Research & Interpretation Director

Job Requisition ID: 55984
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: 06/08/2026
Agency: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) 
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,174 - $11,174 (monthly)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Exempt under Section 4d of the Personnel Code, Gubernatorial (Management Bill)

 

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.  Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

 

***This position is Exempt from Jurisdiction B of the Illinois Personnel Code under provision of paragraph 4d(3)***

 

Position Overview:

Join a world class institution!! The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is hiring a Research and Interpretation Director to help share Lincoln's legacy and the vast history of the State of Illinois. The ideal candidate is highly organized, personable, can work independently as well as with a team, and has a passion for exploring the untold stories of history. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a world class institution that welcomes more than 250,000 visitors every year and that houses one of the world's best collections of Lincoln related documents, artifacts and audiovisual materials. We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Research and Interpretation Director and help ALPLM continue to chronicle the life of one of our nation's greatest Presidents. 

 

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday schedule
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid Parental leave
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
• (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
• Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
• (13-14) paid state holidays annually

 

Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process.

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

 

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the agency's in-house expert and spokesperson on issues regarding historical accuracy and interpretive content.
• Plans, develops, organizes, directs and implements the policies and procedures and acts authoritatively on any policy making issues affecting the division.
• Directs a team of scholars and historians in the collaborative process of reviewing agency
  materials including through.
• Travels and appears before groups as spokesperson to promote the agency and its mission and goals and to present on research topics related to Abraham Lincoln, Illinois History and Midwest history.
• In coordination with agency leadership, serves as the liaison between the ALPLM and other research institutions and centers.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Develops and administers the division budget.
• In coordination with the Finance division, seeks and administers supplemental funding from various granting agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of c