Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Dawson P. Gehrke

Lewes

Summary

Dynamic manager and innovative problem-solver with a proven ability to build and lead high-performing volunteer and staffed teams while fostering strong visitor relations and cultivating meaningful relationships. Expertise in integrating extensive historical knowledge with engaging content delivery, ensuring captivating experiences for diverse audiences. Committed to leveraging training and constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in job performance and team effectiveness. Passionate about creating an inspiring environment that motivates others to excel and achieve collective goals.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Maritime Museum Manager and Historical Areas Manager

Lewes Historical Society
10.2023 - Current
  • Oversees and manages all aspects of daily operations and staffing of the Cannonball House and the United States Life Saving Station museums. Plans and coordinates special events and daily tours, overseeing a spirited team of staff and volunteers.
  • Engages with the community through telling historic stories and developing interactive programs.
  • Functions as a key member of the Lewes Historical Society’s leadership team, collaborating on project planning, educational tours for school children, and broader site supervision.
  • Works with Assistant Curator, installing, maintaining, and removing exhibitions in the CBH and USLSS.
  • Creates engaging social media posts in collaboration with Marketing to increase organizational visibility

Intern, Docent

Lewes Historical Society
06.2022 - 10.2023
  • Bartended at the Sussex Tavern, mixing and serving drinks at First Friday Tavern Nights and special events while sharing the rich history of our drink selections.
  • Provided historical interpretation of the Historic Society’s main campus and its buildings for visitors, while dressed in colonial attire.
  • Demonstrated historical craftsmanship at the shave horse.

Server

The Lodge at Historic Lewes
03.2024 - 09.2024
  • Waited and bused tables in a professional restaurant setting.
  • Prepared salads, drinks, and side dishes for the dining room.
  • Provided personal conversation and assistance to residents with memory loss.

Supervisor, UD Call Center

Ruffalo Noel Levitz, LLC
10.2019 - 05.2022
  • Managed personalized communications strategies to UD alumni, parents, and friends across phone and SMS channels.
  • Trained and assisted callers making over 1,000 calls per day to enhance University of Delaware revenue, update alumni contact information, and inform alumni about upcoming university activities. In doing so, generated thousands of dollars for the university’s scholarship funds, clubs, and programs.
  • Developed new talk tracks and conversation guides for callers to promote university programs, clubs, and funds.
  • Oversaw payroll for over 100 employees working full- and part-time, both remotely and in-person.
  • Fostered a positive work environment (e.g., hosted trivia events and team activities throughout shifts for callers).

Concession Stand Associate

Delaware Turf
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Managed cash register balances and handled over $3,000 cash and credit transactions per day.
  • Delivered superior customer service in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
  • Maintained food/beverage inventory and cleanliness of interior and exterior of concession stand.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - History Education

University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
05.2023

Skills

  • Educational programming
  • Volunteer Coordination
  • Digital media
  • Facility maintenance

Accomplishments

  • Achieved University of Delaware "Best Classroom Environment" award by completing Student Teaching with enthusiasm and passion
  • Crafted an original manual for museum interpretation at the Cannonball House.

Timeline

Server

The Lodge at Historic Lewes
03.2024 - 09.2024

Maritime Museum Manager and Historical Areas Manager

Lewes Historical Society
10.2023 - Current

Intern, Docent

Lewes Historical Society
06.2022 - 10.2023

Supervisor, UD Call Center

Ruffalo Noel Levitz, LLC
10.2019 - 05.2022

Concession Stand Associate

Delaware Turf
01.2017 - 01.2019

Bachelor of Arts - History Education

University of Delaware

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Dawson P. Gehrke