Job Details
Work at the National Trust for Historic PreservationAssociate Manager, Public History
Department:
Historic SitesLocation:
Leesburg, VA
SITE DESCRIPTIONSituated on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Manahoac and Piscataway, Oatlands is located in Leesburg, Virginia. Constructed in 1810 as a plantation and site of enslavement, Oatlands initially encompassed 3,408 acres and produced wheat in addition to running grist and saw mills. Over 154 years of private ownership, the property was reduced in size and its mansion repurposed as a boarding house, a summer home and girls school.Today, Oatlands consists of natural spaces, cultivated acreage, gardens and 28 buildings, spanning the 19 th
and 20 th
centuries. Oatlands is centered in its Natural Lands its larger landscape open for the benefit of all, encouraging awareness of our shared world. It is grounded in History valuing and lifting the voices of all who have shaped and been shaped by this historic site. And it is dedicated to Scholarship, for it is only through the active pursuit of knowledge that we can sustainably forward the significance and relevance of this important historic site.JOB SUMMARYUnder the direction of the Sr. Manager of Programs, the Associate Manager of Public History researches, develops, executes and helps manage dynamic, memorable experiences that connect the public with the diverse narratives and expansive resources of the historic site. Such experiences include special programming, dialogic tours and guided visits of the site, its buildings, gardens, grounds and larger acreage. Visitors can and will include those who are area residents and familiar with the site as well as those who have never visited. Audiences can and will encompass both adults and youth, as well as school groups and family units. While the position operates under the direction of the Sr. Manager of Programs, day to day situations are sometimes handled with a degree of autonomy, and subsequently shared values, independent initiative and a high degree of cultural competency relevant to the mission of the site are a must.DUTIESVisitor ExperienceInterpret the full history of the site, engaging visitors through dialogic tours with expertise and professionalism.Respectfully and ethically communicate the significance of slavery and its legacy at Oatlands.Encourage visitors to engage in active observation, discussion and synthesis.Respond to visitor groups particular needs by adjusting content and interpretive techniques as appropriate.Help create, lead and manage programs, tours and activities for K-12 students and youth groups.Assist in monitoring collections security (buildings, objects, and grounds) and visitor safety, responding calmly and professionally to emergencies and promptly notifying the Manager of Operations of incidents or unsafe conditions.Assist with researching and/or compiling social media posts.Provide support to other staff as a historical resource.ProgrammingCreate and help manage thematic programming and/or thematic experiences under the direction of the Sr. Manager of Programs.ResearchParticipate in interpretive skill-building opportunities.Dedicate time and independent study to broaden knowledge of local history and deepen site-specific expertise.Respond with positivity, flexibility and resiliency when introduced to new research and interpretation strategies.Project ManagementAssist with, and help manage as needed, a variety of interpretive and programmatic projects as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSA high degree of relevant cultural competency relevant to the mission of the site, with ability to facilitate engaging experiences on challenging and complex histories with diverse audiences in a spirit of dialogue and inquiry.Experience interpreting, teaching, or researching African American history or the history of slavery.Passion for creating and leading thoroughly researched, thought-provoking experiences at a site of enslavement.Knowledge of architectural and horticultural practice, across the 19 th
and 20 th
century, or the willingness to acquire that knowledge.Experience engaging groups of children and youth aged 6-17.Effective presentation skills, including both listening and speaking, plus written communication skills. Bi-lingual fluency (in English and Spanish) a plus.Ability to work full-time 35 hours a week, Tuesday-Saturday.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.Minimum physical requirements include but are not limited to: Ability to stand for periods up to 60 minutes; walk over uneven terrain; climb stairs; provide multiple guided tours a day; lift and carry loads of up to 20 pounds on a frequent basis, and to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.Relevant combination of work experience, training, certification or academic studies in History, Africana Studies, Public History, Museum Studies, Indigenous & Native American Studies, Landscape or Architectural History or related fields.Regular and reliable attendance required.PAY & BENEFITSThis is a full time, non-exempt-level position, eligible for full benefits, including affordable health, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plan contributions, and 3.5 weeks of paid vacation, plus sick time and holidays.Hiring range: $28.57-31.32 per hour (annualized to $52,000-57,000 based on a schedule of 35 hours/week)The National Trust for Historic Preservation an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. The National Trust for Historic Preservation actively seeks opportunities to include members of these groups in its programs and activities.
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