The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a leader in historic preservation and manages a number of historic sites, museums and programs that celebrate Prince George's County's rich history. Overseen by the Natural and Historical Resources Division (NHRD), there are 22 M-NCPPC historic sites that are open to the public, including Mt. Calvert.
NHRD is seeking a thoughtful and engaging leader to serve as Director of the American Indian Program and coordinate county-wide programming, interpretation, and community engagement. The Director will lead the day-to-day operations of Mt. Calvert Historic Site and work with other historic facilities, community centers and groups to develop county programming. The immediate focus of this position will be the development and full re-interpretation (facility and grounds) of Mt. Calvert. The site will center the American Indian experience and serve as the primary interpretation/exhibition/program location. Day-to-day operations include community outreach, open museum hours, facility management, school programming, training and leading part-time staff, research, interpretation and implementation of the overall vision. The Director will report to the Assistant Division Chief.
The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge and background in American Indian history and will serve as the Department’s subject matter advisor providing guidance to internal partners and coordinating with external groups. They will have extensive experience with public history, interpretation, facility management, community outreach and engagement with American Indian tribes. Candidate will have experience in natural history for interpretation and outdoor nature programming as it relates to the American Indian. They will have experience in operations, curriculum development, research, and curation. They will also have management and supervisory skills and demonstrate the ability to lead a team of 3-4 part-time staff. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, on-site and an average of two weekend days per month.
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the strategic pillars in their professional work:
- Enhance the Visitor Experience: Quantity and Quality
- Leaving a Legacy: Transforming Education into Advocacy
- Strengthening Inclusivity, Diversity, and Belonging
- Acting with Integrity, Respect, and Trust
Department Subject Matter Expert – Lead Officer American Indian Affairs
- Serves as Department’s subject matter expert on all aspects of Prince George’s County American Indian history and culture – from past to present. Provides guidance, advice and consulting services on sensitive and complex American Indian issues and programs for entire Department including executive and senior leadership, facility managers, program coordinators, regional supervisors and staff.
- Based on expertise, recommends strategies or approaches for colleagues to meet American Indian program-related goals and objectives – navigating complex cultural nuances, customs and sensitivities with a wide range of external collaborators.
- Primary Departmental liaison with elected officials and leadership from many diverse American Indian Tribes across the State and County including – Piscataway Indian Nation, Piscataway Conoy, the Mattapanient, the Patuxent, the Moyaone, the Pamunkey and Accohannock Tribes. Expert understanding of each Tribe’s culture, history, current organizational structure and positions.
- Lead Departmental representative for American Indian Affairs – coordinating between department staff, Tribal leadership, county agencies, elected officials, community groups, and business executives. Mitigate any issues or concerns between collaborators, which can involve highly sensitive and complex matters.
- Represents Department for any American Indian-related event or activity including providing high level presentations, conferences or meetings.
- Full understanding of all American Indian laws and policies and how they impact the Department including The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA), which requires museums, agencies and universities to compile detailed summaries and inventories, consult with Native American tribes, and follow a process to return human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony that meet the requirements outlined in the law.
Operations/Preservation/Research
- Oversees and implements mission of Department-wide American Indian Program History of Prince George’s County – with county-wide programming and Mt. Calvert as a primary site and focus of American Indian interpretation.
- Responsible for the preservation and restoration efforts of the Mt. Calvert facility and grounds – adhering to all federal, state and local regulations and restrictions. Preparing permit requests, working with preservation unit on coordinating preservation and restoration projects.
- Generates contracts, purchase orders, and other financial paperwork in accordance with Commission policies and practices. Prepares grant proposals and grant reporting; annual reports, internal reporting, public relations, budgeting, and marketing.
- Conducts multifaceted research projects to understand and document the American Indian cultural resources across the county– informing master plans, development projects, cultural and heritage / programming, compliance and community engagement strategies.
- Prepares annual budget aligned with Division priorities, makes recommendations for future budget requests, track of expenses and payment of vendors.
Management/Supervision
- Hires, trains, and supervises part-time staff including conducting annual evaluations.
- Schedules part-time staff to provide adequate coverage for both day-to-day operations and special events and programs.
- Develop training plan for staff including how to lead a dialogue and interpret sensitive subjects such as colonialism, forced migration, and racism with visitors ranging from grade school to adults.
- Implements Commission personnel procedures and conducts performance evaluations in a timely manner.
- Develops and leads operations, procedures and policies; leads, trains, onboards, schedule’s part time staff.
Programming/Interpretation/Exhibitions/Collections
- Manages Mt. Calvert with interpretive programs, exhibits, and tours that emphasize and highlight its American Indian history.
- Co-chairs the annual American Indian Festival that celebrates Indigenous culture, heritage, history.
- Markets program through promotional materials, outreach exhibits and programs, and partnerships with other organizations.
- Researches and develops relevant interpretive programs based on exhibits to enhance the participatory nature and use of current and future exhibits.
- Solicit and maintain a current base of information on exhibit design concepts and on exhibits with topics relevant to American Indian History.
- Works with other Department Divisions and facilities to plan and implement programs throughout the year, including lectures, exhibits, interactive, interpretive programs, etc.
- Designs and presents outreach programs to public schools and community groups.
The successful candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Extensive work with American Indian communities/tribes/clans/bands.
- Ability to lead, support, mentor, and engage with their team.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Highly organized with the ability to successfully balance multiple deadlines and tasks with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and be a self-starter.
- Ability to listen actively and be adaptable to guest needs and expectations.
- Consistent track record of working positively with organizations, schools, community groups.
- Strong dedication to excellent customer service, both internal and external.
- Must be computer savvy with experience using Microsoft Suite and other Applications.
- Experience planning and implementing major public programs, tours, events, exhibits.
Highly desired candidates will possess:
- Knowledge of and skills in using Commission and museum-related software.
- Proven experience successfully leading and developing emerging staff in a museum or cultural institution.
- High level of emotional intelligence.
- Proven problem-solving skills.
- Track record of success in a creative, fluid, and dynamic work environment.
- Knowledge in education, programming, exhibit development/innovation.
- Fluency in Spanish, both speaking and writing, a plus.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Architectural History, Architecture, Cultural Resources, Urban Planning, or any related field.
- Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience that includes project consultation and coordination.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total ten (10) years.
- Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license 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 by the position of assignment.
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