Vice President for Museums

About the Senator John Heinz History CenterThe Senator John Heinz History Center is an award-winning, Smithsonian-affiliated, AAM-accredited museum system that presents compelling stories from American history in an interactive and engaging environment for visitors of all ages. Located on a full city block in downtown Pittsburgh, the History Center is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, attracting diverse audiences from around the world. The 370,000-square-foot facility in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District includes six floors of long-term and changing exhibition galleries along with spectacular spaces for special events. The History Center's family of museums includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a dynamic museum-within-a-museum; the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Washington County, Pa. The Museum of African American History is now under development. The History Center also leads a partnership of more than 130 regional historical societies, museums, and organizations dedicated to preserving local history - the History Center Affiliates Program.A popular destination for families and visitors to our region, the History Center attracts more than 340,000 visitors annually and reaches millions more through virtual programs and digital outreach. The History Center has been repeatedly recognized as America's #1 History Museum by USA TODAY and "Pittsburgh's Best Museum" by Pittsburgh Magazine. About the PostionThe Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh's oldest cultural institution (1879) and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President for Museums. As a key member of the Executive team reporting to the President & CEO and cooperating with other senior executive leaders, the Vice President for Museums assumes a strategic role in the overall management of the History Center. The position is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing museum-related activities including exhibitions and museum collections. These responsibilities include budgeting, exhibition scheduling, collections management, partnering with other museums (regionally and nationally), and strategic planning. The Vice President for Museums directly oversees the professional staff engaged in exhibitions and collections at the flagship Heinz History Center and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and works collaboratively with the Pres/CEO to oversee operations of other History Center museums. The position supervises departments that provide museum services to Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, the Fort Pitt Museum, and Museum of African American History. The Vice President for Museums also coordinates traveling exhibitions, including those developed for History Center Affiliate Program museums. The successful candidate for this position must have strong academic, analytical, planning, and communication skills necessary to effectively interact with the History Center's Pres/CEO, Executive VP, VP/CFO, Board Members, senior leadership and other History Center staff, contractors and consultants, and partner organizations (e.g. Smithsonian, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, History Center Affiliates).This is a full-time, salaried / exempt position reporting to the President & CEO.Why Work at the History Center? Rewarding, mission-driven work that makes an impact in the community AAM accredited Smithsonian-affiliated Museum located in Pittsburgh's vibrant and historic Strip District Voted the #1 history museum in the nation by USA Today Voted Best Museum in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine Highly professional, collegial staff and dedicated volunteers Located in Pittsburgh, one of America's "most livable" and affordable cities Dynamic workplace in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District Full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options 403(B) retirement plans with employer match Paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick days) Paid Parental Leave Nine (9) paid holidays Company paid life insurance / LTD Wellness and Employee Assistance Program Discounts in the Museum Shop and Café Public transportation and parking options nearby Bachelor's or master's degree (PhD preferred) in History, Public History, Humanities, Anthropology, or related fields. Significant management experience in museums (preferably AAM accredited) and non-profit organizations. Demonstrated experience in museums, public history, historical research and writing, and/or exhibitions. Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, grants and project management. Outstanding oral and written communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated leadership ability, confidence, and executive presence - ability to motivate staff and work with trustees and stakeholders. Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills Engaged with museum/history professional organizations and aware of current issues and trends in the field.The History Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The History Center celebrates diversity and is committed to treating all applicants & employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by law.

Created: 2026-04-02