Museum Events & Operations Coordinator, Judy & Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and a resume as one PDF file (due to system limitations).

Job Summary

The Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan seeks a qualified, collaborative, enthusiastic, and service-oriented Museum Events and Operations Coordinator to support programs and events, manage daily operations, and assist with communications and outreach at the Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory.

This position is an integral part of an energetic and collegial team of professionals and student docents dedicated to presenting the history of the University and the history of science to the widest possible audience. The ideal candidate will share these goals. They should be comfortable working behind the scenes and directly with the public, able to represent the Observatory in a professional, friendly, and welcoming manner.

This is an in-person position at the Observatory with some off-site meetings at the Bentley Historical Library and other campus locations. Some flexibility is required to staff events and programs outside of normal business hours, including evenings and Saturdays. This position reports to the director of the Observatory.

About the Bentley Historical Library and the Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory

The Bentley Historical Library, a vital part of the University of Michigan, is dedicated to collecting and promoting the study of the histories of the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Open to the public without fee, the Library welcomes researchers of all backgrounds. With over 11,000 research collections, including the papers of Michigan governors, records of student and faculty life, and the complete historical archive of Michigan's intercollegiate athletics, the Bentley provides a rich resource for historical research.

The Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory is part of the Bentley Historical Library and serves as an extension of the Bentley on Central Campus. A symbol of the University of Michigan's trailblazing role in research, higher education, and society, the Observatory hosts nearly 200 public and private events each year, plus regular open hours, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The Observatory operates as a teaching museum, involving its student docents (currently numbering 16) in all aspects of its programming, from telescope observation and building tours to exhibit development and operations.

For more information, please visit the Bentley's website, bentley.umich.edu, and the Observatory's website, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.

Responsibilities*

Program Support: Supports Observatory programming, including the private rental program and guiding basic tours, and contributes to program planning with the potential to lead initiatives, as appropriate and with guidance, if capacity allows.

Operations Support: Coordinates student docent work schedules and facilities support, and contributes to the Observatory's visitor engagement strategy.

Communications and Outreach: Promotes events and contributes to the Observatory's communications and outreach efforts, including managing the Observatory's social media account.

For extended Job Responsibilities, click here.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as science, education, history, public history, museum studies, or libraries and archives, or a related degree with equivalent relevant museum experience
• Passion for working with students and connecting new and diverse audiences with history and science programming
• Interest in learning about museum practices and management, and experience (or a willingness to gain experience) in museum settings
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Exemplary customer service skills
• Proficiency with technology and software used in an office environment, and the ability and willingness to learn new technologies
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment. Proactive in asking questions and offering support
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The general salary range for this position is $46,000 - $52,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position, and internal equity within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

The mode of work for this position is in person.

Excellent benefits are available; for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Decision Making Process

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

274888

Museum Events & Operations Coordinator, Judy & Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory

Administrative Assistant Inter

Ann Arbor Campus

Onsite

Full-Time

Regular

Nonexempt

Acad & Fac Affairs

Bentley Historical Library

3/12/2026 - 4/02/2026

Administration