Skip to content

Careers

Visitor Center Manager

Position Overview

The Visitor Center (VC) Manager is responsible for creating a sense of welcome in the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on Route 66 Visitor Center and Giftshop, which also serves as the entry to both the McLean County Museum of History and the Welcome Center for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. The VC Manager is enthusiastic about connecting with people from all communities and inspiring guests to learn about local history, Lincoln’s legacy, civic action, and how we all contribute to making history. The VC Manager is also responsible creatively promoting the giftshop and its products, and working in collaboration with the Director of Volunteers to train and support front desk volunteers. The job includes daily operations such as opening and closing the register, answering phones, promoting programming, highlighting exhibits, answering guest inquiries, and accepting payment for admissions, merchandise, and services. The VC Manager will be expected to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.

 About Us

The McLean County Historical Society, doing business as the Museum of History, was first formed in 1892 and soon after opened a small museum. Today, the museum is in the center of downtown Bloomington Illinois, in the old courthouse building, consisting of three floors and a lower level. The lower level is the location of the “Cruisin’ with Lincoln on Route 66 Visitor Center and Giftshop,” which opened nine years ago. We serve over 20,000 visitors onsite annually and an additional 20,000 through outreach and online programming. Our nationally accredited museum’s mission is to preserve, educate, and collaborate in sharing the diverse stories of McLean County. Employees and volunteers are passionate in their collective work to achieve this mission.  For more information, visit our web site at mchistory.org.

 Areas of Responsibility and Tasks

  • Creatively and actively sell the museum, Route 66, and local historic attractions to visitors

  • Build relationships with the Convention and Visitors Center Bureau, Bloomington Downtown businesses, Looking for Lincoln, and Route 66 Scenic Byways

  • Maintain daily cash and visitor reports, including a bi-monthly report for the museum’s board of directors

  • Use POS cash handling system to sell merchandise, admission, tickets, and memberships

  • Conduct daily operations, including opening and closing the register, answering phones, promoting programming, highlighting exhibits, answering guest inquiries, and accepting payment

  • Purchase and manage inventory for the giftshop

  • Directly oversee and support volunteers and part-time VC assistants

  • Work with the marketing department to promote the culture and brand of the VC and the museum, which includes updating community calendars about museum and VC events

  • Be available as needed to assist other staff members in the completion of projects

  • Be actively involved in the larger McLean County community

  • Be available to work evenings and Saturdays on occasion

  • Conduct other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field OR four or more years of relevant experience, OR four years of combined education and experience

  • Experience with POS software, cash handling, customer service, retail

  • Marketing experience preferred

  • Retail and management experience a plus

  • Bilingual (Spanish) candidate a plus

Skills Needed

  • Visionary

  • Self-starter

  • Effective interpersonal skills

  • Cheerful personality

 Compensation

  • $44,000 annually/$21 per hour

  • Competitive benefits package, including medical insurance

  • Paid holidays off, including 2 weeks additional PTO

  • 403B package available after employment of one year

 To apply for this position, email a letter of interest, your resume, and three references to director@mchistory.org. Applications close November 1, 2024