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

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Wade House Historic Site Director, the Education and Public Programs Coordinator project position will develop, pilot, evaluate, and refine an education, school, and public programs framework for Wade House Historic Site.  The Wade House is located in Greenbush, in Sheboygan County, halfway between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.

This time-limited position will create new and enhanced PK-12, family, public, and special event programming intended for launch or refinement in CY2027 and CY2028. The coordinator will test program concepts through real-world delivery, gather feedback from students, educators, visitors, staff, and partners, and adjust the program model based on lessons learned.

A primary outcome of this project position will be a documented program plan, curriculum and interpretive materials, evaluation tools, training resources, operating procedures, and transition recommendations that can be implemented and sustained by permanent Wade House staff after the project period concludes.

Salary Information
The salary will be between $26.00 - $29.00 per hour in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. Civil service classification is Education Specialist. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04. 

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.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the 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.

Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on November 3, 2026.

SPECIAL NOTE:  This is a 2-year project position.

Requirements

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.

Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in all of the following:

• Experience facilitating learning with students of various ages in informal or formal education settings
• Creating original lesson plans or similar programming for K-12 audiences
• Working with educators to organize field trips or other educational programs
• Coordinating or leading teams of people
• Experience creatively sharing history and ideas through public formats such as programs, community engagement, special events, or digital
• Experience managing a program budget inclusive of expense and revenue goals
• Experience presenting to an audience on a topic that is relevant to their community or lives
• Experience researching a historic or contemporary topic  

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one of the following areas:

• Developing historic site and in-gallery museum education programming for K-12 audiences
• Using historic content to create meaningful learning experiences tied to civic engagement, sustainability, and/or ingenuity
• Managing educational program operations, spaces, and resources
• Experience leading a team of people to achieve a common purpose such as hosting a program, or implementing a strategic plan
• Experience developing, maintaining, and implementing a public schedule of programs, events, and community engagement