Love turning ideas into meaningful experiences? Bring your creativity and help shape engaging programs, events, and community connections at the Aurora Colony Museum. This role blends imagination, leadership, and hands-on work. You’ll develop programs and support talented volunteers while bringing history to life. We’re looking for a self-starter full of ideas who enjoys working with people and building relationships. Ideal for someone who thrives on variety and collaboration. This position offers the opportunity to grow visitor engagement, reach new audiences, and make a lasting impact.

Mission: The Aurora Colony Museum brings the past to life through the history, crafts, and culture of the Aurora Colony and its role in Oregon’s early immigration story.

Program Manager

Reports to:                  Executive Director

Classification:             Exempt (Salary)

Hours:                         40 Hours, some additional evening and weekend work as needed

Salary Range:              $48,000-$55,000 annually, depending on experience

Supervises:                  Volunteers and Seasonal Staff

Location:                    Aurora Colony Museum (15018 2nd St NE, Aurora)
Stauffer-Will Farm (13551 Stauffer Rd. NE, Hubbard)

Position Summary

The Program Manager provides leadership and creativity to build a growth-minded education and volunteer program, offering relevant programming to a diverse audience. They operate all educational programming, field trips, and volunteer engagement programs for the Aurora Colony Museum. This position supervises volunteers and seasonal staff, ensures program quality and safety, and takes responsibility for real-time decision-making during daily operations, programs, and special events.

The Education Program Manager plays an active role in community outreach and relationship-building, representing the museum through educational partnerships, programs, and events. This role combines strategic program leadership with active, day-to-day execution in a dynamic, public-facing environment.

Essential Tasks

Volunteer Management

• Recruit volunteers and develop an engagement strategy for increased volunteer retention.
• Effectively manage a team of volunteers including training, scheduling, and providing support.
• Ensure that volunteers use provided equipment and follow safety protocols.

Education and Program Leadership

• Develop and implement programming that connects the present to the past with an ability to connect local history to contemporary issues and topics.
• Establish learning goals appropriate to audience age and context.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and interpretive accuracy across programs.
• Evaluate the impact of programs and services and be proactive in possible improvements.
• Work with the Executive Director and Marketing Coordinator on grant writing, marketing, and social media as it pertains to educational programs and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain department and program budgets.

Field Trip Operations

• Manage all aspects of the Stauffer-Will Farm field trip program.
•  Oversee scheduling, capacity, training, and volunteer and staff assignments.
• Provide on-site leadership at Stauffer-Will Farm during operating days including opening and closing procedures.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, organization, and readiness of program spaces.
• Perform light site housekeeping and monitor the Stauffer-Will Farm buildings and grounds for maintenance issues and report as needed. 
• Maintain accurate attendance and payment records.

Events and Special Programs

•  Plan, coordinate, and lead non-fundraising museum programs and events, ensuring high-quality visitor experiences and smooth operations.
• Develop speaker and program provider lists and establish working relationships to support a diverse range of educational programs.
• Support fundraising events by assisting staff with programmatic, logistical, and on-site needs assigned.

Community Partnerships

• Builds and maintains relationships with partner organizations, educators, community groups, and program providers.
• Develop and present educational programs and presentations for community organizations and groups.
• Represent the museum in selected community partnerships and collaborations related to education and programming.

General Professional Expectations

• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees.
• Interact professionally with other employees, volunteers, stakeholders and guests.
•  Maintain professionalism in public-facing settings.
•  Other duties as assigned.
• Ability to remain calm in surprising or stressful conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines at one time, maintain timelines, and adapt as circumstances require.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and social media platforms.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, volunteers and the public (both children and adults);
•  Attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Must have a courteous and personable demeanor.
• Employment is subject to a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in museum studies, history, education, or a related field.
• Experience in developing educational programs and/or overseeing a volunteer program.
• Knowledge of best practices in the field of education and volunteer recruitment.
• Familiarity with PastPerfect, Squarespace, Acuity, Constant Contact, and/or Canva a plus;
• Knowledge of Spanish, Russian, and/or ASL a plus.

For complete physical and mental activity requirements and environmental conditions, please  see the full job description at https://www.auroracolony.org/jobs.

Benefits

Full-time employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and 8 paid holidays. Employees have access to professional development and education opportunities.

Application Instructions

Great candidates come from many paths. We value a wide mix of education and experience and encourage anyone interested to apply.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.

Please submit your application via email to info@auroracolony.org.

www.auroracolony.org/jobs