Interpretation & Education Programs Manager

About the role

This Interpretation & Education Programs Manager opportunity calls for an energetic, creative, collaborative, and detail-oriented candidate who will work directly with the Director of Interpretation & Education and play a central role in building and managing a new team of 15–18 facilitators. The position supports the Interpretation & Education Department’s programming, public access, and revenue goals, primarily for an adult audience. Experiences should be audience-focused and align with Fair Lane’s mission, strategic plan, and the themes from the Estate’s current interpretive plan.

Fair Lane’s Main Residence, Powerhouse, and grounds attract diverse audiences, including Henry Ford enthusiasts, general tourists, and special-interest communities such as birdwatchers and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and sustain a cohort of 15–18 facilitators; support their professional growth, accountability, and daily operations.
• Co-lead recruitment efforts for new facilitator staff cohorts, including reviewing applications and interviewing candidates with the Director of Interpretation & Education.
• Cover facilitator shifts as needed to prevent interruption of scheduled programmatic experiences.
• Oversee daily operations and functionality of processes, equipment, and spaces managed by the Interpretation & Education Department.
• Provide cross-departmental training on site interpretation as appropriate.
• Become proficient in content relating to the Fair Lane Estate’s collections and site, including the Ford family, Dearborn and Metro Detroit, Ford Motor Company, Jens Jensen, and the social aspects of the automotive industry.
• Serve as lead facilitator on assigned projects, guiding interpretive frameworks, learning outcomes, experiential goals, and guest experience goals.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and implement programs, including introducing speakers, moderating panels, or presenting content; scope includes general tours and special programs such as educational events, lectures, and hands-on workshops.
• Provide and/or schedule interpretive support for non-educational events and rentals, including tours beyond normal operating hours.
• Support the development of and carry out evaluations of tours, programs, and events from planning through implementation to inform future improvements.
• Support the development of policies and procedures relevant to public experiences.
• Manage administrative tasks related to programming coordination and execution, both within the department and in collaboration with other departments.
• Support the Director of Interpretation & Education on annual budget and projections for expenses and revenue related to programmatic experiences.
• Perform other applicable responsibilities as assigned by leadership to support organizational goals.

Requirements

• Passion for Fair Lane’s mission and the cultural sector, with appreciation for the historical significance and contributions of Clara and Henry Ford.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory and/or management experience required.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Public History, Museum Studies, Education, or related discipline preferred; comparable working experience accepted.
• Work experience in Education, Art History, History, Museum Studies, or a related field, preferably with a focus on museum interpretation or visitor engagement.
• Demonstrated experience implementing programming for diverse audiences, working with community partners, leading teams, and engaging internal and external stakeholders.
• Capacity to facilitate programs that center dialogue on challenging and complex issues within the Estate’s built environment and historic spaces.
• Experience working with and engaging partner cultural and educational institutions.
• Broad knowledge of and experience with best practices in history museum/historic house experiences.
• Reliable, punctual, and willing to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings to support special events and program facilitation (anticipated 5–10 events requiring flexibility per year).
• Proven ability to set goals, meet deadlines, and implement programs while keeping sight of broader objectives.
• Strives for accuracy, thoroughness, and high quality in all work; takes initiative and works with autonomy.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
• Strong written and spoken communication, organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively across departments.
• Adapts, problem-solves, and identifies creative solutions during high-pressure, evolving situations; manages competing demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and 15 pounds regularly.
• Able to climb a 10-foot ladder.
• Comfortable standing for up to four hours while facilitating programs.

Background & Reference Checks

All offers are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check, including prior employment verification, personal and professional reference checks, educational verifications, and criminal conviction reviews. Criminal convictions do not automatically result in withdrawal of an offer; Fair Lane considers the nature of crimes, time since conviction, and number of convictions.

Compensation

• Full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt, year-round, hourly permanent position.
• Hourly rate: $28.00 ($58,240/year), non-negotiable.
• 100% employer-paid BCBSM medical (Simply Blue PPO Gold, $2,000 deductible), vision, and Delta dental insurance for the employee; 50% employer-paid insurance for dependents with employee-paid plan buy-up opportunities.
• 100% employer-paid life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness insurance, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 21 days (168 hours) of Paid Time Off (PTO) earned annually; accrued biweekly at 6.46 hours.
• 14 paid holidays, including a year-end holiday break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• 1 day (8 hours) of paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO).
• Paid parental leave with no minimum service requirement; paid bereavement leave.
• Paid meal (30-minute) and rest (2 × 15-minute) breaks.
• 403(b) plan with 3% employer contribution and 3% employer match.
• Ford X-Plan discount.
• Professional development budget and opportunities.
• On-site bean-to-cup coffee machine; donuts, bagels, and other snacks during weekly All-Staff Meetings.
• In-house perks including a free photo permit (up to $400 value), Tribute Garden discounts ($75 value), and Patron-Level membership without Patron gifts ($300 value).