Employment

Working at Olana

  • Current Openings

    The Olana Partnership Education Assistant 

    The Olana Partnership, Hudson, NY

    Department: Education 

    Reports to: Director of Education 

    Position Description 

    The Education Assistant is responsible for assisting in coordinating and facilitating educational programs for school and family audiences (K-12 onsite and virtual field trips, family programs and tours) and the public (events, public programs, virtual webinars, and classes). The Education Assistant helps the Education Manager and Director of Education with program administration including but not limited to coordinating event registration, marketing, processing payments, and other program logistics. The Education Assistant will serve a key role in facilitating K-12 school visits, family programs, and community engagement efforts. As a member of the educational programming staff, the Education Assistant works to support programs and events that attract a diverse range of participants of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. 

    The Olana Partnership (TOP) is the non-profit cooperative partner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Olana State Historic Site. TOP’s mission is to inspire the public by preserving and interpreting Frederic Church’s Olana. Comprised of a 250-acre designed landscape containing a Persian-inspired house and studio and a historic farm complex, Olana is a master work of American landscape art created over 40 years (1860-1900) by famed Hudson River School artist Frederic Church. TOP’s vision is to make Olana the most widely recognized artist’s home and studio in the world, and since our founding in 1971 we have worked closely with our New York State partners to make this vision a reality. Olana hosts more than 170,000 visitors annually and is a National Historic Landmark. TOP continuously introduces new educational programs to reflect our vision of Olana as a true teaching museum, offering diverse learning experiences like field trips, virtual webinars, workshops and classes, walking tours, family programs, and events. 

    Primary Duties 

     

    • Leading field trips and other programs about Frederic Church’s Olana for a wide range of audiences including but not limited to K-12 school groups, families, and adults. 
    • Facilitating and assisting with free programs for all audiences as part of TOP’s “Access for All” initiative and monthly free program days. 
    • Preparing materials and education space for field trips, assisting with field trip requests, and contributing to field trip curriculum development. 
    • Leading regular programs for diverse audiences included but not limited to Panorama art and nature summer youth program, Artmaking in the Afternoon, and Create & Cook. 
    • Frequently participating in offsite opportunities to deepen community engagement such as farmer’s markets, school visits, library visits, and other community events. 

    Assisting the Education Manager and Director of Education and Public Programs with: 

    • general program administration and logistics, 
    • event set up and check-in, 
    • program and event registration, 
    • outreach activities as needed (such as organizing marketing and press release materials, managing outreach lists, field trip and program mailers, organizing website content and revisions, and tracking attendee data), 
    • managing Education programming schedule and master calendars, 
    • maintaining Wagon House Education Center space and assisting with event cleanup, 
    • processing payments and checks, 
    • introducing speakers and programs and assisting with phone inquiries. 

    Works Tuesday-Saturday schedule, 37.5 hours per week; must be able to carry chairs and tables (around 30lbs), walk longer distances during outdoor programs, and work outside in all seasons. 

    Supervisory Duties 

    None 

    Qualifications: 

    • Prior experience teaching or relaying information to public audiences is required. 
    • Demonstrated interest in art, art education, education, history, art history, or museum studies preferred. 
    • Spanish language and/or Bengali fluency is a plus; English fluency required. 
    • Experience working with the public, excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for working with school-aged children is a must. 
    •  An interest in accessibility and equity in museum and cultural spaces; documented commitment to DEI initiatives and accessible programming. 
    • An interest in fostering accessible and equitable experiences in museum or cultural spaces. 
    • An interest in researching content related to Frederic Church’s Olana to prepare for programs. 
    •  A visitor-centric mindset and ability to support age-appropriate program facilitation. 
    • Outgoing and an ability to work with diverse audiences on and offsite. 
    • A reflective approach and ability to think creatively. 
    •  Ability to work capably and collaboratively with partner organizations and The Olana Partnership staff. 
    • Ability to work independently and proactively while being a team player. 
    • Administrative experience and keen attention to detail required. 
    • Experience using Microsoft Office and Google software (Drive, Calendars, Currents, Docs) a plus. 
    • Ability to help with program and field trip set up by moving furniture/equipment and preparing materials. 
    • Enthusiastic demeanor and welcoming presence required. 
    • Ability to multi-task and work flexibility is required; a positive and unflappable demeanor is a bonus. 
    • Current driver’s license required. 
    • Red Cross First Aid Certification preferred. 

    Salary: $35,000-$45,000 commensurate with experience 

    To apply, please submit a resume, short cover letter, and a sample lesson plan demonstrating your past experiences working with youth audiences in an educational capacity. 

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    Visitor Services Associate 
    The Olana Partnership, Hudson, NY

    Reports to: Director of Visitor Services & Engagement

    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly

    Schedule: Approximately 18 hours per week

    Position Description

    The Olana Partnership, a private not-for-profit education organization, works cooperatively with New York State to inspire the public by preserving and interpreting Olana, Frederic Church’s artistic master work. Our collective vision is a fully restored Olana, vibrant with the activity of students, visitors, scholars and artists; and to be the most widely recognized artist’s home and studio in the world.

    Visitor Services Associates (VSAs) are the frontline of Olana’s visitor engagement team. Based near the Visitor Center and Visitor Services offices, they are the first staff members that visitors encounter and set the tone for the overall visitor experience by providing overall excellent customer service and support. VSAs are responsible for explaining tour and ticketing options and availability, taking reservations by phone, tracking sales and reservations, providing wayfinding and parking information, assisting with traffic management and safety. VSAs are also responsible for welcoming guests at the Frederic Church Center for Landscape and Art, providing information on the building and the site, and processing tour ticket sales in the Center.

    · This is a year-round, hourly position with to 3-4 shifts per week available from May – October, and 2-3 shifts per week from November – April.

    · Must commit to at least one weekend day (Saturday/Sunday) and be flexible with schedules to help cover additional days with colleagues. Some holidays may be required.

    Qualifications

    · Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to work with a range of individuals from diverse backgrounds;
    · Display a sociable and welcoming personality;
    · Computer literacy and experience with POS systems a plus; responsible for data entry using Ascent, Counterpoint, and other necessary systems;
    · Valid driver’s license required;
    · Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, as well as the ability to work independently;
    · English fluency required; fluency in a second language is an asset;
    · Must be able to interact with public in a helpful and courteous manner at all times; professional conduct and appearance required; must be willing to wear a name tag or other element that allows staff to be easily identified by the general public;
    · Ability to walk on uneven ground, stand for prolonged periods of time, and lift 40 pounds;
    · Willing to learn Interpretive content to fill-in as needed for Explore at Your Own Pace touring;
    · Must consent to a background check required of all staff and volunteers at Olana

    Salary Range: $20.00 per hour.

    To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter in PDF format to hscott@olana.org, with applicant name and position title in the subject line, no later than September 6. Applications received by August 31, 2024 will receive priority review.

    As required by NYS OPRHP, all candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening, and all offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.

    Olana State Historic Site is a tobacco-free environment.

    The Olana Partnership is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

    About Olana and The Olana Partnership: Olana is the greatest masterwork of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), the preeminent American artist of the mid-19th century and the most important artist’s home, studio, and designed landscape in the United States. Church designed Olana as a holistic environment integrating his advanced ideas about art, architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation. Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit embraces unrivaled panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains and welcomes more than 170,000 visitors annually. The landscape is open for guided touring, and reservations are highly recommended. The landscape is open daily 8 AM-sunset.

    Olana State Historic Site, administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is a designated National Historic Landmark and one of the most visited sites in the state. The Olana Partnership, a private not-for-profit education corporation, works cooperatively with New York State to support the restoration, conservation, and interpretation of Olana. The Olana Partnership operates Olana State Historic Site in a cooperative agreement with New York State Parks.

     ________________________________________________________

    Advancement Assistant/Associate
    The Olana Partnership, Hudson, NY

    Department:   Development
    Reports to:   Director of Advancement and Marketing
    FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

    Position Description

    The Olana Partnership is seeking an Advancement Assistant/Associate to support its growing outreach and advancement needs.  Candidates should have exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills.  Candidates should have a ‘can do’ attitude and be flexible with their work and be able to adapt to business demands.  The candidate will report to and support the Director of Advancement and Marketing with a wide range of tasks. Title will be determined by the amount of prior experience the selected candidate has.

     
    Key Responsibilities

    • Assist with the implementation of development and communication strategies;
    • Provide support to internal teams;
    • Draft and edit development and marketing materials;
    • Assist in the design of development and marketing materials;
    • Support website maintenance;
    • Maintain calendars and appointments;
    • Prepare reports;
    • Update and maintain spreadsheets and data entry;
    • Assist Development department as needed;
    • Assist with photography for social media and promotion;
    • Assist with press pitches and outreach;
    • All other tasks as assigned.

    Supervisory Duties: NA

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s Degree;
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
    • Be a self-starter and be able to manage a variety of tasks;
    • The ability to work cooperatively with several departments and accept feedback;
    • An interest in visual materials, photography, art, landscape and a good eye for composition and design;
    • Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality in all work;
    • Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal skills;
    • Willingness to have a flexible work schedule including occasional nights and weekends;
    • A collegial approach to her/his work and a sense of humor; and,
    • An appreciation for discretion and confidentiality.

     
    Salary Range: $41,000-$46,000 based on experience. The Olana Partnership offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

    To Apply:
    To be considered, candidates must submit resume, cover letter (describing interest in this position), as well as two design or writing samples to jbatterton@olana.org; applications received by July 15 will receive priority review.

    As required by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, all candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening, and all offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.

    Olana State Historic Site is a tobacco-free environment.

    The Olana Partnership is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

    About Olana and The Olana Partnership: Olana is the greatest masterwork of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), the most famous American landscape artist of the mid-19th century and the most important artist’s home, studio, and designed landscape in the United States. Church designed Olana as a holistic environment integrating his advanced ideas about art, architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation. Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit embraces unrivaled panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains and welcomes more than 170,000 visitors annually. The landscape is open for guided touring, and reservations are highly recommended. The landscape is open daily 8 AM-sunset.

    Olana State Historic Site, administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is a designated National Historic Landmark and one of the most visited sites in the state. The Olana Partnership is the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cooperative partner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Olana State Historic Site.

     ________________________________________________________

    The Olana Partnership: Per Diem Educator, K-12 Programs

    Department: Education
    Reports to: Education Coordinator
    FLSA Status: Per Diem

    *Now hiring educators fluent in Spanish and Bangla

    Position Description
    The Olana Partnership seeks two Per Diem Educators to join the Education staff to provide interactive experiences for K-12 school audiences at Olana State Historic Site. Olana’s field trip curricula focus on art history, art education, civic readiness, social studies, English language arts, and environmental sciences through place-based learning at a landmark site of American art. Onsite and virtual tours incorporate inquiry-based teaching strategies and hands on activities to foster learning experiences for a wide range of school audiences from kindergarten through high school. Per Diem educators will participate in trainings and facilitate The Olana Partnership’s field trip curricula onsite. There is some flexibility as to which days of the week candidates are available, but priority will be given to those who can work Tuesdays-Fridays from 9:00-1:00pm and can be available two or more days a week.

    The Olana Partnership (TOP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization whose mission is to preserve and interpret Olana, Frederic Church’s artistic masterwork. We operate Olana State Historic Site in a cooperative agreement with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Comprised of a 250-acre designed landscape containing a Persian-inspired house and studio and a historic farm complex, Olana is a masterwork of American landscape art created over 40 years (1860-1900) by famed Hudson River School artist Frederic Church. The Olana Partnership’s (TOP’s) vision is to make Olana the most widely recognized artist’s home and studio in the world, and since our founding in 1971 we have worked closely with our New York State partners to make this vision a reality. Olana hosts more than 170,000 visitors annually and is a National Historic Landmark. TOP continuously introduces new educational programs to reflect our vision of Olana as a true teaching museum, offering diverse learning experiences like field trips, virtual webinars, workshops, and classes, walking tours, family programs, and events.

    Responsibilities:

    • Implement field trips and school programs by engaging students in inquiry and hands-on activities for groups in grades K – 12.
    • Attend 1-3 trainings led by The Olana Partnership staff throughout the year.
    • Work within the guidelines for each school tour curriculum to design a lesson plan for specific tour groups responsive to grade level and developmental needs.
    • Prepare materials, research, and teaching tools for your group’s visit.
    • Clean up after each group’s visit and aid the Education Coordinator in maintaining the organization of the Wagon House Education Center.
    • Work with full-time staff to communicate about group needs, and concerns about programs, and/or evaluate programs as needed.

    Qualifications:

    • BA or BS in art, art education, education, history, art history, or museum studies.
    • Prior K-12 teaching experience is required.
    • Prior experiences teaching in a museum or cultural setting is appreciated.
    • Excellent communication skills an enthusiasm for working with school-aged children is a must.
    • An interest in researching content related to Frederic Church’s Olana to prepare for field trips; an ability to learn and retain information to support age-appropriate program facilitation.
    • A reflective approach and ability to think creatively.
    • Ability to work independently and proactively while being a team player.
    • An interest in fostering accessible and equitable experiences for school groups in museum and cultural spaces.
    • Commitment to DEI initiatives and accessibility within education environments. Documentation of this commitment preferred.
    • English fluency required; Spanish language fluency is a plus.
    • Red Cross First Aid Certification preferred

    Works on select program days when available Tuesdays-Fridays. Must be able to carry chairs and tables (around 30lbs), walk longer distances during outdoor programs, and work outside in all seasons. Please note that all per diem educators will be required to go through a background check.

    Compensation:
    Educators are paid $200 per program ($100 for abridged tours). This rate is inclusive of prep, research and clean-up. Training rate is $20 per hour.
    To apply, please submit a resume, short cover letter, and a sample lesson plan demonstrating your past experiences working with youth audiences in an educational capacity to education@olana.org.

     

  • Internships

    The Olana Partnership at Olana State Historic Site offers annual internships in different departments and areas of responsibility. Internships aim to teach research and administrative methods and project assignments are tailored to interns’ specific interests. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis based on availability. Submit a brief cover letter and resume via email to Carolyn Keogh or call 518-567-2170 for more information.

    At this time, there are no specific internship openings.