Research & Interpretation Director

Essential Functions

• Serves as the agency's in-house expert and spokesperson on issues regarding historical accuracy and interpretive content.
• Plans, develops, organizes, directs and implements the policies and procedures and acts authoritatively on any policy making issues affecting the division.
• Directs a team of scholars and historians in the collaborative process of reviewing agency
  materials including through.
• Travels and appears before groups as spokesperson to promote the agency and its mission and goals and to present on research topics related to Abraham Lincoln, Illinois History and Midwest history.
• In coordination with agency leadership, serves as the liaison between the ALPLM and other research institutions and centers.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Develops and administers the division budget.
• In coordination with the Finance division, seeks and administers supplemental funding from various granting agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires four years' experience in historical research, writing and editing, and/or in teaching American history / public history (or related curriculum) on the collegiate level, or five years in historical or research library in an administrative capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D in history, museum interpretation, collective memory, or related field.
• Certificate in museum or cultural institution interpretation.
  Four (4) years' experience in public speaking and/or development of presentations focused on historical subject matter.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Three (3) years' experience managing a major program or project.
• Two (2) years of work experience developing and managing a budget.
• Two (2) years of experience working in a research library and/or museum.
• Two (2) years of experience working in the public sector.
• Two (2) years of experience editing documents for publication.
• Two (2) years of experience writing and/or administering grants.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid drivers' license.
• Requires ability to pass a background check
• Requires ability to work at various times outside of normal office hours as needed
• Requires ability to travel overnight, occasionally
• Requires ability to travel
• Requires use of an agency-supplied mobile phone
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

About the Agency

The ALPLM is passionate in our mission to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and sharing with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.  As caretakers of a one-of-a-kind collection of artifacts, we consider our work to learn, teach and share history a great honor. The people of the ALPLM strive to employ innovative approaches to create a positive impact for the future, as can be inspired by the past.  As preservationists of Illinois' diverse history, we strive to build, maintain, and make accessible a growing record of history for today's inquisitive explorers as well as those who shall, in the future, rely on our efforts.  Our learning-centered agency insists on the values of honesty and integrity, intentional leadership, equitable collaboration and transparent accountability.  The ALPLM boasts pristine facilities, a creative environment, and professional staff with a variety of backgrounds and talents.