Job Announcement

Funding Coordinator

Umatilla County Historical Society’s mission is to collect and preserve historical objects and stories unique to the Umatilla County region and use them to strengthen present and future generations’ understanding of that history through educational exhibits and diverse programming. UCHS values the inclusion of diverse histories, community collaboration, outreach programming, and continuing to Tell the Story.

As the Funding Coordinator, you will focus on researching and writing grant proposals and reports, coordinate with the Board and staff to develop a comprehensive grant and funding strategy, and ensure all deadlines are met. You will provide a supporting role in establishing financial stability of the Umatilla County Historical Society, help maintain donor data, and assist with special projects and events.

Organization Overview

Heritage Station Museum and Community Thrift Shop are operated by the Umatilla County Historical Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Job Duties

Grant Writing & Research

  • Research and identify new institutional funding opportunities and sources (foundations, corporations, private, and government).
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive grant strategy in collaboration with the Executive Director
  • Lead the grant writing process, including prospect research, proposal development, and grant reporting.
  • Ensures compliance with relevant grant regulations and ethical

Corporate Proposal Writing & Management

  • Research and identify corporate funding and partnerships opportunities, including sponsorships for Museum initiatives, exhibits, programs, and
  • Develop personalized, persuasive proposals and sponsorship packages that align corporate interests with the Museum’s mission, highlighting mutual benefits and strategic partnership

Advancement Operations & Donor Support

  • Cultivate and steward funder relationships, serving as an ambassador of the
  • Provide administrative support for donor meetings and events, including preparing materials and following up after the meetings and events.
  • Collaborate with Executive Director and Board to set fundraising goals and
  • Work with team members to ensure data integrity and generate useful reports for donor engagement and stewardship.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising and development within the non-profit sector, preferably at a museum or cultural
  • Proven track record of success in grant
  • Previous experience managing donor database and data
  • Proven ability to manage large projects while maintaining attention to detail
  • High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
  • Customer service perspective and polished interpersonal skills
  • Ability to balance multiple time-critical projects and pivot quickly
  • Team player who values a collaborative working environment yet can work independently
  • Strong writing skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, bend, stretch, twist or reach with your body, arms and/or legs.

Umatilla County Historical Society reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Hours and Compensation

Hours: 20 hours/week. Occasional Saturday onsite from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm. Occasional after-hours work required for meetings and special events.

Reports to: Executive Director Salary: $23 per hour

Fair Labor Standards Act classification: Non-Exempt Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to director@heritagestationmuseum.org, mail to PO Box 253, Pendleton, OR 97801

Questions? Email director@heritagestationmuseum.org  NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Heritage Station Museum has reopened for the 2026 season. Currently on display in the Depot Gallery is “Oregon Voices” a traveling exhibit from the Oregon Historical Society, which explore some of the important people, industries, organizations, and laws that have shaped the state from the end of World War II to 2020. Visitors will learn about the evolution and expansion of Oregon industries, social justice movements, migration and immigration, environment and energy, and Indigenous nations in Oregon.

 

Oregon Voices will be at HSM March 4th – May 2nd.

Each year, Heritage Station Museum transforms the grounds into a lighted wonderland!

Be a part of the magic by joining our Artisan Market! Four dates available!

Our busiest night is always the evening of the lighted parade. This year that will be held on December 13th.

Interested vendors should fill out and submit our 2025 Winter Market Application.

Questions? Give us a call at 541-276-0012.

PLEASE BE AWARE: Our staff does not use personal accounts on social media to contact vendors. Please do not pay money to anyone on social media! We only accept payment here on our website, or in person at the museum.

Our summer traveling exhibit from the Oregon Historical Society opens on June 10 and will be here until September 6th!

Clink! A Taste of Oregon Wine explores 150 years of wine making in Oregon. The exhibit explores the origins, prohibition, education, and seasonal workers who make the industry successful.

Umatilla County is home to The Rocks District AVA, located in Milton-Freewater. Winemakers here are winning awards with their distinct flavor. We are excited to host Los Rocosos of the Rocks District, who will be sampling their wine at our opening reception on June 13th from 5 to 7pm.

Learn more about the Rocks District by clicking here!

Want to learn more? The videos below will take you on an in-depth look at the industry, from its origins to the workers who make it successful.

Oregon Wine: Grapes of Place, OPB Oregon Experience

OHS Presents, History Pub- Workers in the Wine Industry

Join us for a viewing of our latest traveling exhibit from the Oregon Historical Society, available from March 8th to May 31st.

This poignant exhibit examines the prejudice that Japanese American veterans from Hood River, Oregon experienced upon their return home from serving our country in World War II. These American citizens served heroically with the United States Armed Forces in the South Pacific and in Europe, yet many of their families were unjustly incarcerated in concentration camps on American soil.

 

Are you a local Artisan who wants to have a table at the 2024 Heritage Lights?

 

Each December Heritage Station Museum stays open late so that the community can enjoy our lighted walk thru. Our Artisan market is located indoors for visitors to shop and enjoy. On Select evenings Santa and The Grinch are available for photos, both will be here after the parade on December 14th.

Tables are $25 per night, applications can be submitted to Rowan@heritagestationmuseum.org

2024 Winter Market application

PRESS RELEASE

 

Umatilla County Historical Society Hires New Executive Director

 

PENDLETON, OR August 1, 2024 – Umatilla County Historical Society, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024, has recently hired a new Executive Director.

The Umatilla County Historical Society and Heritage Station Museum is excited to announce Shannon Gruenhagen has been hired as the Executive Director. She steps into the role on August 1st.

Shannon has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in Anthropology. Her previous role as Programming and Education Coordinator for the last 5 years has helped Shannon grow her knowledge of Umatilla County, the people, and the places that make up this wonderful and diverse area. She has a natural curiosity that drives her desire to learn more about the county she has lived in for 25 years. Shannon has invited and led many tour groups, elementary school field trips and small groups through the Heritage Station Museum and grounds, sharing the information and hoping to spark a love of history and preservation of that history in others.

The Board of Directors for Umatilla County Historical Society is looking forward to working with Shannon in the role of Executive Director. Vice President of the Board, Gail Nelson stated, “Shannon’s demonstrated commitment and loyalty to Heritage Station Museum and the Umatilla County Historical Society is greatly valued. How fortunate we are to have her dedication and enthusiasm! We are excited to work with her to continue to strengthen, grow and diversify the Historical Society and Heritage Station Museum.”

Please welcome Shannon as the new Executive Director.

Umatilla County Historical Society and Heritage Station Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. You can find the Heritage Station Museum located at 108 SW Frazer Ave. in Pendleton, Oregon. Visit the Museum Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for schedules, activities, and events. Show your support by becoming a member of the Umatilla County Historical Society and help to continue to Tell the Story. Facilities and Grounds are available to rent to host your next event or gathering.

www.heritagestationmuseum.org

(541) 276-0012

director@heritaestationmuseum.org Facebook: @heritagestationmuseum Instagram: @heritagestationpendleton

It’s that time of year when we wind down for the winter and give the museum some TLC. The museum’s last day open for 2023 will be December 16th. We will reopen in March (date TBD) 2024.

During the closure we do a deep clean, exhibit maintenance and installation, and we do maintenance on the buildings and equipment. It is also a time for us to plan the upcoming year and ensure that we are providing the best possible experience for our members and visitors.

If you need to reach the historical society, our staff are in the building, and we do answer phone calls and emails. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions or research requests.

Applications are now available for our winter artisan market at heritage lights!

The market is open for 6 nights, choose as many or as few as you would like to participate in.

2023 dates are December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, & 16  The lighted walk through is open from 5 pm to 7pm, vendors may set up starting at 3 pm (if you need to set up earlier please make a note on your application and we will be happy to accommodate where we can)

2023 Winter Market application

 

Please note that anyone claiming to be organizing our vendors on social media is not working for us. All social media communication happens via our official page profile.

 

Any questions can be directed to Shannon Gruenhagen shannong@heritagestationmuseum.org or by phone 541-276-0012