Assistant Manager, Museum Programs

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

At The Henry Ford, we bring history to life through experiences that spark curiosity and help guests connect the past to the world around them. Museum Programs play an important part in that work, creating welcoming opportunities for guests to explore, ask questions, and discover something new.

The Assistant Manager, Museum Programs supports the people and daily operations that make those experiences possible. This role leads and coaches Museum Supervisors and Presenters, helps programs run smoothly, and works with teams across the institution to deliver engaging, consistent experiences for our guests. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Museum Programs and Exhibits.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of Museum Programs in partnership with the Senior Manager, coordinating with Museum supervisors to maintain staffing, coverage, and consistent program delivery
• Supervise Museum Supervisors and Presenters, including playing a key role in hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, coaching, performance feedback, and reviews
• Build strong working relationships with staff and use coaching and evaluation to provide clear, constructive feedback, address concerns promptly, and maintain established standards for daily and special programming
• Coordinate scheduling, timekeeping, supply orders, and other administrative work needed to support daily operations and programming
• Manage the delivery of established daily programs, including tours, Experiment with History, and Story Stroll, adapting schedules, staffing, and program materials as needed
• Coordinate staffing and execution for annual programs, including Aviation Day and Agriculture Week, and support the delivery of programs such as Celebrate Black History and Light and Joy
• Share daily leadership and coverage responsibilities with Museum Supervisors for daytime programming, evening events, and other institutional programming
• Serve as a liaison among Museum Programs, internal teams, contractors, and vendors to communicate program needs, confirm details, and coordinate the delivery of daily programs, special events, internal activations, and private functions
• Ensures a high-quality, mission-driven guest experience, including program effectiveness, exhibit fit and finish, guest satisfaction, and staff excellence
• Assists with inventory tracking, maintenance and ordering for program planning and fulfillment, ensuring adequate inventory for regularly used supplies and equipment
• Assists with the development, editing, and updating of content for operational, program, and other written content as necessary
• Contributes to the effective team management of all problems, issues, and opportunities for improvement with the Senior Manager and Museum Supervisors
• Coach staff participating in the Master Presenter Program as they develop their content knowledge and guest interaction skills
• Support other Museum Programs activities and institutional needs as they arise

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 3 years’ experience directly supervising staff
• Experience with timekeeping, scheduling, interviewing, and other day-to-day operations
• Experience delivering programs, services, or guest experiences
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late evenings as needed for (7) day operation
• Valid driver's license

Special Skills

• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to listen, build trust, respond thoughtfully to concerns, and hold constructive conversations with staff
• Ability to coach and develop employees while setting clear expectations and following through on performance concerns
• Sound judgment and the ability to make timely decisions, adjust staffing or coverage, and know when to involve the Senior Manager
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing schedules, program logistics, supplies, and competing priorities
• Clear written & verbal communication with staff, guests, and partners across multiple levels
• Ability to maintain and adapt established programs while preserving the quality and accuracy of the guest experience
• Collaborative and flexible approach to working with Museum Supervisors, presenters, and other institutional teams