Director of Interpretation (Museum Section Head III)

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Museum Section Head III (working title Director of Interpretation) for its State Museum Division. The Director of Interpretations works closely with the Director of the Illinois State Museum (ISM) in planning and evaluating programs & services of the Illinois State Museum that directly impact the visiting public. Primary responsibilities include overseeing exhibition programs, visitor services, and discipline-based and interdisciplinary educational programming. As a member of the Division’s Leadership Team, this position will act administratively for and collaboratively with the ISM Director. Leadership-level staff are responsible for preparation of detailed specialized budget materials and professional reports. They contribute to Division administration by formulating and carrying out strategic planning & implementation, and preparation of annual budgets. They are responsible for working with senior and subordinate staff in establishing objective and subsequent evaluations. This position will also work collaboratively with all State Museum sites to support their administrative, management and interpretive objectives and responsibilities. We welcome all interested applicants to apply today.

Museum staff are impelled to engage in a regular cycle of professional development to maintain competence and currency in their areas of expertise or responsibility; and participate in relevant professional organizations. This position is expected to be able to occasionally travel locally, regionally, or statewide to participate in professional development, outreach events, and for general operational needs of their work site. They may be requested to consult, advise, or present information to share their knowledge and experience with museum professionals, students, and the public.

Essential Functions
Serve as senior manager at Illinois State Museum
Serve as lead position for ISM Interpretation section
Serve as Interpretation specialist
Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the Position Overview.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires a minimum Bachelors in appropriate area of specialization such as education, museum studies, science, art, history, or anthropology. Masters degree in appropriate field(s) of study or higher degree in museum adjacent fields preferred.
Requires a minimum of 15 years’ experience working in museum-related areas such as education, exhibits, administration, visitor services, or interpretation. Work history should demonstrate increasing job responsibilities in program administration and staff management.
Requires 10 years of people management experience.

Preferred Qualifications
Working-knowledge level of experience in developing and implementing an institution’s Interpretive plan (a foundational guideline for all exhibits and educational programming).
Working knowledge of administrating funds and budgeting.
Working knowledge of grant management.

Closing Date: 02/17/2026