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, which is deeply rooted in African American history and culture. Now more than ever, the Department has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a national leader chronicling, curating and connecting the lived experiencesof underrepresented people—past and present—who have significantly shaped our county and country.
The Department is seeking 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 and community-centered programming, curation, and interpretation. Guided by the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), museum staff at the Surratt Historic Site and Museum provide meaningful interpretations of the experiences of all who lived at this 1852 farm—including its roles as a tavern, post office, and the residence of the first woman executed by the federal government—and, as with all historic sites, focus on African American history and culture, particularly the impacts of emancipation, Reconstruction, and the struggle for social justice on those formerly enslaved here, exploring themes such as resistance and civics.
Since 2021, the Surratt Historic Site and Museum has shifted its interpretive approach from a narrative centered on pro-Confederate and white supremacist perspectives regarding the Lincoln Assassination conspiracy to one that prioritizes 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. These efforts have resulted in the development of 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 our 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
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; coordinate 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
- Working with the Museum Director and the museum team, 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 both internal and public audiences, aimed at enhancing interpretation, educational programs, exhibitions, and publications; fosters the utilization of 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 in collaboration with community partners.
- Builds and sustains relationships with descendants, community stakeholders, schools, and cultural organizations -leveraging resources and expanding 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 implements 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 workingwithdiverseaudiences, especiallyengaging, collaborating, and working 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.
- Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences or any 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 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.
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 or harassment on the basis ofrace, 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 or301-454-1411(Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
