Museum career paths

Careers paths at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Operations & Administration

Director

• Defines institutional mission, strategic plan, and long-term goals to preserve and promote the Museum.
• Oversees all departments (curatorial, education, operations, development, marketing, visitor services).
• Builds and maintains relationships with donors, sponsors, boards, governmental bodies, and regulatory agencies.

Operations Manager

• Serves as the Museum’s HR representative, manage recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations with a focus on fostering a positive and professional workplace culture.
• As the Board Liaison, supports governance and communication between staff and trustees, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s mission and goals.
• Oversee facility rentals, curating memorable events and experiences that connect the Museum to the community while supporting its long-term sustainability.

Facilities Manager

• Maintains Museum grounds, buildings, visitor areas, and climate control systems.
• Coordinates with contractors, security, and maintenance staff to ensure safety, accessibility, and aesthetic standards.
• Oversees event setups (tents, lighting, security) for Hall of Fame inductions, galas, and other special functions.

Visitor Services & Gift Shop Manager

• Directs the visitor experience: admissions, orientation, tour scheduling, visitor flow, signage, and customer care.
• Selects and manages merchandise reflecting Museum branding, and unique gift items.
• Analyzes sales data, plans seasonal promotions, and coordinates with marketing to drive foot traffic and revenue.

Office Manager

• Manages day-to-day administrative tasks: budgeting, finance reports, and departmental coordination.
• Ensures compliance with institutional policies and internal documentation.
• Manages accounts payable and accounts receivable

Museum & Collections

Museum Curator

• Plans, curates, and interprets exhibitions focused on the history, personalities, and technology of thoroughbred racing.
• Collaborates with historians, equine specialists, and donors to identify new artifacts and narratives.
• Oversees installation design, label writing, lighting, and thematic coherence, ensuring each exhibit engages and educates visitors.

Collections Manager

• Catalogs, stores, and preserves items such as trophies, silks, photographs, documents, and horse memorabilia.
• Coordinates with conservators to maintain environmental conditions (temperature, light, humidity) necessary for long-term preservation.
• Manages loans (incoming/outgoing), insurances, condition reports, and secure storage protocols to protect the Museum’s legacy pieces.

Communications & Marketing

Hall of Fame & Communications Director

• Serves as the public face of the Hall of Fame—oversees induction ceremonies, media relations, publications, website.
• Develops communications strategies (press, social media, newsletters) to highlight inductees, new exhibits, events, and institutional milestones.
• Cultivates community, sponsor, and press relationships to elevate the Museum’s national and international profile.

Graphic Designer & Photographer

• Designs brochures, exhibit panels, signage, annual reports, promotional flyers, and digital assets that reflect the Museum’s brand.
• Photographs events, artifacts, equine subjects, and behind-the-scenes moments to build the Museum’s visual archive.
• Works closely with the communications and marketing teams to support campaigns, social media, and membership drives.

Marketing, Social Media & Advertising Coordinator

• Creates and executes campaigns to promote exhibitions, events, membership drives, and education programs across digital and traditional channels.
• Engages with audiences on social media platforms, email newsletters, and press outreach to deepen connection.
• Tracks analytics, visitor demographics, and campaign performance to refine messaging and outreach strategy.

Education & Engagement

Education Curator

• Designs immersive educational programs (school visits, summer camps, workshops, interactive exhibits) centered on equine science, racing history, and museum literacy.
• Collaborates with curriculum standards, teachers, and community organizations to ensure relevance and outreach.
• Develops educational materials, docent training, and outreach to underserved or rural communities.

Tours, Volunteer & Program Coordinator

• Designs and leads guided tours—standard, behind-the-scenes, educational, and VIP—for a wide range of audiences.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers, docents, and interns.
• Plans lectures, youth programs, workshops, guest speakers, and special events to engage schools, communities, and racing fans.

• Ensures financial sustainability through budgeting, fundraising strategy, and operational oversight.

Development & Membership

Development Director

• Develops and implements major gifts, corporate sponsorship, grants, planned giving, and capital campaign strategies.
• Cultivates high-level donor relationships, organizes fundraising events (galas, donor tours), and stewards major contributors.
• Works with the Director and board to align funding priorities with institutional goals such as new exhibits, education programs, facility expansion, and conservation.

Development & Membership Manager

• Manages membership programs: acquisition, retention, benefits, and community engagement.
• Coordinates donor development initiatives—events, recognition, communications, benefit programs—and supports fundraising efforts.
• Works with marketing and communications to craft appeals, member newsletters, and engagement campaigns to grow the Museum’s supporter base.