The Opportunity:

Are you an engaging storyteller with a passion for history and literature? Do you enjoy meeting and talking with people? Are you open to learning new things and participating in a dynamic work environment?

If so, we want you to join our dedicated and lively team of cultural site interpreters! Our interpreters bring the stories of our special places to life for our visitors in meaningful, fun, and relevant ways. We believe that by engaging and exciting our visitors they will feel more connected to our cultural heritage and be inspired to help preserve and protect it for future generations. Currently we are looking for historic interpreters for The Old Manse in Concord, one of the nation’s most significant historic houses.

The Old Manse, a National Historic Landmark, is the birthplace of American literature and philosophy. Built in 1770 for patriot minister William Emerson, The Old Manse became the center of Concord’s political, literary, and philosophical revolutions over the next century. The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired within earshot of The Old Manse. Decades later, The Old Manse was home to Ralph Waldo Emerson when he wrote this famous essay “Nature” and to Nathaniel Hawthorne when he wrote “Mosses from an Old Manse.” Leading Transcendentalists were frequent visitors, including Henry David Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, and Margaret Fuller. The tours, programs, and special events hosted at The Old Manse bring the intellectual ferment of early Concord to life.

In This Role You Will:

• Lead and facilitate interactive tour experiences and participatory activities for visitors of all ages
• Welcome and orient visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees
• Encourage membership sales by being well-versed in the various levels and benefits
• Attend training’s and regular team meetings to learn about the interpretive philosophy and techniques used at the site
• Follow best practices in historic site interpretation, collections management, and security
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation

Education and Experience:

• Background in teaching, museums, customer service, and/or theater
• Enjoy engaging with visitors using a variety of interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion
• Ability to share a passion for history, literature, and/or philosophy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of the complex web of Concord’s history
• A degree in history, literature, philosophy, theatre arts, education, museum studies, or a related field
• Intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things
• Flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors
• Reliable and committed to their position, their site team, and the mission of the Trustees
• Able to work at least 2 to 3 days a week in season including at least one weekend day. The Old Manse is open to the public for tours on weekends from November through mid-April, and six days a week mid-April – October.
• Preference given to Concord area residents.

Compensation

In addition to competitive pay, The Trustees offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across New England who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

About The Trustees 

The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 60,000 member households. 

The Trustees has been featured in the Top 100 Women-Led Organizations in Massachusetts for six consecutive years. 

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of its team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.   

The Trustees is a signer of the Boston Women’s Workforce Council and a Member of the Boston College Center for Work and Family. 

We kindly request that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application. Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.