Montpelier House Museum History Specialist II/Museum Operations Manager (13192, Grade 24)

Description

THIS IS A RE-ADVERTISEMENT. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT RE-APPLY.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is a leader in historic preservation and manages several museums, historic sites, and programs that commemorate and celebrate the region’s rich history. The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, which serves a diverse population in an area that is steeped in African American history and culture, has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a national leader chronicling and curating, celebrating and connecting the lived experiences of people from the African diaspora – past and present - who have significantly shaped our county and country. 

The Department seeks an energetic and organized Museum Manager to join our team at Montpelier House Museum, a National Historic Landmark. The Museum Manager’s role is to support the Museum Director and focus on museum operations and community engagement. Under the leadership of the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), museum staff provide insightful and inspiring interpretations of the full lived experiences of those people who once resided at this 1783 former plantation. 

Increasingly, Montpelier Museum’s interpretive focus is on the lives of the nearly 170 people who were once enslaved at the site. Staff are re-imagining the visitor experience to be more inclusive and accurate, building a descendant network and engaging local communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to lean into themes of equity, diversity and inclusion – demonstrating how the past continues to impact the present.  

The successful candidate, reporting to the Museum Director ,will have a strong background in and understanding of African American history. Working with colleagues, the position is responsible for the overall visitor experience including exhibition and program development, inclusive interpretation initiatives, community outreach, daily museum operations and preservation coordination. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in program development and inclusive interpretation – co-curating and directly collaborating with communities of color. 

This position will report Tuesday-Saturday, with occasional change in hours to provide early access to the facility for contractors as needed, and/or occasional evening hours for programming.

Budgeted salary range $63,891.00-$88,521.00 annually

Examples of Important Duties

Interpretation, Outreach, Public Programming, Education, Research

Working with Museum Director, strengthens the entire visitor experience to be more inclusive, accurate and engaging – focusing on interpreting the full lived experience of those who resided at the site, especially African Americans. 

In collaboration with the local community and Descendent Network, develops and coordinates history and culture-related-programs and special public events.

Working with Museum Director and colleagues, develops new exhibition initiatives that are centered in dialogic principles, interpret history and culture especially from the African Diaspora, and demonstrate how the past continues to impact the present.

Conducts research on the complex history of the site that spans from 8,000 years ago to today.

Assists in staff training related to interpretation, tours, exhibitions, and programs.

Leads team in planning and delivering educational programs, including grades K-12.

Proactively builds relationships and partnerships with a wide variety of diverse groups and individuals – leveraging resources and expanding reach. 

• Supports and coordinates marketing/advertising outreach, including social media    constant contact, and the website. Supervises preparation of marketing materials such as yearly calendar of events, press releases, flyers, mailers, and on-line calendars.

Operations/Administration

• Manages daily museum operations , in support of the Museum Director and collaboration with colleagues.
• Collaborates with the Museum Director to develop and manage workplans and implement annual strategic plan.
• Supervises at least two part-time staff as well as interns and volunteers – providing support, direction, and evaluation.
• Assists with facility management including building utility systems, inspections, reports, service of buildings including fire and security alarms, HVAC, plumbing repairs, and other maintenance needs.
• Understands financial concepts and reports ,including purchasing and petty cash.
• Implements process of visitor and program surveys and other data collection.
• Participates in Commission / Division committees as assigned, meetings, conferences, and training sessions

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in museum studies, Black History, Museum Education, Museum Management/ Administration, or related field.
• Demonstrated coursework, application, program development, interpretation of American History with a strong emphasis in Black History, including enslaved communities.
• Three years of experience in community engagement with diverse audiences, marginalized populations.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience, including three years as a program coordinator or supervisor; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in guest/customer services, museum interpretation, management, and/or sales.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences or any related field.
2. Two (2) years of professional or related experience in history work.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
4. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification History Specialist II/Museum Manager

May be subject to drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.  

 

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1).
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.