Posted May 10, 2023

Coordinator of Community Outreach

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest is seeking a part-time employee (20-25 hours weekly) to serve as Coordinator of Community Outreach. This new employee will work flexible hours under the direct supervision of Operations Manager/Executive Director (depending on project) to create a robust digital and online presence that will raise awareness of the services and programs offered by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest/Oak Park River Forest Museum.  The goal is to drive increased attendance at programs and support growth in membership and donor engagement by educating and engaging individuals using various digital means and methods to ultimately grow in-person attendance at OPRF Museum. The digital outreach will be supplemented by personal connections with the community, requiring personal face time inside and outside the organization. The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest operates Oak Park River Forest Museum in Oak Park.

Duties and responsibilities

Social Media, Marketing

1. Research, write, edit and post content on OPRF Museum website and in newsletters;

2. Research, write, edit and post Social Media content for platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, etc.;

Museum Education, Outreach

3. Create and maintain a database of teachers and administrators at public and private schools in Oak Park and River Forest and use it on outreach initiatives including but not limited to annual Open House events at OPRF Museum and promoting field trips;

4. Handle administration and logistics for group tours, school tours, rental events, and larger annual activities such as Cemetery Walk, House Walk, and Gala;

Development and Communication

5. Assist with the recruitment and tracking of members, donors, and volunteers. This may include some scheduling and oversight of volunteers;

6. Work closely with other staff and volunteers to coordinate all public relations and community relations activities.

Qualifications/Skills

Candidates with minimum attainment of an associate’s degree are preferred but equivalent relevant work experience of 1-2 years, preferably in a museum or not-for-profit setting, is acceptable; excellent communication skills (oral and written); detail-oriented; experience managing Social Media accounts required; interest in history a plus.

Compensation: $20/hour up to 30 hours per week beginning June 2023.  Flexibility in scheduling which may include some remote work.

Send resume, cover letter, references, and queries to Operations Manager Rachel Berlinski at oprfhistorymatters@sbcglobal.net or P.O. Box 771, Oak Park, IL 60303-0771.  The Historical Society is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Administrative Assistant

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest is seeking a part-time employee (20-25 hours weekly) to serve as Administrative Assistant. This new employee will work under the direct supervision of Operations Manager/Executive Director (depending on project) to provide a wide range of detailed clerical and administrative tasks with minimum guidance.  Position requires flexibility, discretion, organization skills, service orientation and ability to work well with others in a team environment at The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, which operates Oak Park River Forest Museum in Oak Park.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Perform a range of general office duties—answer phones and reply to email; greet visitors; assist with registration for events, membership mailings, and donation acknowledgements.

2. Provide a range of monthly reports to the Executive Director, including but not limited to: museum visitation tracking; tracking use of Research Center; Gift Shop sales; donations; event registrations.   Using PastPerfect software and Microsoft software products, enter data and update various databases on an ongoing basis.   

3. Work with volunteers and committee/event chairpersons; support membership recruiting, fundraising and program activities.

4. Handle administration and logistics for group tours, school tours, rental events, and larger annual activities such as Cemetery Walk, House Walk, and Gala;

5. Assist with the recruitment and tracking of members, donors, and volunteers. This may include some scheduling and oversight of volunteers;

6. As needed, sell tickets and give tours of OPRF Museum and oversee sales in Gift Shop.

7. Become familiar with operation of Research Center and research tools/finding aids so as to answer basic queries, schedule research appointments, and assist in-person researchers.

Qualifications/Skills

Candidates with minimum attainment of an associate’s degree are preferred but equivalent relevant work experience of 1-2 years, preferably in a museum or not-for-profit setting, is acceptable; excellent communication skills (oral and written); detail-oriented; demonstrated proficiency in word processing; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; interest in history a plus. 

Compensation: $20/hour up to 30 hours per week beginning June 2023.  Must work in-person at OPRF Museum.

Send resume, cover letter, references, and queries to Operations Manager Rachel Berlinski at oprfhistorymatters@sbcglobal.net or P.O. Box 771, Oak Park, IL 60303-0771. The Historical Society is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion.