Careers

As a leader in heritage tourism, Historic Columbia provides house museum tours, walking tours and guided bus tours of Columbia's cultural and historical assets. Additionally, the organization hosts annual programs and events such as the Gardening Symposium and the Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture. As an advocate for the preservation of Columbia and Richland County's built history, Historic Columbia works closely with city and county officials to ensure proper protection is provided to structures with cultural and historical importance.

Our mission is to share the complex history of Columbia and Richland County through historic preservation advocacy, innovative educational programs, and strategic partnerships.

Historic Columbia is an equal opportunity employer committed to advancement opportunities for all individuals based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Historic Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Current Openings:

Collections Manager   Director of Site Experience 

COLLECTIONS MANAGER  |  Full-Time

Historic Columbia (HC) is looking for a well-organized, detail-oriented person to serve as the Collections Manager. The person in this position will work with the Curator of History to develop a strategic vision and implement a plan to manage, acquire, and provide greater public access to current and future collections.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Oversee the management and care of HC’s collection of more than 4,000 historic artifacts. 
• Assist the Curator of History with installation and de-installation of exhibits. 
• Identify and implement creative ways to provide public access to the collection. 
• Maintain all records according to American Association of Museum standards, including but not limited to provenance, object history, donor or lender information, and condition. 
• Prepare loan processing and condition reports for the museum’s permanent collection, and lead efforts to ensure compliance with Abandoned Cultural Property legislation. 
• Assess environmental conditions and work to ensure appropriate interior environmental controls are in place including, but not limited to, climate and pest control. Oversee regular cleaning of exhibit spaces within HC’s five house museums. 
• Work with Curator of History to identify objects to acquire for the collection as well as those appropriate for de-accessioning. 
• Facilitate quarterly Collections Committee meetings and ensure that HC staff adhere to governance requirements as set forth in the Collections Management Policy. 
• Contract outside services as needed for work such as conservation, rigging, packing, crating, shipping, photography, etc. 
• Supervise volunteers assisting with collections. 
• Other duties as assigned. 
• Adhere to HC’s Ethics and Human Resources policies.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• BA in History, Art History, Museum Management, or related field. MA or certificate in museums studies preferred. 
• At least three years’ experience within a curatorial museum setting or graduate schooling within the museum field with an emphasis on collections management. 
• Experience in digital registration software systems, preferably CatalogIt. Experience with photographing and digitizing collections a plus. 
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. as well as to climb stairs and a ladder. 
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

ORGANIZATION BENEFITS AND PERKS: 

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at HC to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer a variety of growth and professional development opportunities, a welcoming environment, and family-friendly benefits for our team members. 
• Paid Time Off 
• Medical Insurance
• Retirement Planning 
• Competitive Compensation 
• Parental Leave 
• Support for Community Involvement 
• Paid Holidays

JOB DETAILS: Salary range: $38,000-43,000 per year/ Full-Time / Located in Columbia, SC

Research demonstrates that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply for jobs if they do not meet all the qualifications. As we recognize that applicants bring a wide range of skillsets, we encourage you to apply if you demonstrate many of the desired qualifications.

Historic Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.

Please send a cover letter, two-page writing sample, and resume with three references, at least one of which should be a past supervisor, to jobs@historiccolumbia.org. The title of the email should be the position for which you are applying. The position will remain open until filled.

 

DIRECTOR OF SITE EXPERIENCE  |  Full-Time

This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of visitor experience, ensuring the strategic initiatives and vision of Historic Columbia Foundation are met through guest satisfaction, and promoting tourism and visitorship to Historic Columbia Foundation’s sites. 
REPORTS TO: Executive Director 
SUPERVISES: Visitor Experience Manager, Rentals Coordinator, Living Collection Coordinator, and Head Gardener

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive site experience strategy that enhances visitor engagement and satisfaction.
• Supervise the Visitor Experience Team supporting daily visitor operations, including guided tours and gift shop. 
• Supervise Rentals Team, ensuring Historic Columbia’s use as a venue meets the expectation of renters while balancing the unique and irreplaceable nature of our buildings and grounds through enforcement of rental contracts and policies.
• Supervise the Grounds Team in maintaining 14 acres of curated and manicured landscapes in collaboration with the care of Historic Columbia's Living Collection.
• Collaborate with marketing to develop collateral for promoting Historic Columbia’s sites as a destination for individual tourists and groups
• Monitor site performance metrics and visitor feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement changes.
• Collaborate with Preservation and Facilities to ensure the ongoing maintenance of six historic sites.
• Manage the budget for site experience initiatives and revenue goals and ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices to continuously improve the visitor experience.
• Build and maintain relationships with all department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding site experience activity and strategic goals.
• Other duties as assigned. 
• Adhere to HC’s Ethics and Human Resources policies.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Tourism Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. 
• Must have a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a hospitality or tourism related field. 
• Must have 3-5 years of previous management experience. 
• Strong understanding of tourism principles and best practices.
• Experience in managing large-scale visitor attractions or sites.
• Knowledge of local history, culture, and environmental considerations a plus.
• Business acumen including budgeting, financial analysis, and marketing strategies.
• Extremely proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks. 
• Excellent organizational and diplomacy skills, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives. 
• Exhibited process and results-oriented mindset in setting and pursuing organizational goals, demonstrating a strong commitment to organizational success, and marshalling resources to accomplish goals and objectives. 
• Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills. 
• Creative thinker who challenges conventional solutions. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, aptitude for working with a wide range of individuals, and strong collaborative teamwork skills.

ORGANIZATION BENEFITS AND PERKS: 

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at HC to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer a variety of growth and professional development opportunities, a welcoming environment, and family-friendly benefits for our team members. 
• Paid Time Off 
• Medical Insurance
• Retirement Planning 
• Competitive Compensation 
• Parental Leave 
• Support for Community Involvement 
• Paid Holidays

Research demonstrates that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply for jobs if they do not meet all the qualifications. As we recognize that applicants bring a wide range of skillsets, we encourage you to apply if you demonstrate many of the desired qualifications.

Historic Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.

Please send a cover letter and resume with three references, at least one of which should be a past supervisor, to jobs@historiccolumbia.org. The title of the email should be the position for which you are applying. The position will remain open until filled.