America250MI Program Director - America250MI

Posted on 9/12/24  

America250MI seeks a qualified and experienced individual to serve as a Program Director. This is a full-time position for a fixed term, lasting to the fall of 2026.

The Program Director will lead efforts to commemorate the U.S. Semiquincentennial in Michigan; provide support and coordination to the America250MI Co-chairs and Committee, develop, and maintain communication materials; promote events from historical organizations, cities, and other groups across the state; assist with fundraising and program support; coordinate with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the America250MI grant program; and other duties as assigned.

About America 250 MI: America250MI serves as Michigan’s official point of contact for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Following direction from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the committee was formed by Larry Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan, and Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center. The Committee works to enlist the involvement of state and local communities, museums, historical societies, archives, historic preservation organizations, educators, cultural organizations, Native American tribes and libraries, including representatives of Michigan’s diverse cultural groups during the commemoration of this important milestone.

Job Description: Under the supervision of the Committee Co-Chairs, the Program Director will lead outreach and coordination with the various local, regional, and statewide groups seeking to commemorate America250; coordinate with a regrant program established for America250MI; assist with the organization’s communications including a website, social media accounts, email, and dialog with various historical entities and organizations; promote events to a statewide and national audience; lead fundraising and prepare reports for the committee; and other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, dynamic, detail-oriented self-starter with communication, writing, time-management, and office administrative skills. Applicants with a background in any of the following areas: database administration, marketing, outreach, fund-raising, or public relations would be particularly desirable.

This is a full-time salary position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Committee Co-chairs – 10%
• Schedule meetings and reminders
• Facilitate communication and updates
• Provide progress reports at meetings
• Communications & Marketing – 40%
• Lead outreach to and coordinate with local entities interested in commemorating America250
• Prepare and distribute marketing materials to museums, historical societies, historic preservation organizations, educators, and the general public
• Oversee creation and scheduling of social media
• Review, approve, and promote events associated with the Semiquincentennial through website and social media
• Maintain the organization’s website
• Process emails and phone calls
• Maintain and grow contact lists
• Dialog with committee members and participants
• Grant Program Coordination – 20%
• Coordinate with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources which will administer regrants to local entities applying for America250MI funding
• Assist the Committee in reviewing grant applications submitted
• Fundraising – 30%
• Draft grant proposals as opportunities for funding are identified
• Develop potential donors and solicit for gifts
• Dialog with granting agencies

Reports to: America250MI Committee Co-Chairs Amy Bradfield and Jillian Reese

Salary: $55,000 – $60,000 per year based on experience, plus vacation, health, retirement, and other benefits. This is a fixed-term position ending in Fall 2026.

Location: This position is hosted/facilitated by the Historical Society of Michigan at its Lansing office where office space and support will be provided. Some remote hybrid work is possible.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experienced professional with a minimum of ten years of senior management leadership experience
• Proven track record interfacing with community, corporate, and other leaders
• Experience in marketing, outreach, fund-raising, or public relations
• Experience with social media for professional use
• Experience with office operations, equipment, and procedures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competency using all Microsoft Office products
• Detail-oriented, and a high level of problem-solving and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member
• Interest in or experience working with nonprofit organizations
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to various locations throughout Michigan as needed.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

To apply, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to america250mi@gmail.com with subject line “Program Director.”