Job Specification Details

Planning, administrative, coordinating, and supervisory work at the professional level involving operations and capital improvements of the state historic sites program under the stewardship of the Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP). Duties are performed under the direction of the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). 

Major responsibilities include oversight of state historic sites and management both in-season and off-season operations; human resource administration, management and training of site administrative staff, seasonal temporary employees, and volunteers; historic site planning and management coordination; budget planning and tracking; regional purchasing and contract administration; developing, coordinating, and implementing policies affecting historic sites; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders on historic site properties, programs and facilities; point of contact for public and press inquiries; and oversight and management of safety programs.

Establishes policies, procedures, and regulations to govern operations and the use of the State Historic Sites system, including periods of operations, schedule for admission fees, use agreements by other entities, and safety protocols. Plans long- and short-range Historic Sites operations and personnel needs. Responsible for updating and implementing the Historic Sites Rules, Site Use forms, interpretation plans, and curation/archival practices including accession, deaccessioning, and repair/maintenance protocols per the appropriate standards. Outlines policy for emergency preparedness, response, and resiliency, ensuring staff training and partner engagement. Evaluates operations and makes proposals for better Historic Sites operations and visitation. Responsible for the preparation and monitoring of lease agreements with tenants and partners. Prepares a variety of regular and special reports on the visitation, safety, daily/seasonal maintenance and overall operations of the Historic Sites. Works directly with Site Administrators and personally makes periodic visits to sites during season, closed months, and special events. Plans and conducts training programs in areas of security, public relations, life safety, and equipment maintenance for both permanent and temporary staff. Performs related work as necessary.

Duties are performed in both a standard office setting and in the field. Considerable statewide travel is involved for which private means of transportation must be available. Involves lifting and transfer of curation items, displays, supplies, and equipment. Work involves considerable stress stemming from a heavy workload and public coordination, especially during open season. There is considerable contact with the public. Duties may require work during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Emergency issues sometimes require off-hours coordination.

• Knowledge of state and national objectives, operations, policies, standards, procedures, tools, and activities involving public buildings and museums.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing and promotion. 
• Considerable knowledge of historic site interpretation philosophies and methods, especially related to public interaction, safety, and marketing.
• Knowledge of administrative principles and procedures, including supervisory techniques. 
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of basic fiscal recordkeeping practices.
• Ability to plan complex projects potentially involving multiple phases, working partners, and funding sources.
• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Ability to plan and execute organizational analyses, to devise solutions to complex problems, and to present them in a clear, concise manner.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in historic preservation, museum studies, history, public history, American history, architectural history, art history, or a related field AND three (3) years or more of experience in one of those related fields AND two (2) or more years as a manager, director or program supervisor.

Master’s degree in historic preservation, museum studies, history, public history, American history, architectural history, art history, or a related field