Assistant Director, Surratt Historic Site and Museum (12313, Grade 24)
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Riverdale Park, MD, United States
Description
The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission is a leader in historic preservation, managing museums, historic sites, and programs that commemorate the region’s rich and diverse heritage. The Commission has a unique opportunity to serve as a national leader in chronicling, curating, and connecting the lived experiences of underrepresented people—past and present—who have significantly shaped our county and country through museum best practices in operations, community‑centered programming, curation, and interpretation.
We are seeking an energetic and organized Assistant Director to support the Museum Director at the Surratt Historic Site and Museum, a National Register of Historic Places site. The Assistant Director will help lead early‑stage research and the formation of two community‑led groups— a descendant network and an advisory committee—while demonstrating how the past continues to impact the present. Responsibilities include community engagement initiatives, exhibition and research curation, inclusive interpretation, preservation coordination, program development, outreach, and daily operations. The successful candidate will have a strong background in African American history and culture and will report directly to the Museum Director.
The Assistant Director will also be part of the Leadership Team for the Surratt Historic Site and Museum and is expected to participate in the Natural and Historic Resources Division’s inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility work through its 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
Examples of Important Duties Operations & Facilities
Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) when the site is open to the public and during emergencies as needed.
Support building maintenance, security, and environmental systems to protect historic resources and meet visitor needs; coordinate inspections, repairs, and contractors/vendors and serve as the site liaison to the Historic Preservation Unit.
Provide ongoing support to frontline education staff, facilitating opening and closing procedures, leading tours, and managing ParksDirect operations for sales and gift shop inventory.
Interpretation, Research, & Exhibitions
Develop new exhibition initiatives centered on dialogic principles, interpret history and culture—especially from the African Diaspora—and demonstrate how the past continues to impact the present.
Conduct and coordinate research on the site’s history, including historical figures, descendants, land use, and collections.
Activate collections in programming, exhibitions, and outreach to enhance and enrich interpretive efforts.
Develop and present research findings for internal and public audiences to enhance interpretation, educational programs, exhibitions, and publications as well as foster the site’s role as a hub for community learning and civic engagement.
Education, Public Programming, & Outreach
Collaborate 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.
Build and sustain relationships with descendants, community stakeholders, schools, and cultural organizations, leveraging resources and expanding the site’s reach.
Support marketing and communications (social media, email, website, press materials) and promote positive public relations and media opportunities.
Administration
Collaborate with the Museum Director to develop and manage work plans and implement the annual strategic plan.
Manage budgets for specific program areas and assist with grant‑writing efforts.
Supervise part‑time staff, assign responsibilities, conduct regular meetings, address performance issues, and carry out evaluations for direct reports.
Support the Museum Director in compiling program and visitor evaluation data; develop performance metrics and implement improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction and impact.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, museum studies, public history, American history, or related field).
Direct experience working with diverse audiences, particularly engaging, collaborating with, and working in African American communities.
At least 3‑5 years of professional experience in historic sites and museum operations.
Supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of 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 strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, and the public.
Strong administrative and technology skills, including evaluation of programs and staff, budgeting, handling contracts, and database management.
Expressed collaboration, strategic, and innovative thinking skills.
Interest and experience with DEAI and social justice practice or framework.
Experience with social media and digital outreach.
Proficiency in 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.
Capability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evening hours for special programs and events.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences, or any related field.
At least two (2) years of professional or related experience in historical work.
An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with State and Commission rules and regulations. The license must have no restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to use Commission vehicles or perform required driving duties.
Supplemental Information Classification: History Specialist II / Museum Manager
May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.
Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations 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.
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We are seeking an energetic and organized Assistant Director to support the Museum Director at the Surratt Historic Site and Museum, a National Register of Historic Places site. The Assistant Director will help lead early‑stage research and the formation of two community‑led groups— a descendant network and an advisory committee—while demonstrating how the past continues to impact the present. Responsibilities include community engagement initiatives, exhibition and research curation, inclusive interpretation, preservation coordination, program development, outreach, and daily operations. The successful candidate will have a strong background in African American history and culture and will report directly to the Museum Director.
The Assistant Director will also be part of the Leadership Team for the Surratt Historic Site and Museum and is expected to participate in the Natural and Historic Resources Division’s inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility work through its 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
Examples of Important Duties Operations & Facilities
Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) when the site is open to the public and during emergencies as needed.
Support building maintenance, security, and environmental systems to protect historic resources and meet visitor needs; coordinate inspections, repairs, and contractors/vendors and serve as the site liaison to the Historic Preservation Unit.
Provide ongoing support to frontline education staff, facilitating opening and closing procedures, leading tours, and managing ParksDirect operations for sales and gift shop inventory.
Interpretation, Research, & Exhibitions
Develop new exhibition initiatives centered on dialogic principles, interpret history and culture—especially from the African Diaspora—and demonstrate how the past continues to impact the present.
Conduct and coordinate research on the site’s history, including historical figures, descendants, land use, and collections.
Activate collections in programming, exhibitions, and outreach to enhance and enrich interpretive efforts.
Develop and present research findings for internal and public audiences to enhance interpretation, educational programs, exhibitions, and publications as well as foster the site’s role as a hub for community learning and civic engagement.
Education, Public Programming, & Outreach
Collaborate 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.
Build and sustain relationships with descendants, community stakeholders, schools, and cultural organizations, leveraging resources and expanding the site’s reach.
Support marketing and communications (social media, email, website, press materials) and promote positive public relations and media opportunities.
Administration
Collaborate with the Museum Director to develop and manage work plans and implement the annual strategic plan.
Manage budgets for specific program areas and assist with grant‑writing efforts.
Supervise part‑time staff, assign responsibilities, conduct regular meetings, address performance issues, and carry out evaluations for direct reports.
Support the Museum Director in compiling program and visitor evaluation data; develop performance metrics and implement improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction and impact.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, museum studies, public history, American history, or related field).
Direct experience working with diverse audiences, particularly engaging, collaborating with, and working in African American communities.
At least 3‑5 years of professional experience in historic sites and museum operations.
Supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of 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 strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, and the public.
Strong administrative and technology skills, including evaluation of programs and staff, budgeting, handling contracts, and database management.
Expressed collaboration, strategic, and innovative thinking skills.
Interest and experience with DEAI and social justice practice or framework.
Experience with social media and digital outreach.
Proficiency in 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.
Capability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evening hours for special programs and events.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences, or any related field.
At least two (2) years of professional or related experience in historical work.
An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with State and Commission rules and regulations. The license must have no restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to use Commission vehicles or perform required driving duties.
Supplemental Information Classification: History Specialist II / Museum Manager
May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.
Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations 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.
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