State of Wisconsin
Attraction Director, Circus World Museum
State of Wisconsin, Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States, 53913
Overview
Introduction
The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), considered one of the nation’s finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission‑driven entrepreneurial organization. WHS was founded in 1846 and ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. Its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history. WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.
This position is located at Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits
An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well‑being.
Position Summary The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) is searching for an Attraction Director to lead Circus World Museum (CWM), one of the nation’s most beloved history attractions located in Baraboo, WI. Circus World, one of 12 museums and historic sites managed by the state of Wisconsin, is located at the National Landmark Site of the original Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters on Water Street. Circus World was established more than 65 years ago to document and celebrate the history of circus and the circus arts and houses the largest collection of circus archival and artifact material in the United States documenting over 2,800 American circuses. The museum’s holdings include the world’s largest collection of circus wagons plus an extensive collection of wardrobe and other artifacts. The museum is also home to the Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center, a primary resource for scholars of circus history from around the globe, with research collections including over 9,000 posters, 500,000 photographs, sound recordings, and thousands of cubic feet of documents.
More than 60,000 visitors each year enjoy live performances in the Big Top during the summer season, tour the wagon collection, and view changing exhibits on circus history. The site encompasses 64 acres, 30 structures, the Ringling Bros. Circus train shed complex, over 260 historic wagons and vehicles, and the 700-seat AL Ringling Theatre in downtown Baraboo. Circus World also plays an important role in Baraboo’s annual circus parade and hosts special events throughout the year.
Capital projects are underway for the National Historic Landmark Ringlingville buildings to restore the Ringling’s office, Baggage Horse Barn, and Animal House, making them more accessible for public programming and interpretation. WHS is also developing a Master Plan to ensure the vitality and sustainability of the site for future generations of circus enthusiasts and history lovers.
This position ensures the operational success of the site and reports to the Administrator of Museums and Historic Sites. As a proven leader, the Director will ensure operations are professional and efficient, meet or exceed attendance and revenue metrics, optimize financial performance, and cultivate regional community engagement. To achieve these goals, the Director leads a team of creative and dedicated full‑time and seasonal staff in the areas of Operations, Guest Services, Collections, and Facilities. This role also collaborates with the agency’s centralized Collections, Marketing, Membership, Facilities, Guest Services, Information Technology, State Historic Preservation Office, Risk Management, and Finance departments. As the site’s lead ambassador, this individual is the connector and advocate for private support in collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Foundation (a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Society and administers the membership program).
With substantial private and public investment, the Attraction Director is poised to lead Circus World through a period of steady growth to ensure its long‑term sustainability.
Salary and Benefits Salary information: The salary will be between $42 - $56 per hour ($87,360 - $116,480) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 81 range 01; civil service classification is Historic Site Manager. A two‑year Career Executive trial period will be required. Visit the benefits calculator: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx
Responsibilities The Director leads operational administration, guest services, collections, and facilities at Circus World Museum. The role requires collaboration with multiple departments and external partners, and the ability to drive attendance, revenue, and community engagement while safeguarding the site’s collections and integrity.
Qualifications Minimum qualifications:
Attraction management by leading a department or work area with multiple reporting staff, including experience in setting schedules, implementing HR policies, and recruitment.
Developing events, experiences, food and beverage, or retail areas with net revenue goals.
Establishing and managing a budget with operational costs and revenue and expenses goals.
Community engagement and outreach to tourism, local government, businesses, non‑profits, or other stakeholders.
Oversight of facility projects such as grounds, building repairs, and capital projects.
Preferred qualifications:
Leading an attraction (circus, theme park, zoo, living history museum, or cultural institution, etc.) as a member of the executive leadership team.
Leading strategic planning and implementation at an attraction inclusive of a goal such as attendance growth, revenue growth, or expansion.
Leading operations at an attraction with multiple areas of responsibilities such as food and beverage, retail, guest services, experiences, facilities, grounds, etc.
How To Apply To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then access your existing account or create a new account if you don’t have one. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job” and follow the steps to submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job.
For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions.
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
Contact and Equal Opportunity WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Questions: jan.zadra@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6409.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply Applications are due at 11:59PM on November 5, 2025.
Job Details Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), considered one of the nation’s finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission‑driven entrepreneurial organization. WHS was founded in 1846 and ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. Its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history. WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.
This position is located at Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits
An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well‑being.
Position Summary The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) is searching for an Attraction Director to lead Circus World Museum (CWM), one of the nation’s most beloved history attractions located in Baraboo, WI. Circus World, one of 12 museums and historic sites managed by the state of Wisconsin, is located at the National Landmark Site of the original Ringling Bros. Circus winter quarters on Water Street. Circus World was established more than 65 years ago to document and celebrate the history of circus and the circus arts and houses the largest collection of circus archival and artifact material in the United States documenting over 2,800 American circuses. The museum’s holdings include the world’s largest collection of circus wagons plus an extensive collection of wardrobe and other artifacts. The museum is also home to the Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center, a primary resource for scholars of circus history from around the globe, with research collections including over 9,000 posters, 500,000 photographs, sound recordings, and thousands of cubic feet of documents.
More than 60,000 visitors each year enjoy live performances in the Big Top during the summer season, tour the wagon collection, and view changing exhibits on circus history. The site encompasses 64 acres, 30 structures, the Ringling Bros. Circus train shed complex, over 260 historic wagons and vehicles, and the 700-seat AL Ringling Theatre in downtown Baraboo. Circus World also plays an important role in Baraboo’s annual circus parade and hosts special events throughout the year.
Capital projects are underway for the National Historic Landmark Ringlingville buildings to restore the Ringling’s office, Baggage Horse Barn, and Animal House, making them more accessible for public programming and interpretation. WHS is also developing a Master Plan to ensure the vitality and sustainability of the site for future generations of circus enthusiasts and history lovers.
This position ensures the operational success of the site and reports to the Administrator of Museums and Historic Sites. As a proven leader, the Director will ensure operations are professional and efficient, meet or exceed attendance and revenue metrics, optimize financial performance, and cultivate regional community engagement. To achieve these goals, the Director leads a team of creative and dedicated full‑time and seasonal staff in the areas of Operations, Guest Services, Collections, and Facilities. This role also collaborates with the agency’s centralized Collections, Marketing, Membership, Facilities, Guest Services, Information Technology, State Historic Preservation Office, Risk Management, and Finance departments. As the site’s lead ambassador, this individual is the connector and advocate for private support in collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Foundation (a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Society and administers the membership program).
With substantial private and public investment, the Attraction Director is poised to lead Circus World through a period of steady growth to ensure its long‑term sustainability.
Salary and Benefits Salary information: The salary will be between $42 - $56 per hour ($87,360 - $116,480) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 81 range 01; civil service classification is Historic Site Manager. A two‑year Career Executive trial period will be required. Visit the benefits calculator: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx
Responsibilities The Director leads operational administration, guest services, collections, and facilities at Circus World Museum. The role requires collaboration with multiple departments and external partners, and the ability to drive attendance, revenue, and community engagement while safeguarding the site’s collections and integrity.
Qualifications Minimum qualifications:
Attraction management by leading a department or work area with multiple reporting staff, including experience in setting schedules, implementing HR policies, and recruitment.
Developing events, experiences, food and beverage, or retail areas with net revenue goals.
Establishing and managing a budget with operational costs and revenue and expenses goals.
Community engagement and outreach to tourism, local government, businesses, non‑profits, or other stakeholders.
Oversight of facility projects such as grounds, building repairs, and capital projects.
Preferred qualifications:
Leading an attraction (circus, theme park, zoo, living history museum, or cultural institution, etc.) as a member of the executive leadership team.
Leading strategic planning and implementation at an attraction inclusive of a goal such as attendance growth, revenue growth, or expansion.
Leading operations at an attraction with multiple areas of responsibilities such as food and beverage, retail, guest services, experiences, facilities, grounds, etc.
How To Apply To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then access your existing account or create a new account if you don’t have one. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job” and follow the steps to submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job.
For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions.
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
Contact and Equal Opportunity WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Questions: jan.zadra@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6409.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply Applications are due at 11:59PM on November 5, 2025.
Job Details Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr