Position Summary Located in the Town of La Pointe on Mooningwanekaaning (Madeline Island), the spiritual home of the Anishinaabeg, the Madeline Island Museum (MIM) is one of twelve museums and historic sites operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS). As the Society's northernmost museum, the Madeline Island Museum serves as both a visitor destination and a regional hub for community partnerships, interpretation, and public history throughout the Chequamegon Bay region.
Under general supervision of the DMHS Division Administrator, the Director provides strategic leadership for the Madeline Island Museum and serves as the Society's regional leader for partnerships, interpretation, and public history initiatives throughout the Chequamegon Bay region. The position is responsible for museum operations, visitor experience, interpretive planning, financial stewardship, staffing, facility management, and strategic planning while strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations, the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, local governments, educational institutions, tourism organizations, and community partners.
The Director also serves as the Society's lead for Tribal engagement activities associated with the Madeline Island Museum and collaborates with Tribal Nations, Tribal museums and cultural centers, the American Indian Affairs Team, and Society divisions to strengthen relationships, support collaborative interpretation, and advance meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.
Working collaboratively across the Society, the Director builds partnerships that expand public access to Wisconsin history, strengthen regional collaboration, and advance the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Salary Information The salary will be between $45.00 - $50.00 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 01. The classification for is Historical Society Manager. A 2-year Career Executive trial period will be required.
Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx
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.
Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.
Throughout the visitor season, this position is expected to work on-site at the Madeline Island Museum and support operations, including weekends, as operational needs require. Occasional travel throughout Wisconsin is required to support partnerships, meetings, and special projects.
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 or supervising operations within a museum, historic site, cultural organization, public agency, nonprofit, visitor attraction, or comparable organization.
- Supervising staff, volunteers, interns, or seasonal employees.
- Managing budgets, programs, projects, or organizational operations.
- Building and maintaining productive relationships with external partners, stakeholders, or community organizations.
- Building and sustaining partnerships with Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations.
- Experience communicating effectively through presentations, facilitation, public engagement, or written communication.
- Managing multiple priorities while working collaboratively across teams .
In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in at least four of the following areas:
- Developing and implementing strategic plans, business plans, or operational plans.
- Managing budgets, earned revenue, retail operations, or other business functions with responsibility for financial performance.
- Leading collaborative public history, interpretive, educational, or community engagement initiatives.
- Experience working with or supporting Tribal consultation, Indigenous partnerships, NAGPRA, or culturally responsive engagement.
- Leading cross-functional projects involving multiple departments or partner organizations.
- Experience overseeing facilities, capital improvement projects, or operational planning.
How To Apply To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
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Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
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Deadline to Apply Applications are due at 11:59PM on August 25, 2026.
