Our Story

Mission & Vision

To inspire community interaction with history, preservation, and the arts.

Brucemore Staff

Organizational Leadership
  • David Janssen, Chief Executive Officer
  • Tara Richards, Chief Operating Officer
  • Katie Benedix, Director of Business and Development
  • Rachel Potthoff, Facilities Manager
Operational Management
  • Jennifer Beall, Events and Communication Coordinator
  • Greg Billman, Landscape Manager
  • Megan Clevenger, Program and Outreach Manager
  • Ashley Courtney, Office Administrator
  • Scott Humeston, Site Maintenance Specialist
  • David Morton, Curator of Landscape
  • Jessica Peel-Austin, Curator of Museum Collections
Operational Support
  • Madison Eberle, Visitor Services Assistant
  • Glenna Houtz, Visitor Services Assistant
  • Miki Miller, Bookkeeper
  • Jody Morrissey, Custodian
  • Phil Nickerson, Visitor Services Assistant
  • Buster Sullivan, Visitor Services Assistant

Board of Trustees

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit organization based out of Washington D.C., owns the Brucemore buildings and landscape. The operation, which oversees care of the estate and programming efforts, are developed by Brucemore, Inc., a non-profit run by a local Board of Trustees.

Board Officers
  • Doug Neumann, President
  • Lisha Coffey, Vice President
  • Kevin Bruns, Secretary
  • Ryan Buresh, Treasurer
Board Members
  • Brian Bergstrom
  • Pat Deignan
  • Shadia Igram
  • Mark Mathis III
  • Akwi Nji
  • Carroll Reasoner
  • Kristin Roberts
  • Kim Schmidt
  • Dr. Jennifer Smith
  • Doug Steinmetz

Jobs & Internships

Seasonal Garden and Landscape Assistant

We are seeking seasonal employees to help us take care of the garden and landscape during the summer months when many people come to visit! The estate features 26-acres of lawn and gardens, wooded areas, a pond, an orchard, and two greenhouses. Duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Performing seasonal garden and landscape tasks including planting, watering, weeding, mowing, trimming, and pruning
  • Watering and caring for diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals, grasses, and bulbs
  • Efficiently operating, maintaining, and caring for various tools, including lawnmowers, tractors, weed eaters, shovels, rakes, and other gardening and landscaping equipment
  • Representing the site while interacting with visitors and volunteers
  • Other duties as assigned

WAGE: $14.00 per hour

HOURS OF POSITION: Employees needed from mid-April to mid-October 2024. Various positions available ranging from 20 to 40 hours per week.Hours will typically be scheduled Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with variations based on project work and weather.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Advanced degrees, coursework, or experience in horticulture, landscaping, or related areas preferred
  • Ability to work in changing weather conditions (rain, sun, wind, heat, humidity, etc.)
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, with an acceptable driving record
  • Ability to lift and/or carry items up to 50 pounds unassisted and regularly perform strenuous daily activities that require climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling tools and materials

To Apply complete the online form here.

ABOUT BRUCEMORE:

Brucemore inspires community interaction with history, preservation, and the arts. The 1880s mansion, six other historic structures, 26-acres of gardens and grounds, and tens of thousands of objects and archival documents serve as an irreplaceable foundation representing more than 130 years of history. Since 1981, more than one million people have visited the carefully preserved estate for community, cultural, and heritage programs. Our vision is twofold:

  • To expand the legacy of Brucemore’s families in making Iowa a better place to live, work, and visit.
  • To model a balance of best practices in preservation and innovative use.

Brucemore is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.

Internship Spotlight

Brucemore provides internship opportunities in a variety of disciplines, from museum studies to event management. We are excited to showcase our interns and their learning experience with Brucemore!

Arrow Read About Their Experiences