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Employment Opportunities

Director
"The Hershey Story"
Hershey, Pennsylvania

Position Summary
The M.S. Hershey Foundation is seeking an entrepreneurial and dynamic leader to serve as the Director of The Hershey Story. This new Museum—with a target opening in late 2008—will invite visitors to experience the many stories of Hershey in an educational, fun-filled and imaginative environment focused on audience, active learning and engagement with and between objects and ideas.

The Director will report to the Executive Director of The M.S. Hershey Foundation and will be responsible for all aspects of the Museum including: further defining the visitor experience, implementing a staffing plan and opening the Museum to the public. The Director will lead key staff members and will be supported by an administrative assistant.

The M.S. Hershey Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to cultural and educational enrichment. It operates Hershey Museum, Hershey Gardens, Hershey Theatre, Hershey Community Archives and ChocolateTown Square.

The Hershey Story
The Hershey Story will be a place of exploration, memories, learning and interaction encompassing four interconnected Hershey stories:

  • FOUNDER: The stories of Milton S. Hershey
  • COMMUNITY: The stories of the town and the people of the area
  • PHILANTHROPY: Tthe stories of the Milton Hershey School and Hershey cultural and educational legacies
  • INNOVATION: The stories of chocolate and how it became a household name (national brand)

The Hershey Story will complement the other exceptional Hershey attractions and cultural institutions including Hershey Gardens, Hershey Theatre, Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World. At the same time, it will have its own niche as the only destination presenting broad and integrated stories of Hershey. The 45,700-square-foot facility will include 15,000 square-feet for exhibitions and educational programs.

Responsibilities
The Director will report to the Executive Director of The M. S. Hershey Foundation and will have full responsibility for the Museum. Responsibilities include:

  • Delivering the mission of The Hershey Story: "To inspire and engage visitors by celebrating and preserving the history of Milton S. Hershey."
  • Providing leadership in the planning process for the museum's facilities, guest services and retail operations. This includes further developing the concepts for branding the new museum; integrating the total product and visitor experience that includes exhibits, interactive elements and educational programs; continuing to develop operating plans and budget projections; and ensuring a successful opening.
  • Providing a high degree of visibility in the community and serving as chief spokesperson for the Museum; establishing and strengthening strategic partnerships with community entities such as local visitor bureaus, local attractions, peer museums, educational institutions, donors, collectors, etc.; positioning the Museum to be a destination attraction for community members and tourists.
  • Preparing the annual budget and managing the Museum in a fiscally responsible manner, in accordance with accepted non-profit financial accounting practices.
  • Leading the Museum in maintaining accreditation from the American Association of Museums.
  • Overseeing development and maintenance of first-class collections and exhibits
  • Evaluating effectiveness of educational and exhibit programming, as well as overall visitor experience

Ideal Candidate

  • A passion for the stories of Hershey: the town, the man and the companies he created.
  • A proven track record of leadership abilities, a high level of initiative, strong interpersonal skills, creative and flexible problem solving skills, the ability to partner with the community and the capability to direct and lead future staff.
  • Proven leadership experience
  • Outstanding record of accomplishment
  • Dynamic vision for the future of the Museum
  • Impeccable intellectual integrity
  • Ability to relate to the community
  • Excellent writing and communications skills
  • Ability to enhance revenue from sales of tickets, memberships and programming.
  • Ability to maintain effective operational cost control
  • Demonstrated appreciation of museums and the preservation of history

Education and Experience

  • B.A. in Business, Marketing, History, Operations Management, Attraction Management or Museum Studies preferred; Masters Degree a plus.
  • Minimum of five years experience in museum or attraction management required including successful program development, financial and staff management, marketing, management and fundraising.

The review of credentials will begin immediately and will continue until a selection is made. Resume, cover letter, and salary requirements should be submitted by email to directorsearch@mshersheyfoundation.org or directed to The M.S. Hershey Foundation, 9 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033-0445. Applications that do not include salary requirements will not be considered. EOE.

 

Summer 2008 Curatorial Internship
The intern will experience a wide range of curatorial responsibilities including, object handling and packing, object numbering systems and documentation, preventative conservation techniques and maintaining collections management software. A successful candidate will work 20 hours per week during normal operating hours (M-F 8:00-5:00).

Examples of duties:

  • Develop and implement a plan to digitize museum collection records
  • Organize museum's photographic holdings
  • Pack artifacts to be moved to new storage facility
  • Catalog new acquisitions

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree candidate in Museum Studies, American Studies, History or similarly related field. Exceptional college Junior and Senior candidates will also be considered
  • Basic knowledge of standard museum curatorial practice
  • Interest to pursue a career in the museum field
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and legible handwriting
  • Detail oriented and ability to work independently
  • Ability to lift 25lbs and climb ladders
  • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with database software and ability to quickly learn new software programs. Experience with Past Perfect Museum Software is a plus.
  • Valid driver's license and transportation
  • Multitasking and ability to prioritize project needs

Deadline to Apply: April 25, 2008

Please send cover letter, resume and three references to Valerie Seiber, Curator, Hershey Museum, 170 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033; or fax to 717-534-8940; or email to vseiber@hersheymuseum.org with "Summer internship" in the subject line. Internship is for the summer 2008 semester. Internship is unpaid and may be completed for college credit.

 

Fall 2008 Curatorial Internships (4 positions)
Interns will experience a wide range of curatorial responsibilities including, object handling and packing, object numbering systems and documentation, preventative conservation techniques, loan policy and procedures and maintaining collections management software. Successful candidates will work 20 hours per week during normal operating hours (M-F 8:00-5:00).

Examples of duties:

  • Assist staff in dismantling exhibits at Hershey Museum
  • Assist staff with installing new exhibits at The Hershey Story
  • Assist staff with loan returns and renewals
  • Packing artifacts to be moved to new storage facility

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree candidate in Museum Studies, American Studies, History or similarly related field. Exceptional college Junior and Senior candidates will also be considered
  • Basic knowledge of standard museum curatorial practice
  • Interest to pursue a career in the museum field
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and legible handwriting
  • Detail oriented and ability to work independently
  • Ability to lift 25lbs and climb ladders
  • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with database software and ability to quickly learn new software programs. Experience with Past Perfect Museum Software is a plus.
  • Valid driver's license and transportation
  • Multitasking and ability to prioritize project needs

Deadline to Apply: June 30, 2008

Please send cover letter, resume and three references to Valerie Seiber, Curator, Hershey Museum, 170 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033; or fax to 717-534-8940; or email to vseiber@hersheymuseum.org with "Fall Internship" in the subject line. Internships are for the fall 2008 semester. Internships are unpaid and may be completed for college credit.