Southeastern Museums Conference
Director of Learning, Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY
Southeastern Museums Conference, Frankfort, Kentucky, United States, 40601
Director of Learning, Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY
KHS Division Director - Director of Learning
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov .
KHS is seeking a Director of Learning to lead the institution in providing engaging student and adult learning experiences as well as enriching resources for educators about Kentucky’s rich history. The Director of Learning is a senior-level position overseeing a significant portfolio of KHS’s history education-related programs and services, including highly popular field trips to the KHS campus and participation in National History Day in Kentucky . In close collaboration with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and the leadership across KHS, they implement activities at the Kentucky History Center, Kentucky’s Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum. The Director of Learning serves as a member of the KHS Leadership Team and plays an integral part in the advancement of the Kentucky Historical Society’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
The Director of Learning enhances the performance of the institution by embracing innovation in Kentucky history and education. Guided by an institutional strategic plan, they will contribute to raising the profile of KHS across the state. They guide the organization’s educational philosophy, bringing learning opportunities to a wide audience. A learning experience from the Kentucky Historical Society not only provides historical information but also develops historical literacy skills that empower us with insight into ourselves, our Commonwealth, our nation, and the world.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
· Provide vision and leadership to a team of professionals to meet KHS Learning team strategic and tactical team goals
· Direct collaboration efforts to maximize programming excellence and public engagement, including developing and strengthening collaborations with other organizations, communities, and diverse audiences
· Perform administrative duties to achieve operational excellence through performance management and effective resource stewardship. Oversee and execute logistics of the day-to-day operations of the museum experiences, teacher and school programs, and community engagement programs
· Working knowledge of project management, budgeting, and administration
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills with team members, public, and partner representatives
· Supervisory and leadership skills including mentorship
Education:
Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in history, museum studies, education or related field. Master’s preferred.
Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in a museum or education field with progressively responsible administration required for areas of responsibility. At least three years include developing and implementing major projects. Experience in a museum, history center, or other museum-related institution preferred.
Working Conditions:
Must be able to sit or stand for long periods.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements
· Demonstrated experience managing a high-performing team in a complex structure to include professional development and mentorship; Demonstrated development and oversight of budgets and finances. Ability to lead the creative development of complex program projects in a museum setting, preferably in a historical context. Knowledge of Kentucky history and state academic standards desired.
This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Deputy Director and serves on the Senior Leadership Team under the direction of the Executive Director. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $76,545.36 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period . The regular schedule includes a 37.5-hour workweek, and the position may require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours and travel as needed to support the programs and events of the Kentucky Historical Society. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, employer paid leave, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov . No telephone calls accepted. The deadline for submissions is
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 . Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.
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The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov .
KHS is seeking a Director of Learning to lead the institution in providing engaging student and adult learning experiences as well as enriching resources for educators about Kentucky’s rich history. The Director of Learning is a senior-level position overseeing a significant portfolio of KHS’s history education-related programs and services, including highly popular field trips to the KHS campus and participation in National History Day in Kentucky . In close collaboration with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and the leadership across KHS, they implement activities at the Kentucky History Center, Kentucky’s Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum. The Director of Learning serves as a member of the KHS Leadership Team and plays an integral part in the advancement of the Kentucky Historical Society’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
The Director of Learning enhances the performance of the institution by embracing innovation in Kentucky history and education. Guided by an institutional strategic plan, they will contribute to raising the profile of KHS across the state. They guide the organization’s educational philosophy, bringing learning opportunities to a wide audience. A learning experience from the Kentucky Historical Society not only provides historical information but also develops historical literacy skills that empower us with insight into ourselves, our Commonwealth, our nation, and the world.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
· Provide vision and leadership to a team of professionals to meet KHS Learning team strategic and tactical team goals
· Direct collaboration efforts to maximize programming excellence and public engagement, including developing and strengthening collaborations with other organizations, communities, and diverse audiences
· Perform administrative duties to achieve operational excellence through performance management and effective resource stewardship. Oversee and execute logistics of the day-to-day operations of the museum experiences, teacher and school programs, and community engagement programs
· Working knowledge of project management, budgeting, and administration
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills with team members, public, and partner representatives
· Supervisory and leadership skills including mentorship
Education:
Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in history, museum studies, education or related field. Master’s preferred.
Experience:
Five (5) years of experience in a museum or education field with progressively responsible administration required for areas of responsibility. At least three years include developing and implementing major projects. Experience in a museum, history center, or other museum-related institution preferred.
Working Conditions:
Must be able to sit or stand for long periods.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements
· Demonstrated experience managing a high-performing team in a complex structure to include professional development and mentorship; Demonstrated development and oversight of budgets and finances. Ability to lead the creative development of complex program projects in a museum setting, preferably in a historical context. Knowledge of Kentucky history and state academic standards desired.
This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, Ky., that reports to the Deputy Director and serves on the Senior Leadership Team under the direction of the Executive Director. This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $76,545.36 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period . The regular schedule includes a 37.5-hour workweek, and the position may require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours and travel as needed to support the programs and events of the Kentucky Historical Society. Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, employer paid leave, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov . No telephone calls accepted. The deadline for submissions is
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 . Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.
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