Job Opening: Museum Director
Position Summary
The Museum Director provides overall leadership, management, and coordination for the Museum of North Carolina Craft and History and the Shelton House campus. This position oversees daily museum operations, visitor services, educational programming, special events, collections management, communications, volunteer coordination, and facility operations.
The Museum Director works under the administrative oversight of the Chair of the Board of Directors and collaborates closely with Board committees to advance the Museum’s mission, sustainability, and public engagement. The position also supervises the Programming and Volunteer Coordinator and works with volunteers, contractors, vendors, and community partners.
The position is part-time.
Organizational Relationships
Reports directly to the Chair of the Board of Directors
Works closely with the Operations Committee and the Fundraising & Public Relations Committee
Supervises the Programming and Volunteer Coordinator
Oversees volunteers, vendors, and contracted service providers as needed
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership and Operations
Manage daily museum operations during public hours and special events
Oversee administrative functions including scheduling, admissions, communications, and recordkeeping
Maintain the Museum’s master calendar of programs, meetings, and events
Implement Board-approved strategic plans and operational goals
Prepare monthly operational and status reports for the Board
Facilities and Grounds Management
Oversee the maintenance and presentation of the Shelton House campus, including the museum, barn, gardens, apartment, and grounds
Coordinate contractors, maintenance projects, and repair services with the Operations Committee
Monitor facility projects for quality, safety, and compliance
Visitor Services and Volunteer Coordination
Support a welcoming and educational visitor experience
Assist with docent and guided tour operations as needed
Supervise volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and support
Maintain accurate and accessible interpretive and training materials
Fundraising and Administrative Support
Maintain donor, membership, and sponsorship records
Assist with grant administration, donor communications, and annual appeals
Support fundraising events and community initiatives
Assist with operational oversight of the Museum gift shop
Communications and Marketing
Manage social media platforms and digital communications
Maintain and update the Museum website
Draft press releases, newsletters, and promotional materials
Coordinate marketing efforts for exhibitions, programs, and events
Community Engagement and Programming
Build partnerships with local organizations, businesses, tourism agencies, and educational institutions
Represent the Museum at community events and festivals
Support educational programming, interpretive initiatives, and public events
Collections and Exhibitions
Assist with collections management using Past Perfect software
Maintain accession, loan, and donor records
Support the implementation of collections management policies and object care standards
Curate and rotate exhibitions within the Museum and Barn galleries
Staff and Board Support
Supervise and support Museum staff, volunteers, and contractors
Attend Board and committee meetings as required
Provide reports, documentation, and operational updates to the Board
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board of Directors
Qualifications
Experience in museum management, nonprofit administration, public history, or related fields preferred
Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email platforms, and social media tools
Experience with or willingness to learn collections management software such as Past Perfect
Ability to work collaboratively with Board members, volunteers, donors, and the public
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will remain open until filled.
Submit a letter of intent and résumé to: (please send documents in PDF format)
Email inquiries to:
Job Opening: Programming and Volunteer Coordinator
Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Craft and History is a regional museum in Waynesville dedicated to preserving and celebrating the craft traditions and cultural heritage of North Carolina. Housed in the historic Shelton House, built in 1875 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features exhibitions of traditional and contemporary craft, regional history, and the stories of makers whose work reflects the creativity and identity of the state. Through exhibitions, educational programs, festivals, and community partnerships, Shelton House serves as a gathering place where craft, history, and community come together.
Position Summary
The Programming and Volunteer Coordinator of the Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Craft and History supports the Managing Director in the daily operations, programs, and stewardship of the museum. This position plays a key role in coordinating public programs and events—including the Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Festival—overseeing the museum’s volunteer program, and managing merchandise sales.
The Coordinator assists with museum operations, facility coordination, visitor services, and community engagement. Working collaboratively with staff, board members, and volunteers, the Coordinator helps ensure a welcoming, professional, and educational experience for all visitors while supporting the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate North Carolina’s craft and cultural heritage.
This is a part-time position, not to exceed 740 hours annually. Working hours are flexible depending on the museum’s needs and schedule; in general, the schedule is three days per week (Thursday–Saturday), 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends for special events.
Key Responsibilities
Museum Operations
Assist the Managing Director in the daily operations of the museum.
Provide support for visitor services and help maintain a welcoming and professional
environment.
Assist with facility coordination including event setup, rentals, and use of museum spaces.
Help coordinate schedules, supplies, and logistical needs for programs and activities.
Assist with general administrative duties including record keeping and documentation.
Programs and Events
Coordinate museum programs, workshops, and special events.
Serve as the primary staff liaison for the Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Festival, assisting with artist communication, logistics, and event coordination.
Support planning and implementation of public programs that highlight North Carolina craft traditions and regional history.
Assist with community outreach events, off-site programs, and festival participation.
Volunteer Program
Manage and coordinate the museum’s volunteer program.
Recruit, schedule, and communicate with volunteers.
Assist in developing volunteer training materials and orientation programs.
Support volunteers working in areas such as tours, events, collections support, and visitor services.
Maintain volunteer records and recognition initiatives.
Museum Brand Merchandise
Manage merchandise sales including inventory tracking and display.
Assist with ordering and restocking items.
Maintain accurate records of sales and inventory.
Visitor Experience
Assist with docent coordination and visitor engagement.
Provide information and interpretation to visitors about the museum, its collections, and regional craft traditions.
Support guided tours, self-guided tour logistics, and visitor programming.
Help ensure that museum spaces remain clean, safe, and visitor-ready.
Community Engagement
Represent the museum at community events, festivals, and partner programs when appropriate.
Assist with outreach to artists, craftspeople, and cultural organizations.
Support communication efforts including marketing distribution, event promotion, and public engagement.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in arts administration, museum studies, nonprofit management, history, public history, or a related field preferred.
Previous experience with museums, historic sites, cultural organizations, or nonprofit administration is preferred.
Experience in event planning, public programs, or volunteer coordination is highly desirable.
Skills and Abilities
Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
Effective communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
Comfort with administrative tasks including scheduling, record keeping, and basic financial tracking.
Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks.
Interest in North Carolina craft traditions, regional history, and cultural heritage is strongly encouraged.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and special events.
Ability to lift light materials and assist with event setup when necessary.
Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and public service.
Compensation
This is a part-time position not to exceed 740 hours annually. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.
Applications
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will remain open until filled.
Submit a letter of intent and résumé to: (please send documents in PDF format)
Email inquiries to: