WHO WE ARE: Genesee Country Village amp; Museum, located in Mumford, NY 25 miles outside of Rochester, is the largest living history museum in New York State. Our 68-building Historic Village, John L. Wehle Gallery, and Genesee Country Nature Center host nearly 100,000 guests each year on site, off site around the community, and online across the world. Learn more on our website www.gcv.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Manager of Foodways and Village Life is responsible for the development and oversight of historic kitchen and fiber arts programming including daily interpretation, workshops, and special ticketing programs (i.e., historic dining), as well as managing production for and coordinating with the Museum Store
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (includes but not limited to):
Program Development amp; Delivery (50%)
- Research, develop, and support historically inspired food and fiber arts activities in the Village, including daily interpretation, tastings, historic dining, and workshops; procure supplies necessary for all programs.
- Ensure that all interpretation and programs are of the highest quality and are mission and value driven – supporting the Museum’s goals, incorporating diverse voices, and providing both educational and engaging experiences for visitors
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Museum to provide programming to support activities of those departments, including special events, school field trips, camps, group tours, and development activities
Staff Management (30%)
- Directly supervise Lead Interpreter, Foodways amp; Village Life, and up to 20 seasonal interpreters
- Schedule regular check-ins with Lead Interpreter, Foodways amp; Village Life, to ensure goals are established and met and staff needs are addressed
- Ensure staff follow provided guidelines, standards, processes, and procedures in alignment with field-wide and institutional best practices
- Provide support and regular and constructive feedback to ensure that all programs are delivered to a high level of excellence
- Develop and implement training for interpreters in historic cooking, sewing, quilting, dyeing, spinning, and weaving by providing hands-on instruction and resource materials
- Coach cooks in historically accurate, safe, and efficient cooking techniques using a variety of period equipment and features, including wood burning stoves, hearths, and ovens, and safe food handling techniques.
Operational Support (20%)
- Produce, inventory, and deliver Village Life items for sale within stated deadlines and with the support of Director of Interpretation Programs
- Develop and manage budgets; ensure invoices are paid on time and budget goals are met
- Maintain equipment, inventory, and kitchen spaces in collaboration with Facilities and Curatorial departments
- Interpret and demonstrate in a variety of buildings and historic kitchens in an engaging, effective, professional manner
- Other duties as needed – GCV amp;M’s culture occasionally asks staff to assist cross-departmentally for the benefit of guest experience and shared workload. Examples include greeting buses for field trips or moving chairs between events to reset a space
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- 3+ years of experience in a museum or educational institution, with a preference for experience in historic foodways, textiles, and interpretation; proven ability in management, including supervision, mentoring, training, budgeting, and oral and written communications
- Ability to work with diverse audiences and individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner
- Degree in relevant field strongly preferred
- Must possess a Valid Drivers License
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Working in inclement weather including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
- Walk up to 3 miles a day on different types of terrain.
- Perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing, lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary: $20-22 per hour
Benefits: We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, NYS Disability, Supplemental Disability, Vacation, Personal time, Floating Holidays, accrued NYS Sick Leave and an employee assistance program.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Genesee Country Village amp; Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Commitment to Representation: Museums have a vital role to play as community anchors—spaces where history, culture, and identity are preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to all. To truly fulfill this mission, museums must build intentional, ongoing relationships with the communities they serve—especially those historically underrepresented.
Genesee Country Village amp; Museum is actively committed to expanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections, the telling of history, and outdoor spaces. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply and include both a cover letter and resume. Please include a sample of created garments, including pictures and/or videos.