible for assisting with promotion of museum events & educational offerings on social media, Mailchimp “e-blasts” and print mailings, or other channels, including the museum website and press releases, in coordination with the Executive Director.

General 

• Help to maintain readiness in public areas of the museum during open hours, and a willingness to assist with guest check-in/orientation and/or hospitality needs at peak times, which may include greeting visitors, operating the gift shop, answering the phone, spot cleaning and meeting set-up and break-down.

Position Details

  

• Regular part-time employee, reports to the Executive Director.
• 30-32 hours per week (average). Some schedule flexibility is possible during off-season.     Occasional nights or weekends may be required.  Additional hours & travel to regional schools may be required from time to time for meetings or outreach programs.
• Compensation: $25.00-$28.00 per hour, based upon prior experience.

• On-site only position; no remote work.

• Eligible for paid time off (vacation, holidays) as currently defined by the NWH personnel policy.
• Exempt position, as currently defined by the NWH personnel policy.

 

 

Core Competencies

• A. or equivalent required; M.A. in museum studies, history, geography, English is desirable. Previous State of Connecticut Teacher Certification is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience as a museum educator is preferred but not required. Previous classroom teaching experience is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer skills required.
• Excellent writing & communication skills.
• Must be highly self-directed, organized, and able to balance multiple tasks, as assigned by the Executive Director.
• Superior interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work well with the public & colleagues.
• Commitment and belief in the mission of the Noah Webster House. Knowledge of early American history and/or Connecticut history is desirable.

The ideal candidate would be a former State of Connecticut Certified educator (elementary, middle or high school) that seeks a transition to an alternate career serving students in an education capacity.   Someone who “speaks teacher” and can forge partnerships with curriculum directors, teachers and administrators in the region to increase interest & knowledge of Noah Webster’s impact on education, culture and government during the early years of the United States of America.

To APPLY: 

 

Email resume & cover letter on or before June 30, 2026 to:   events@noahwebsterhouse.org.   

ATTN: Executive Director

 The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.  No employee or applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information or any other applicable legally protected status.   The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society will consider all individuals for any position for which they are qualified and able to perform.