Assistant Manager, Museum Programs

At The Henry Ford, we bring history to life through experiences that spark curiosity and help guests connect the past to the world around them. Museum Programs play an important part in that work, creating welcoming opportunities for guests to explore, ask questions, and discover something new.

The Assistant Manager, Museum Programs supports the people and daily operations that make those experiences possible. This role leads and coaches Museum Supervisors and Presenters, helps programs run smoothly, and works with teams across the institution to deliver engaging, consistent experiences for our guests. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Museum Programs and Exhibits.

Essential Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operation of Museum Programs in partnership with the Senior Manager, coordinating with Museum supervisors to maintain staffing, coverage, and consistent program delivery
Supervise Museum Supervisors and Presenters, including playing a key role in hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, coaching, performance feedback, and reviews
Build strong working relationships with staff and use coaching and evaluation to provide clear, constructive feedback, address concerns promptly, and maintain established standards for daily and special programming
Coordinate scheduling, timekeeping, supply orders, and other administrative work needed to support daily operations and programming
Manage the delivery of established daily programs, including tours, Experiment with History, and Story Stroll, adapting schedules, staffing, and program materials as needed
Coordinate staffing and execution for annual programs, including Aviation Day and Agriculture Week, and support the delivery of programs such as Celebrate Black History and Light and Joy
Share daily leadership and coverage responsibilities with Museum Supervisors for daytime programming, evening events, and other institutional programming
Serve as a liaison among Museum Programs, internal teams, contractors, and vendors to communicate program needs, confirm details, and coordinate the delivery of daily programs, special events, internal activations, and private functions
Ensures a high-quality, mission-driven guest experience, including program effectiveness, exhibit fit and finish, guest satisfaction, and staff excellence
Assists with inventory tracking, maintenance and ordering for program planning and fulfillment, ensuring adequate inventory for regularly used supplies and equipment
Assists with the development, editing, and updating of content for operational, program, and other written content as necessary
Contributes to the effective team management of all problems, issues, and opportunities for improvement with the Senior Manager and Museum Supervisors
Coach staff participating in the Master Presenter Program as they develop their content knowledge and guest interaction skills
Support other Museum Programs activities and institutional needs as they arise

Qualifications

Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum 3 years’ experience directly supervising staff
Experience with timekeeping, scheduling, interviewing, and other day-to-day operations
Experience delivering programs, services, or guest experiences
Availability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late evenings as needed for (7) day operation
Valid driver's license

Special Skills

Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to listen, build trust, respond thoughtfully to concerns, and hold constructive conversations with staff
Ability to coach and develop employees while setting clear expectations and following through on performance concerns
Sound judgment and the ability to make timely decisions, adjust staffing or coverage, and know when to involve the Senior Manager
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing schedules, program logistics, supplies, and competing priorities
Clear written & verbal communication with staff, guests, and partners across multiple levels
Ability to maintain and adapt established programs while preserving the quality and accuracy of the guest experience
Collaborative and flexible approach to working with Museum Supervisors, presenters, and other institutional teams