Assistant Director, Surratt Historic Site and Museum (12313, Grade 24)
The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, Clinton, MD, United States
Overview
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 and diverse heritage, with a focus on African American history and culture. The Department seeks an energetic and organized Assistant Director for the Surratt Historic Site and Museum, a National Register of Historic Places site. The Assistant Director will support the Museum Director through museum best practices in operations, community-centered programming, curation, and interpretation. Guided by the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), museum staff provide meaningful interpretations of the experiences of all who lived at this 1852 farm—including its roles as a tavern, post office, and residence of the first woman executed by the federal government—focusing on African American history and culture, particularly the impacts of emancipation, Reconstruction, and the struggle for social justice on those formerly enslaved here.
Since 2021, the Surratt Historic Site and Museum has shifted its interpretive approach to prioritize diversity, accuracy, and transparency in historical interpretation. In 2023, the museum standardized the primary offering—the guided tour of the historic house—and expanded educational initiatives beyond this single experience, developing new programs and partnerships with local organizations. The museum’s interpretive framework has been strengthened, enabling increased focus on community engagement. This role will help lead early-stage research and the formation of two community-led groups: a descendant network and an advisory committee.
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 will report to the Museum Director and should have a strong background in African American history and culture. This role is primarily responsible for community engagement initiatives, exhibition and research curation, inclusive interpretation, and preservation coordination, and supports program development, outreach, and daily operations.
The Assistant Director will be part of the leadership team for the Surratt Historic Site and Museum and will be expected to participate in Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility work through the framework of the Natural and Historic Resources Division’s Four Pillars.
Enhancing Visitor Experience: Quantity and Quality
Leaving a Legacy: Transforming Education into Advocacy
Strengthening Inclusivity, Diversity, and Belonging
Acting with Integrity, Respect, and Trust
Responsibilities
Operations & Facilities
Serves as Manager on Duty (MOD) when the site is open to the public and during emergencies as needed.
Supports building maintenance, security, and environmental systems to protect historic resources and meet visitor needs; coordinates inspections, repairs, and contractors/vendors. Serves as the site liaison to the Historic Preservation Unit.
Provides ongoing support to frontline education staff, which includes facilitating opening and closing procedures, leading tours, and managing ParksDirect operations for sales and gift shop inventory.
Interpretation, Research, & Exhibitions
Develops new exhibition initiatives centered on dialogic principles, interprets history and culture, especially from the African Diaspora, and demonstrates how the past continues to impact the present.
Conducts and coordinates research on site history—from past to present—including historical figures, descendants, land use, and collections.
Activates the collections in programming, exhibitions, and outreach to enhance and enrich interpretive efforts.
Develops and presents research findings for internal and public audiences, aimed at enhancing interpretation, educational programs, exhibitions, and publications; fosters the site as a hub for community learning and civic engagement.
Education, Public Programming, & Outreach
Collaborates with the Museum Director and Education team to design and implement educational initiatives, including K–12 programs, public events, and special programs with community partners.
Builds and sustains relationships with descendants, community stakeholders, schools, and cultural organizations; leverages resources and expands reach.
Supports marketing and communications (social media, email, website, press materials) and promotes positive public relations and media opportunities.
Administration
Collaborates with the Museum Director to develop and manage work plans and implement the annual strategic plan.
Manages budgets for specific program areas and assists with grant-writing efforts.
Supervises part-time staff, assigns responsibilities, conducts regular meetings, addresses performance issues, and carries out evaluations for direct reports.
Supports the Museum Director to compile program and visitor evaluation data; develops performance metrics, and implements improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction and impact.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field preferred (e.g., African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, museum studies, public history, American history, or related field).
Direct experience working with diverse audiences, especially engaging, collaborating in African American communities.
At least 3–5 years of professional experience in historic sites and museum operations.
Supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge and experience with museum best practices.
Extensive knowledge of Civil War and Reconstruction-era history, Black history, local history, etc.
Exceptional research capabilities as well as written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, and the public.
Strong administrative and technology skills: e.g., evaluation of programs and staff, budgeting, handling contracts, and database management.
Exhibit strong collaboration, strategic and innovative thinking skills.
Interest and experience with DEAI and Social Justice practice or framework.
Ability and experience with social media and digital outreach.
Ability to use Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, and related software.
Work Conditions
Work in both office and research center/collection environments, as well as other field settings.
Walk grounds and facilities to identify and resolve maintenance issues.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds is required.
Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday is required, with occasional evening hours for special programs and events.
Education & Experience (Minimum Requirements)
Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences or related field.
Two (2) years of professional or related experience in history work.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
Valid driver's license in accordance with state and Commission rules and regulations, unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the ability to drive Commission vehicles.
Classification Specification: History Specialist II / Museum Manager
May be subject to medical, 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 based on 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 applications at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1).
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
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Since 2021, the Surratt Historic Site and Museum has shifted its interpretive approach to prioritize diversity, accuracy, and transparency in historical interpretation. In 2023, the museum standardized the primary offering—the guided tour of the historic house—and expanded educational initiatives beyond this single experience, developing new programs and partnerships with local organizations. The museum’s interpretive framework has been strengthened, enabling increased focus on community engagement. This role will help lead early-stage research and the formation of two community-led groups: a descendant network and an advisory committee.
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 will report to the Museum Director and should have a strong background in African American history and culture. This role is primarily responsible for community engagement initiatives, exhibition and research curation, inclusive interpretation, and preservation coordination, and supports program development, outreach, and daily operations.
The Assistant Director will be part of the leadership team for the Surratt Historic Site and Museum and will be expected to participate in Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility work through the framework of the Natural and Historic Resources Division’s Four Pillars.
Enhancing Visitor Experience: Quantity and Quality
Leaving a Legacy: Transforming Education into Advocacy
Strengthening Inclusivity, Diversity, and Belonging
Acting with Integrity, Respect, and Trust
Responsibilities
Operations & Facilities
Serves as Manager on Duty (MOD) when the site is open to the public and during emergencies as needed.
Supports building maintenance, security, and environmental systems to protect historic resources and meet visitor needs; coordinates inspections, repairs, and contractors/vendors. Serves as the site liaison to the Historic Preservation Unit.
Provides ongoing support to frontline education staff, which includes facilitating opening and closing procedures, leading tours, and managing ParksDirect operations for sales and gift shop inventory.
Interpretation, Research, & Exhibitions
Develops new exhibition initiatives centered on dialogic principles, interprets history and culture, especially from the African Diaspora, and demonstrates how the past continues to impact the present.
Conducts and coordinates research on site history—from past to present—including historical figures, descendants, land use, and collections.
Activates the collections in programming, exhibitions, and outreach to enhance and enrich interpretive efforts.
Develops and presents research findings for internal and public audiences, aimed at enhancing interpretation, educational programs, exhibitions, and publications; fosters the site as a hub for community learning and civic engagement.
Education, Public Programming, & Outreach
Collaborates with the Museum Director and Education team to design and implement educational initiatives, including K–12 programs, public events, and special programs with community partners.
Builds and sustains relationships with descendants, community stakeholders, schools, and cultural organizations; leverages resources and expands reach.
Supports marketing and communications (social media, email, website, press materials) and promotes positive public relations and media opportunities.
Administration
Collaborates with the Museum Director to develop and manage work plans and implement the annual strategic plan.
Manages budgets for specific program areas and assists with grant-writing efforts.
Supervises part-time staff, assigns responsibilities, conducts regular meetings, addresses performance issues, and carries out evaluations for direct reports.
Supports the Museum Director to compile program and visitor evaluation data; develops performance metrics, and implements improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction and impact.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field preferred (e.g., African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, museum studies, public history, American history, or related field).
Direct experience working with diverse audiences, especially engaging, collaborating in African American communities.
At least 3–5 years of professional experience in historic sites and museum operations.
Supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge and experience with museum best practices.
Extensive knowledge of Civil War and Reconstruction-era history, Black history, local history, etc.
Exceptional research capabilities as well as written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, and the public.
Strong administrative and technology skills: e.g., evaluation of programs and staff, budgeting, handling contracts, and database management.
Exhibit strong collaboration, strategic and innovative thinking skills.
Interest and experience with DEAI and Social Justice practice or framework.
Ability and experience with social media and digital outreach.
Ability to use Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, and related software.
Work Conditions
Work in both office and research center/collection environments, as well as other field settings.
Walk grounds and facilities to identify and resolve maintenance issues.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds is required.
Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday is required, with occasional evening hours for special programs and events.
Education & Experience (Minimum Requirements)
Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences or related field.
Two (2) years of professional or related experience in history work.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
Valid driver's license in accordance with state and Commission rules and regulations, unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the ability to drive Commission vehicles.
Classification Specification: History Specialist II / Museum Manager
May be subject to medical, 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 based on 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 applications at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1).
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr