Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia Director of Interpretation

Position No: FCM00055

Agency Number: 239

Working Title: Director of Interpretation

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hiring Range: $60,000 plus access to state health benefits, membership in Virginia Retirement System, paid leave, etc..

Job Type: Full-Time (Salaried)

Job Open: November 13, 2024

Job Closing: December 20, 2024

Contact: Lydia Volskis, HR Manager, 540-332-7850 or Lydia.Volskis@fcmv.virginia.gov Apply: https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/

The Director of Interpretation leads department staff to develop engaging public programs that support the Museum mission and advance its image and strategic goals, develops departmental operating policies and procedures within agency and state regulations, supervises department staff and their work schedules with attention to performance expectations and professional development, including preparation of EWP’s. Prepares individual & group training plans, performance evaluations and manage the interpretation department budget. Participates and assumes leadership roles as assigned in agency-wide teams, projects and special events and works with the agency’s Board of Trustees, the American Frontier Culture Foundation and the local community. Positive, professional experience (+5 yrs.) in staff leadership, performance management, operational management of a multi-staff department.

Ability to demonstrate and train others in internal and external customer service. Knowledge and experience with current standards and methods of living history interpretation and presentation of public programs. Demonstrated ability to train and mentor staff and volunteers to present public programs using best interpretive practices. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing; to organize and implement personal daily and long-term work responsibilities as well as train others to do so. Ability to communicate clearly, regularly and in an organized manner with staff and other Museum colleagues. Ability to work successfully in collaboration with others such as part-time and professional colleagues, Board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders to support the mission of the Museum. Proficiency with basic computer operating and communication systems, and the use of social media and current technology.

A minimum of 5 years leadership experience in staff supervision and operational management in a cultural institution such as a living history or other museum, five or more years’ experience preferred as a living history interpreter or in direct to public program delivery at an outdoor museum, historic site or similar organization where interpretive and museum best practices are followed. A bachelor’s degree or higher in public history, museum studies, education, the social sciences or related fields preferred. Master’s degree a plus.

Only fully complete applications submitted on the Virginia state jobsline will be considered. Full email and telephone contact information for all references required.

*Interviews will be scheduled in early to mid -January after the holidays.

Submit an application either online at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/ or contact Lydia.Volskis@fcmv.virginia.gov for alternate application options (see special requirements for alternate applications below). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. FCMV encourages minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx