History Education Specialist

Job Summary

DEVELOPS and LEADS hands-on, standards-aligned educational programming focused on local and regional history, public history interpretation, and inquiry-based learning. LEADS camp supervision, including daily operations, staff coordination, and participant oversight. ASSISTS in the execution of interpretive plan by creating and delivering onsite educational programming and interactive experiences that activate interpretive priorities across the site. SUPPORTS school field trips, and teacher professional development and public programs.

Job Scope

Serves as a primary Education Department team member responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating, and delivering history-based educational programming that strengthens onsite interpretation and visitor engagement through user-focused museum strategies. Works under the direction of Director of Education and collaborates with cross-departmental support interpretive planning, onsite educational interactives, and visitor-centered learning experiences. Facilitates field trip stops and supports public programs and camp programming as assigned. Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. ASSISTS with the implementation and activation of Naper Settlement’s interpretation through educational programming, facilitation, and onsite visitor learning experiences.

2. DEVELOPS and EXPANDS onsite interpretive education programming with user-focused museum strategies that strengthens visitor engagement, perspective-taking, and inquiry-based learning.

3. DEVELOPS educational interactives and engagement opportunities throughout the site, including hands-on activities and inquiry-based tools for school and public audiences.

4. FACILITATES school field trip stops and educational programming as assigned, ensuring safe, engaging delivery with standards alignment and for a variety of audiences.

5. SUPPORTS youth camps through curriculum development assistance, activity preparation, facilitation, and administrative support as assigned.

6. COLLABORATES with Education staff, interpreters, volunteers, and other departments to strengthen interpretive consistency, onsite learning quality, and visitor experience.

7. SUPPORTS departmental earned revenue goals by assisting with the development, implementation, and improvement of education programming to meet attendance and participation targets.

8. ORGANIZES, MAINTAINS, and TRACKS program supplies and instructional materials to support consistent program readiness and quality.

9. ASSISTS with program documentation and evaluation through participation tracking, feedback collection and reporting as assigned.

10. SUPPORTS exhibit development by contributing historical content, educational components, and visitor-centered learning strategies as assigned.

11. DEVELOPS educational interactives and engagement opportunities throughout the site, including inquiry-based activities and hands-on learning experiences.

12. LEADS camp supervision, including daily operations, staff coordination, and participant oversight.

13. PERFORMS all other duties as assigned.

14. REQUIRED to work Naperville Heritage Society events that fall on Friday and Saturday evenings; Naper Nights (6 days), Oktoberfest (2 days), All Hallows Eve (2 days) and Howlin at the Moon (2 days).

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the staff member a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Must have strong knowledge of historical content and the ability to translate content into engaging onsite experiences for school and public audiences. Candidate demonstrates working knowledge of interpretive strategies, including user-focused museum, dialogue-based engagement, questioning techniques, storytelling, and place-based learning. The role is expected to create interactive learning experiences that encourage inquiry and perspective-taking. The position requires strong communication and classroom management strategies, including the ability to work with children and adult audiences in active learning environments. Individual is highly self-motivated, has strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to develop high level reports, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. The position requires ability to work collaboratively across departments in public-facing environments.

Essential Functions

1. Ability to operate office equipment in order to send and receive information with necessary optical, auditory, and manual dexterity.

2. Ability to analyze, compute, and audit information.

3. Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an hour or more at a time.

4. Ability to lift or carry objects weighing at least 25 pounds.

5. Ability to operate or observe office equipment for an hour or more at a time.

6. Ability to distinguish colors.

7. Ability to use a keyboard to enter, retrieve, or transfer words or data.

8. Ability to closely examine computer screens or written reports.

9. Ability to read, comprehend, and speak English and be able to demonstrate twelfth grade reading skill.

10. Ability to work in an area that may be uncomfortable due to temperature variation, noise, odors, or other conditions.

Minimum Education, Experience and Certification

Bachelor’s degree in history, public history, museum studies, education, social studies education, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. Teaching licensure is preferred, with strong preference given to candidates holding a History Education teaching license or endorsement. Two (2) years experience in a related field required. Demonstrated experience developing and delivering onsite educational programming and facilitation for a variety of ages required. Experience facilitating school field trips, supporting camps, and delivering public programs preferred. Experience supporting interpretive planning, visitor engagement strategies, and a user-focused museum preferred. Valid Illinois driver’s license with clean driving record required.