Interpretive Design Consultant - The Grosse Pointe War Memorial

Posted on 11/8/25 

JOB DESCRIPTION

*This is a temporary, grant funded position with a contractual end date.

Overview

Position: Interpretive Design Consultant – Alger Hall of History: Interpretive Framework Development

Schedule: Contract-based, Part-time (up to 20 hours a week, January-May 2026)

Salary Range: $28.00-$32.00/ hr.

Reports to: Director of Development and Project Management Team

Core Values

The Interpretive Design Consultant must embody The War Memorial’s mission and core values, which guide all efforts to honor those who served, enrich the community, and deliver exceptional experiences. These include:

• Curiosity: Leading with imagination to catalyze growth and innovation.
• Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming environment that embraces diversity.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all endeavors.
• Responsibility: Upholding commitments to veterans and preserving the organization’s legacy.

Position Summary

The Interpretive Design Consultant will lead the creation of an Interpretive Design Framework for The Alger Hall of History: Preserving Legacy, Celebrating Service—a new permanent museum initiative at The Grosse Pointe War Memorial.

This consultant will establish the foundational interpretive structure that links Michigan’s civic, industrial, and military history through the legacy of the Alger family and the stories of Southeastern Michigan’s veterans. The project will shape the conceptual vision, visitor experience, and thematic approach that informs future exhibitions, storytelling, and educational programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Review existing collections, archives, and historical materials to understand narrative scope and opportunities.
• Engage with War Memorial staff, project stakeholders, and community members to define interpretive goals and desired visitor experiences.
• Facilitate stakeholder and public engagement sessions at The War Memorial.
• Research and articulate interpretive themes connecting the Alger family’s civic legacy with regional and national military service.
• Develop a visitor journey map that identifies key messages, learning outcomes, and emotional touchpoints.
• Recommend interpretive methods such as exhibitions, multimedia, public programs, and digital tools.
• Propose strategies for accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement.
• Deliver a comprehensive Interpretive Design Framework report, including vision, goals, narratives, and interpretive methods.
• Provide a visual concept presentation summarizing interpretive structure and thematic relationships.
• Present findings and recommendations to The War Memorial team and participate in at least one public input session.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team environment in support of the Organizational Strategic Initiatives and “preferred culture.”
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Working towards or completed a master’s degree in museum studies, Historic Preservation, or another related field required.
• Proven experience in interpretive planning, museum master planning, or exhibit design strategy.
• Strong research, writing, and storytelling skills with the ability to synthesize historical and thematic content.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Experience developing interpretive frameworks for museums, historic sites, or cultural organizations.
• Knowledge of inclusive design, accessibility standards, and community-based interpretive approaches.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deliverables within established timelines and budgets.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours for special events or exhibitions.
• Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, and bending required.

Project Schedule

Interviews/Presentations: Early December 2025

Consultant Selected: Mid-December 2025

Project Kickoff: January 2026

Stakeholder Engagement Sessions & Draft Framework:February-March 2026

Final Framework Presentation: April-May 2026

Assignment Completion: Mid-May 2026

**Please note: A project proposal is required during the interviewing position when applying for this position.

The War Memorial is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity of background, experience, and perspective in its collaborations and partnership.