Grumblethorpe Site Managers/Youth Volunteer Mentor

 Grumblethorpe is a historic site in Germantown, Philadelphia, owned and operated by the Philadephia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks (www.philaland­marks.org). We are seeking two individuals to live in and manage the daily operations of the house museum and to lead our youth volunteer program. 

 

What is PhilaLandmarks?

PhilaLandmarks is an organization that maintains and preserves four historic house museums in the Philadelphia region. Our mission is to inspire people to engage with history by preserving our unique historic sites and by providing related historical, educational and cultural programming. For over eighty-eight years, we have played a significant role in the historic preservation movement in Philadelphia by restoring, furnishing and presenting these distinguished house museums to the public.  

 

Who are the Grumblethorpe Youth Volunteers?

The Grumblethorpe Youth Volunteers (GYVs) are a site-based, service youth group (ages 12-18) from schools throughout Philadelphia. Started in the summer of 2002, many of our GYVs found a home at Grumblethorpe while attending our Elementary Education Program (GEEP). During the school year, GYVs meet monthly. They utilize a group charter and a self-elected board. They help with events at Grumblethorpe and Historic Germantown, as well as raise funds by selling homemade pies, cookies, jams, and ice cream throughout the year. During the summer months some of the GYVs work with a resident farmer to grow produce and run a weekly farmstand as paid staff. Fieldtrips allow the GYVs to explore and learn history both locally and regionally.

 

The team and your contribution:

Our team is comprised of collaborative, like-minded, kind people who enjoy the intimacy of a small organization and share a belief that historic preservation illustrates the value of what endures in our society. We believe in inspiring people to learn about history and sharing our historic sites with the communities surrounding them. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will manage the day-to-day operations of one of Philadelphia's most charming historic house museums, Grumblethorpe. 

We are looking for two mission-driven individuals who are able to work independently but will also thrive within our tight-knit dynamic team. The ideal candidate is already integrated into Philadelphia’s arts & culture community, and has proven success in effectively communicating across generations. They are open-minded, flexible, outgoing, and unafraid of physical dexterity (ex: moving tables, yard work). Ideal candidates thrive in unstructured environments where patience and helpfulness are a benefit. 

 

Site Manager Primary Duties Include:

Open the house museum for public tours and manage a volunteer docent base to give tours and/or provide tours themselves. The house is open every second Saturday of the month from May till October. Any other inquiries for tours are to be honored by appointment.

Manage the scheduling of the house calendar

Collaborate with PhilaLandmarks staff, Grumblethorpe Committee and vendors to coordinate private events, house fundraisers and programming events

Work and be on site for the duration of private event rentals, house fundraisers and programming events

Yard work (cutting grass, shoveling snow, raking leaves, weeding, general daily cleanup of sidewalks) and light housekeeping/maintenance of historic house museum

Care for on site chickens daily

Answer emails and phone calls daily

Attend monthly house and staff committee meetings

Provide support for fundraising activities, programs and events (Second Saturday’s, Youth Farm Stand, Oktoberfest, garden workshops)

Manage social media for Grumblethorpe year round

 

Grumblethorpe Youth Volunteer Mentor Primary Duties Include:

Provide guidance and supervision for monthly youth meetings. Work with youth officers to prepare agendas, treasury reports, committee reports and meeting minutes. Ensure all responsibilities are delegated and completed responsibly.

Ensure that all GYV self determined activities are aligned with Grumblethorpe operations and compliant with all safety, security, labor laws and other Grumblethorpe rules and regulations.

Responsibly purchase and track expenses for all program materials.

Assist Executive Director and Grumblethorpe operations manager in grant writing and development activities for youth volunteer programs.

Perform outreach to local elementary, middle and high schools as needed to engage their participation in GYV programs with assistance from the Education coordinator.

Recruit and work with parent mentors to provide additional guidance and supervision to programs. 

Collaborate with the operations manager and farmer to provide administrative and on site support for the GYV Farm Stand program, and to ensure consistent youth staffing for Farm Stand.

Plan and implement GYV camp activities, prepare all necessary materials, secure group rates and admissions for field trips, ready permission trips and waivers.

 

Time Commitment 

Work may be shared between the two individuals with the majority of the responsibilities designated to a primary site manager and additional support provided when necessary by their partner. 

We are looking for a 2-4 year commitment.

 

Compensation and Living Privileges 

Site managers will have on site living privileges with a small monthly stipend. 

All utilities (except personal cell phone) and parking are included. 

 

Qualifications 

Min 5 years of work experience with children and youth programs, elementary or high school education, or the equivalent in combined work and relevant academic background or degrees.

3-5 years of work experience administering community development programs, including budgeting, program management, volunteer coordination and program reporting.

Ability to work with youth, parents, and staff in a flexible scheduling environment.

Proficiency and proven ability in home economics and youth “life coaching”

Proven skills in building collaborative and consensus based work cultures.

Excellent organizational, written and verbal communications skills.

Comfortable with public speaking.

Must enjoy working with children and youth, elementary through high school age.

Min 1-2 years teaching experience preferred.

Background in history and museums preferred

Grant writing experience preferred but not required.

Experience in landscaping and agriculture preferred but not required.

Ability to acquire Serv Safe certification

Background check and Child Abuse Clearances required

Technical proficiency required in email, Internet, Google calendar, Word and Excel.

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.