About us

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. As an interdisciplinary museum, it shares the stories of the High Desert region through cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of the High Desert region, which spans across 11 states of the Intermountain West. The Museum features 100,000 square feet of indoor space, which includes two permanent exhibitions and three changing galleries, and outdoor exhibits beyond the main building that include the Autzen Otter Exhibit, the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center and the 1904 High Desert Ranch. The Museum also offers a range of programs, from summer Kids Camps to wildlife photography workshops. In FY2023-24, which ended on June 30, 2024, the Museum welcomed nearly 225,000 visitors, more than double the size of Bend.

The Museum is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It has become the largest cultural institution in Oregon east of the Cascades over the last four decades and today is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

About this job and what you’ll do

The Oral History Project Manager position is an 18-month position that helps coordinate the High Desert Museum’s National Endowment for the Humanities funded Cultural Resiliency project. The goal of this project is to document, preserve, and share the stories of individuals in central and eastern Oregon, whose lives are being shaped by environmental changes. Interviews with individuals will preserve critical cultural resources threatened by these changes while celebrating the cultural resiliency, knowledge, and beauty of the communities and landscapes in this region. In conjunction with a project advisory team and HDM staff, the position will coordinate and conduct interviews, develop a related resource library, and support the distribution of these resources.

The museum also provides employees with access to two robust Employee Assistance programs which include free counseling, legal consultation, financial coaching, and other resources. All employees receive discounts in the Silver Sage Trading Post and the Rimrock Café.

About who you are

You have earned your bachelor’s degree in History, Anthropology, Folk Studies, Library Science, or related field. Have demonstrated experience conducting oral history interviews or a background in public history.  Are aware of the power dynamics, biases, and sensitivities of working with and interviewing communities who have been historically marginalized, including Native communities. You enjoy collaborating with a variety of personalities and viewpoints in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner.

Want to learn more?

For a detailed job description listing the essential functions of this position and the education, experience, and skills requirements, click here.

Importantly, we recognize and honor that the qualifications required to excel in this position can come from a range of both professional and lived experiences. In the job description we describe what we believe to be important qualifications for a candidate to have while remaining open to the diversity of experiences that can lead to these skill sets. Position descriptions are at times presented in a way that leaves qualified candidates feeling unwelcome, intimidated, uncomfortable and/or unqualified to apply. Recognizing that, we strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.

Want to apply?

Please email PDFs of your resume & cover letter to: jobs@highdesertmuseum.org

The Museum provides an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Mission

The High Desert Museum wildly excites and responsibly teaches through innovative, interdisciplinary experiences, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert.