Description

OUR MISSION: The Wisconsin Historical Society connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories.

OUR VISION: Enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1846, the Wisconsin Historical Society is one of the nation’s most respected and dynamic historical organizations. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, the Society is uniquely positioned to serve the public through its mission to connect people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories.

At the heart of this work is a belief that history matters. A deeper understanding of the past strengthens communities, informs civic life, and supports cultural and economic vitality. The Society’s values are to Embrace a Spirit of Service, Engage our Expertise, Spark Enthusiasm, Cultivate Inclusion, Exceed Expectations, and Think Big and Grow with Purpose. These values guide a high-performing and collaborative organization that is recognized nationally and internationally for its impact.

Each year, the Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions through an expansive portfolio that includes:

• Museums and Historic Sites: Twelve immersive destinations, including two National Historic Landmarks, along with more than 530 state historical markers
• World-Class Collections: One of the largest North American history collections outside the Library of Congress, spanning archaeology to modern history and nationally significant genealogy resources
• Education and Publishing: Widely used resources for educators, students, and lifelong learners through the Wisconsin Historical Society Press and statewide programming
• Research and Genealogy Services: Extensive archives supporting both casual curiosity and advanced scholarship
• Public History Leadership: Direct support to more than 400 local history organizations across Wisconsin
• State Historic Preservation Office: Stewardship of Wisconsin’s archaeological and built environment, with services supporting property owners, developers, and communities
   

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wisconsin Historical Society is entering a transformational moment with the opening of the 115,000 square foot Wisconsin History Center in late 2027. 

Located on Capitol Square in downtown Madison, the History Center will serve as a flagship destination where people and communities connect across time through shared American experiences.

As the Society’s premier venue, the History Center will feature more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, including three permanent galleries, a 7,500 square foot changing gallery, and a 1,000 square foot community gallery. The facility will include classrooms, dynamic public programming spaces, and a top floor and rooftop event venue. The Center is expected to welcome more than 200,000 visitors annually and will serve as the hub for mission delivery across Wisconsin.

The History Center Attractions Director provides senior level leadership across all facets of operations. This includes guest experience, programming, retail and admissions, business operations, and financial performance. The Director plays a critical role in shaping how visitors experience the History Center from the moment they arrive.

This role leads all visitor-facing functions including Guest Services, Admissions, Retail operations, programming and education, and overall facility readiness. The Director is also responsible for managing key operational partnerships including private events, food and beverage, security, and custodial services, ensuring strong performance, compliance, and a high-quality guest experience.

The Director serves as a key member of the Society’s senior leadership team and works closely with executive leaders across programs, collections, learning, creative, marketing, and business services to deliver a cohesive and compelling visitor experience.

As one of the Society’s three major attractions, alongside Circus World and Old World Wisconsin, the Director partners with the Administrator of Museums and Historic Sites to align centralized functions such as ticketing, retail, and sales.  In addition, the Director also serves as a strategic thought partner to the Administrator.

Given the History Center’s location adjacent to the State Capitol, this role also serves as a visible and trusted representative of the organization. The Director will regularly engage with legislators, executive leadership, donors, partners, community stakeholders, and media.

This position reports to the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer and offers a rare opportunity to lead a flagship cultural destination from its opening and into its next chapter of growth and impact.

SALARY INFORMATION

The salary will be between $45.00 - $59.88 per hour plus excellent benefits.  Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 81, range 01. The classification is Historic Site Manager.  A 2-year Career Executive trial period will be required. 

Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits:  https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx

JOB DETAILS

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

This position will work full-time on site.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

A minimally qualified candidate will have experience in all of the following:

• Management experience in a public-facing environment such as a museum, attraction, visitor centers, hospitality venue, cultural institution, or similar setting with responsibility for daily operations or visitor services.
• Experience coordinating operational logistics for programs, events, or group visits within a public or visitor-focused setting.
• Experience supporting revenue-generating activities such as admissions, retail, programming, or events, including familiarity with operational financial controls such as cash handling or POS systems.
• Experience supervising staff in cross-functional teams (e.g. create work plans for staff, hire and train staff, evaluate staff performance, establish daily goals and tasks, oversee employment functions) 
• Experience representing an organization with external stakeholders such as community partners, tourism organizations, donors, elected officials, or media in a public-facing leadership role. 

In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will have demonstrated experience in at least three of the following areas:

• Demonstrated accountability to generate earned revenue through admissions, retail, events, or programs, including monitoring performance and identifying strategies to increase revenue or operational efficiency.
• Management of retail or commercial visitor services, including merchandising, inventory controls, POS systems, and strategies to improve per-capita spending or retail performance.
• Experience managing vendors or contracted services (such as food service, event services, or operational service providers), including performance standards, compliance, and service quality expectations.
• Management of complex visitor operations involving high-volume attendance, large group visits (such as school groups), or major public events requiring coordination across staff, vendors, and operational teams.
• Demonstrated ability to implement operational systems, standard operating procedures, or service frameworks that improve consistency, guest satisfaction, or operational performance.
• Demonstrated experience working with development or advancement teams to cultivate donor and sponsor relationships, support fundraising initiatives, and represent the organization in donor-facing settings such as tours, events, presentations, or sponsorship engagements.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process.  Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.  Applications are due at 11:59PM on May 29, 2026.  Click here to apply. 

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions.  

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Questions may be directed to jan.zadra@wisconsinhistory.org. or (608) 264-6409.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.  If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.