Careers
Current Openings:
Director of Development – Leading a Major Museum Campaign
Grout Museum District – Waterloo, IA Full-time | Exempt | $75,000–$80,000 a year
About Us
The Grout Museum District preserves Waterloo’s history, honors Iowa’s veterans from the Civil War to today, and inspires curiosity through hands-on learning, historic homes, and a fully programmed planetarium. We’re expanding our reach and impact—and we’re seeking a development leader who wants to help shape our future.
Why Work Here
At the Grout Museum District, your work strengthens the cultural and educational heartbeat of Waterloo. You’ll join a strong and mission-driven team. This role offers the opportunity to build lasting donor relationships that fuel community impact and education. We invest in your professional growth through nationally recognized fundraising training and provide a supportive environment where your leadership truly matters.
Position Overview
We’re hiring a strategic, relationship-focused Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing/communications. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives on building meaningful connections, telling a compelling mission story, and driving long-term organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities
Lead a multi-year fundraising strategy
Grow individual, major, corporate, and planned giving
Build relationships with donors, foundations, and civic leaders
Oversee marketing and communications to strengthen brand visibility
Qualifications
Up to 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience
Demonstrated success in major gifts, grant writing, or campaign leadership
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Compensation & Benefits
$75,000–$80,000 annually, based on experience
Health, vision, and dental insurance
Paid time off
Pension
Professional development through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (Leadership & Campaign certificates)
How to Apply
Send your resume and a cover letter to: margaret.moye@gmdistrict.org and diane.popelka@gmdistrict.org
Applications accepted until filled.
The Grout Museum District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.
Custodian
Grout Museum District — Waterloo, Iowa — Part-Time — 25 hours/week — Non-Exempt
About the Grout Museum District
The Grout Museum District is a community of museums that brings history, science, and the stories of local veterans to life for the Cedar Valley. Our campus includes the Grout Museum of History and Science, the Norris Corson Family Planetarium, the Imaginarium Science Gallery, the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, the historic Rensselaer Russell House Museum, and the Snowden House event center. Behind every exhibit, event, and visit is a team that keeps our spaces clean, welcoming, and ready — and that's where you come in.
The Role
We're looking for a reliable, detail-oriented Custodian to help keep our museums, offices, historic house, and event spaces clean, safe, and visitor-ready. You'll be part of what makes a first impression stick — sparkling galleries, fresh restrooms, and a catering kitchen that's ready to go for the next rental event. This is a part-time role, roughly 25 hours a week, with some flexibility needed to support evening or weekend rentals and special programming.
What You'll Do
Everyday Cleaning
- Keep public restrooms clean, stocked, and visitor-ready throughout each shift
- Clean lobbies, hallways, galleries, and common areas — sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting
- Clean offices, staff areas, and breakrooms on a regular schedule
- Handle exhibit hall cleaning with care around collection objects, following guidance from our Registrar and Exhibit Developer
- Disinfect handrails, door handles, and other high-touch surfaces daily
- Spot clean walls, doors, and switch plates, and keep glass doors and partitions streak-free
- Empty trash and recycling, restock supplies, and replace light bulbs as needed
- Keep entryways, steps, and sidewalks clear — including snow and ice removal in winter
- Lend a hand moving furniture or supplies when the team needs it
Caring for Our Historic House
- Clean and maintain the Rensselaer Russell House Museum with the extra care a historic home deserves — working around period furnishings, wallpaper, and finishes
- Follow guidance from our curatorial staff on safe products and methods for historic materials
Getting Ready for Events
- Prep rental spaces before events — clean floors, wipe surfaces, and stage restrooms
- Clean and sanitize the catering kitchen before and after rental events, keeping food-prep surfaces, appliances, and floors up to standard
- Coordinate timing with our Rentals and Volunteer Coordinator so every space and kitchen turnaround is ready when it needs to be
- Reset spaces after events, including trash removal
Staying Connected
- Keep your cleaning schedule in sync with the Director of Operations as programming and rental needs shift
- Flag maintenance issues — damaged fixtures, spills, building concerns — as soon as you spot them
- Pitch in on event setup or breakdown, minor repairs, or other areas of the museum as needed
What You'll Need
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred — but we're open to the right person
- Prior custodial, janitorial, or housekeeping experience is a plus; we'll train you on our products, equipment, and any protocols for working near collections
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, and to stand, bend, kneel, and reach throughout a shift
- Comfort using cleaning chemicals safely and following posted protocols
- A friendly, professional attitude — you'll be part of the visitor experience
- Successful completion of a background check
Good to Know
You'll be on your feet and moving throughout your shift, working across our public spaces, offices, galleries, historic house, and catering kitchen — plus outdoor areas for sidewalk and entryway upkeep. Some evening and weekend flexibility is needed to support rental events, and we'll always give as much advance notice as we can.
What We Offer
Pay: $15 per hour
Schedule: Flexible
Benefits: paid time off
Perks: museum membership after 90-day probationary period
How to Apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we'd love to hear from you. Send a resume and a brief note about your interest on Indeed, and we'll be in touch.
The Grout Museum District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.