Description

Overview

• Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
• Location: Remote 
• Position Type: Contract
• Position Term: 1-year renewable contract
  • Minimum of two online course sessions held per calendar year
  • First session beginning spring 2027 (March 22, 2027)
• Online Course Pay: $2,000 per course session of 20 students (+$50 each additional student over 20)

Background
AASLH’s Leadership and Administration for History Organizations has guided hundreds of participants to a better understanding of museum leadership and organizational health. The course is designed for individuals in institutional leadership positions at the staff, board, and volunteer levels who have significant decision-making responsibilities and who have the ability to affect positive, substantive change within their organizations.  

The goal of the course is to establish a solid foundation for museum leadership through in-depth study of the following topics:

• governance and administrative structures
• nonprofit status and the public trust
• mission and vision
• the relationship between board and staff, including their roles and responsibilities
• strategic planning
• human resource development and management

AASLH seeks an instructor to facilitate at least two virtual sessions per year. Through a combination of readings, assignments, quizzes, and discussions, the Leadership and Administration instructor will administer a self-paced course supported by AASLH’s Professional Development department, who will help guide the curriculum development and provide technical support as needed.

Current Leadership and Admin Course Description
Session Length: 8 weeks

History museum leadership is more complex and demanding than ever before, requiring updated and innovative ways to meet mission and keep organizations healthy. Thoughtful, intentional museum administration and leadership matter, regardless of the size or focus of your organization.

The course is divided into eight weekly segments and includes a combination of topical reading assignments and related weekly assignments and bi-weekly online chats. A final course assignment is due the week after the last class.

Even though the online course is self-paced, you still have access to a facilitator who is available to answer your questions. Don’t forget to connect with your peers in the discussion forums, too! 

The course consists of eight lessons:

Week 1: The Role, Challenges, and Expectations of History Museums Today

Week 2: The New Museum Leadership

Week 3: The Importance of Museum Vision and Mission

Week 4: Aligning Organizational Operating Models, Administrative and Management Responsibilities, Relationships, Structures, Systems and Networks

Week 5: Museum Boards Are Leaders, Too: Their Roles, Responsibilities, Expectations, and Their Relationship to the Director and to Museum Staff

Week Six:  Human Resource Management – Building Effective Teams and Mentoring

Week Seven:  Making Leadership Intentional at All Levels

Week Eight: Charting Your Museum’s Future, Inspiring Action, and Measuring Effectiveness

Students should expect to spend five to seven hours per week on the course.

Application Process
Required Application Materials
Submit the following materials by September 11 to Aja Bain, Director of Professional Development and Publications, via email at abain@aaslh.org:

• A one- to two-page cover letter explaining your interest in instructing this course and your history organization leadership experience
• A resume/CV
• A list of three professional references

Applicants should submit materials as a single pdf. 

Application and Selection Schedule

Interviews will begin this fall, with the goal of debuting the new course in spring 2027.

About AASLH
Since 1940, AASLH has provided leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history to make the past more meaningful. AASLH is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. From its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, AASLH works to advance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of local history in America. AASLH publishes books, technical publications, a quarterly magazine, a monthly newsletter, and maintains numerous affinity groups and committees serving a broad range of constituents across the historical community. The association also sponsors online continuing education training, regional and national training workshops, and an annual meeting.

AASLH has a unique perspective on the challenges the discipline faces in the twenty-first century, serving a membership that directly reflects the kaleidoscopic demographics of the field itself. Members range from the smallest all-volunteer house museum to county and state archives to history museums as large as Williamsburg and the Smithsonian. It also includes the professionals and volunteers that work for them. For this diverse membership, with its many various circumstances, needs, and wants, AASLH offers programs and services that are meeting member needs and progressively advancing the goals and standards of the field.

AASLH has an exemplary reputation for successfully administering complicated national initiatives and programs. Over 80 years after its creation, AASLH remains the only comprehensive organization dedicated to state and local history.

Requirements

Qualifications and Preferred Experience

• Experience working with small to mid-size history organizations
• Extensive experience in museum/historic site leadership
• Teaching or curriculum design experience, online or in-person
• Experience using Zoom, including its breakout rooms, whiteboard, and other meeting room features