Description
OUR MISSION: The Wisconsin Historical Society connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories.
OUR VISION: Enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Founded in 1846, the Wisconsin Historical Society is one of the nation’s most respected and dynamic historical organizations. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, the Society is uniquely positioned to serve the public through its mission to connect people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories.
At the heart of this work is a belief that history matters. A deeper understanding of the past strengthens communities, informs civic life, and supports cultural and economic vitality. The Society’s values are to Embrace a Spirit of Service, Engage our Expertise, Spark Enthusiasm, Cultivate Inclusion, Exceed Expectations, and Think Big and Grow with Purpose. These values guide a high-performing and collaborative organization that is recognized nationally and internationally for its impact.
Each year, the Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions through an expansive portfolio that includes:
Museums and Historic Sites: Twelve immersive destinations, including two National Historic Landmarks, along with more than 530 state historical markers
World-Class Collections: One of the largest North American history collections outside the Library of Congress, spanning archaeology to modern history and nationally significant genealogy resources
Education and Publishing: Widely used resources for educators, students, and lifelong learners through the Wisconsin Historical Society Press and statewide programming
Research and Genealogy Services: Extensive archives supporting both casual curiosity and advanced scholarship
Public History Leadership: Direct support to more than 400 local history organizations across Wisconsin
State Historic Preservation Office: Stewardship of Wisconsin’s archaeological and built environment, with services supporting property owners, developers, and communities
WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) is searching for a Site Director to lead the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum (HHB/the Studio), studio of the late 19th century photographer, Henry Hamilton Bennett, and structure on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in Wisconsin Dells, the Studio opened as a WHS historic site in 2000 to share the story of H.H. Bennett’s life and photography and development of the Dells region. This position ensures the operational success of the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum and is under the general supervision of the Administrator of the Division of Museums and Historic Sites. The Studio is comprised of permanent exhibition space, the original, historic H.H. Bennett Studio, a modern temporary gallery, and a retail storefront located on the downtown Dells strip. A typical guest visit encompasses approximately an hour long, self-guided tour through the exhibit spaces and shopping experience.
The H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum attracts over 12,000 guests annually, via general admission, PK12 programming, and special events/programs. The Site Director is responsible for ensuring operations are professional and efficient, meet or exceed attendance and revenue metrics, optimize financial performance, and cultivate regional community engagement. To achieve these goals, the Site Director leads a team of creative and dedicated year-round, part-time team members, seasonal staff, and volunteers. This role also actively collaborates with the agency’s centralized Collections, Marketing, Membership, Facilities, Guest Services, Information Technology, State Historic Preservation Office, Risk Management, and Finance departments. As the site’s lead ambassador, the individual is the connector and advocate for private support in collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Foundation (a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Society and administers the membership program) and the Friends of the H.H. Bennett Studio (an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports projects and programs at HHB).
Salary Information
The salary will be between $30.00 - $37.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 81, range 03. The classification for this position is Historic Site Coordinator. A 12-month probationary period will be required.
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job. Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply. WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
This position will work full-time in the office.
Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on July 8, 2026.
Requirements
Qualifications
Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.
Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in the following:
- Managing staff and/or volunteers - create work plans for staff, hire and train staff, mentor, and evaluate staff performance.
- Experience engaging with community stakeholders, chambers of commerce, or Native communities.
- Experience managing a budget and working with a team to achieve budgetary goals.
In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one of the following areas:
- Leading a team in developing creative programming, fundraising, meeting annual goals, and operations.
- Experience collaborating with internal and external partners to achieve a mutual goal.
- Leading planning and implementation in key areas of work: multi-year strategy, business plans, master plans or
interpretive or experience plans.
