Details
Classification: Exempt, Temporary (3–4 year term, with full benefits), Fulltime, Hybrid (minimum 40% onsite)
Location: Mountain View, CA
Department: Collections & Exhibitions (Artifacts, Archives, and Exhibitions)
The Computer History Museum is seeking an organized, creative, and tech-savvy Oral History Program Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of the Museum’s Oral History Program and translate these stories into compelling digital content for broad audiences. This role bridges archival practice and storytelling, bringing the voices of computing pioneers to life across the Museum’s website, social media, and on-site experiences.
Position Summary
The Oral History Program Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of the Museum’s Oral History Program, including the development, documentation, and publication of oral history interviews. The role ensures the program operates efficiently, maintains high standards for archival quality, and supports institutional priorities for collecting and preserving computing history.
In addition, the position works cross-functionally with curatorial, collections, and digital teams to translate oral history content into accessible and engaging formats for digital platforms. The role balances program management, content development, and stakeholder coordination to expand the reach and impact of the Museum’s oral history collection.
Responsibilities
Oral History Coordination
- Collaborate with the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Director of Collections & Digital Initiatives to develop and implement an annual and long-term strategic plan for growing, enhancing, and expanding the Museum’s Oral History Program (incl. interviews), ensuring a coherent vision for digital storytelling initiatives.
- Schedule and manage oral histories and interviews, coordinating with participants (including staff, volunteers/SIGS), curatorial, archival, and media teams; as well as VIP requests from CEO/development team.
- Organize and attend oral history coordination committee meetings and provide logistical support.
- Catalog oral histories in the CMS and coordinate the creation and editing of the transcripts.
- Keep Oral History Airtable up to date in order to provide metrics about the program.
- Overview the online publication of the edited oral histories both on CHM online catalog and CHM YouTube channel.
- Coordinate and manage contractors or volunteers as interviewers and/or transcript editors.
- Develop and implement an oral history volunteer interviewer training program.
Content Creation & Digital Engagement
- Coordinate with exhibit and digital teams to create compelling stories and media from the oral history collection for the Museum’s website, social media, and other digital channels.
- Assist in producing multimedia content for public programs, exhibits, and educational initiatives as needed.
Competencies
The qualities and behaviors that will define the role’s effectiveness and impact.
- Translates complex historical and technical content into engaging, accessible narratives.
- Manages multiple priorities with strong organization and follow-through.
- Works effectively across teams and aligns stakeholders without direct authority.
- Operates effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Uses digital tools and platforms to enhance storytelling and access
Qualifications and Skills
The professional background, experience, and technical skills required for success in this role.
Required
- Masters in History, Museum Studies, Digital Media, Journalism, or a related field
- Experience in oral history, archives, or museum collections
- Exceptional writing, storytelling, and communication skills, with experience creating digital content
- Proven ability to manage complex projects and coordinate across multiple stakeholders
- Experience working with audio, video, or digital media production workflows
- Familiarity with collections management systems, metadata standards, or digital asset tools
- Knowledge of intellectual property and rights considerations related to oral histories
- Interest in computer history
- Experience conducting oral history interviews or supporting interview programs
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently and contribute to a team environment, bringing a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and sense of humor
Preferred
- Experience working in a museum, archive, or cultural institution
- Experience developing or supporting the development digital storytelling content (web, video, social, or exhibitions)
- Familiarity with tools such as Airtable, or similar systems
- Experience working with external partners, scholars, or high-profile stakeholders
- Ability to track, analyze, and report on program metrics to inform decision-making
Benefits
- Fully sponsored Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Partially sponsored Health dependent costs
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with employer contributions
- 403(b) retirement plan with 1:1 employer matching
- Generous PTO (Paid Time Off) benefits
- Fully sponsored Life and Disability Insurance
- Employee Discounts in museum store and onsite cafe
Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000 annually
About CHM
At the Computer History Museum our mission is to decode technology—its computing past, digital present, and future impact on humanity. From the heart of Silicon Valley, we share insights from our research, our events, and our incomparable collection of computing artifacts and oral histories to convene, inform, and empower people to shape a better future.
At CHM, we believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success. We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Our Values
At CHM, we strive to create a culture that is collaborative, caring, and fun, where we hold ourselves accountable, look for the best in each other, and learn together. These are our values: integrity, inclusiveness, innovation, communication, curiosity.
How to Apply
Are you ready to become a part of our team? In order to be considered for this position, applicants must include a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references and email to [email protected]. Please be sure to add the job title (exactly as it is spelled out on this site) that you are applying for in the subject line of your email.
