Volunteer Position: Museum & Archives Assistant
Location: Sophienburg Museum & Archives, New Braunfels, Texas
Schedule: Flexible shifts available, weekdays and some weekends

Overview:
Join the Sophienburg Museum team and help preserve and share the rich German-Texan heritage of New Braunfels! As a volunteer, you’ll play an important role in creating a welcoming experience for visitors, supporting educational programs, and assisting with archival and curatorial tasks behind the scenes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Greet guests and provide general information about the museum and exhibits

• Assist with school tours, community programs, and seasonal events

• Support collections and archives staff with organization, filing, or digitizing records

• Help maintain exhibit areas and ensure materials are properly displayed

• Work in the Sophie’s Shop (museum gift shop) to assist with retail and customer service

• Provide general administrative support as needed

Qualifications:

• Friendly, dependable, and enthusiastic about local history

• Strong communication skills and a welcoming demeanor

• Detail-oriented and comfortable with light clerical tasks

• Willingness to learn and take direction from museum staff

• No prior museum experience required—training is provided

Benefits:

• Learn about New Braunfels history and museum operations

• Gain hands-on experience in a cultural and educational setting

• Connect with like-minded volunteers and staff

• Invitations to volunteer appreciation events and behind-the-scenes tours

The Sophienburg Museum and Archives is seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts and support our mission of preserving and sharing the rich heritage of New Braunfels. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a passion for community engagement.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to meet the museum’s financial goals
• Manage, maintain and cultivate relationships with individual donors
• Strategically align corporate interests with giving opportunities, developing compelling proposals and directly soliciting corporate support
• Oversee grant writing and identification of new grant opportunities
• Plan and execute special events to engage donors and raise funds
• Generate donor communications, newsletters, and annual reports
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on strategic planning and policy development
• Implement and maintain donor management systems (Levitate and Past Perfect) and ensure accurate record-keeping

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Nonprofit Management or related field preferred
• Experience in professional fundraising, preferably in a non-profit cultural institution setting
• Proven track record of successful gift solicitation and grant writing
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

Personal Qualities:

• Passionate about preserving and promoting cultural heritage
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Autonomous with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, board members, and volunteers
• Creative problem-solver with an entrepreneurial spirit

Working Conditions:

• This position is Tuesday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, in varying settings
• A great deal of time will be spent calling on prospects and current donors in their places of business or other sites, and remaining time will be spent in the Museum
• Serving in a leadership capacity at fundraising events, sometimes outside normal business hours, to include Wurstfest, Weihnachtsmarkt, Verein Events, Sponsor Events and the Annual Membership Meeting 
  

The Development Director will play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the preservation and sharing of New Braunfels’ unique cultural heritage.

To apply, please send introduction letter and resume to: director@sophienburg.com