Southern Museum - Operations Manager

Kennesaw, United States | Posted on 11/24/2025

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia is currently seeking an energetic and responsible individual for the position of Operations Manager. The Southern Museum, located 22 miles north of downtown Atlanta, is part of the prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations Program and home to the steam locomotive “General.” The Museum includes Civil War and railroad exhibitions, a recreation of an early 20th century locomotive factory, the Jolley Education Center, and a Research Center Library and Archives.

The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and directing daily museum operations. This is a supervisory position, second only to the Executive Director, which offers the unique opportunity to creatively contribute to the success of a progressive and dynamic institution. More information regarding the Southern Museum and Kennesaw, Georgia can be found by visiting (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and  .

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates education, visitor services, and collections staff. Develops and coordinates staff schedules; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work.
• Manages museum education initiatives and oversees the development of educational programming while providing guidance, direction and expertise to staff. Conducts tours and programs as needed.
• Directs visitor services functions including events and rentals program, oversees admissions sales and procedures, and supervises gift shop and retail sales activities.
• Oversees exhibitions and collections including management of daily archival and curatorial staff responsibilities and activities.
• Assists in developing and implementing short and long-range museum goals. Creates and maintains policies and procedures for effective operations.
• Manages finances and assists in developing and implementing museum operations budget. Enters and maintains finances through Tyler software, monitors expenditures against approved budget, prepares and processes purchase orders and invoices and analyzes revenue.
• Performs general customer service and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints of citizens regarding Museum programs, policies and/or personnel.

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in education, history, museum studies, or related field supplemented by five years of progressively responsible management experience in museum or learning center programing, curriculum development, educational event coordination, and/or museum operations. Excellent communication and writing skills including the ability to write educational curriculums and exhibition texts, develop operational policies, and make verbal presentations. Ability to learn Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization, southern social history, and southeastern railroad history.

Superior supervisory abilities, people skills, and management competencies. Effective organization and budgeting capabilities.

Primary schedule is Tuesday through Saturday (although flexibility is required as based on supervisory and museum program needs). This is a fulltime salaried exempt city government position with excellent benefits. Starting salary range for this position begins at $61,226.28 based upon qualifications and years of relevant/professional experience. Candidates may also be eligible for partial relocation expenses.

Interested applicants should apply on-line nesaw-ga.gov and attach a letter of introduction addressing how they meet the requirements of the position along with a resume. Only fully completed questionnaires with attached cover letter and resume will be considered.

The City of Kennesaw provides the following group benefits to eligible employees: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options (includes employer contribution to HSA plans); life and AD&D insurance for employee and dependent(s); employer paid short and long-term disability insurance for employee; accrued vacation and sick leave (with option to sell back); tuition reimbursement program (employer pays 70%);

12 paid holidays; 2 paid personal days; longevity pay bonuses (after every 5 years); 1% employer contribution on first 2% of employee contribution toward a 457 deferred compensation plan; 4% employee contribution toward a defined benefit pension plan (vested after 10 years); and wellness benefits.