JOB TITLE: MUSEUM AND HISTORIC SITE ADMINISTRATOR 1

JOB CODE: 27670

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Museum and Historic Site Administrator job series describes professional work within the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) directing the total operation of a historic site or museum.

DEFINITION: This is professional administrative work directing the total operation of a historic site or museum with a smaller number of full-time staff, smaller-sized museum collection, and fewer associate groups than the average for PHMC facilities.

An employee in this job plans, directs, and coordinates facility management functions, including budget and fiscal administration, purchasing, staffing, maintenance, and security for a smaller-sized site. Work involves the development and oversight of museum collections and of historic interpretive programming related to the site, such as tour programs, events and exhibits, and the use of social media and other digital platforms for programming and promotion of the site. Work also involves engaging in fundraising, development activities, and marketing efforts to augment the facility operating budget and fund services. Work includes functioning as a supervisor over staff engaged in the care, maintenance, and interpretation of a facility and its properties. Work is performed independently under the general direction of a higher-level Museum and Historic Site Administrator and reviewed for effectiveness of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Administers the facility management functions for a smaller-sized museum or historic site, including fiscal administration, initial budget preparation, purchasing, maintenance, and security.

• Supervises a smaller staff of museum or site employees and oversees the activities of volunteers and associate group members.

• Directs or performs collection management activities, including accessioning, cataloging, preserving, and utilizing the facility collection; evaluating and recommending additions to the collection acquired through donation or purchase; and planning and overseeing construction and installation of appropriate facility exhibits.

• Develops strategic plans for the site detailing projected operations and initiatives; develops emergency, interpretive, and other types of site plans.

• Organizes fundraising activities; develops grant proposals; and solicits gifts, donations, and funding for endowments in support of the facility or PHMC.

• Develops plans for support group operations and promotional activities to increase knowledge of the site, enhance visitation, and promote volunteerism.

• Directs the development and presentation of interpretive programming and promotes events through social media outlets and other digital platforms.

• Works to expand the site’s audience and promote inclusivity.

• Develops, supports, and promotes facility educational and informational activities to special interest groups and the general public.

• Negotiates, completes, and manages the contractual agreement between the PHMC and the site’s associate group.

• Serves as a liaison with the site’s board of directors, associate group committees, and other historical preservation organizations when promoting the site and the history of Pennsylvania.

• Oversees the site’s point of sale system and signs off on monthly reports.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of museum standards and best practices for all aspects of museum operation.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the care and preservation of historic facilities.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the care, cataloging, exhibition, and preservation of historic collections or collections of other significance.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the interpretation of site mission, and the development and promotion of site educational programming.

• Knowledge of research methodologies and techniques.

• Knowledge of grant writing, fundraising, membership programs, and other means of acquiring financial support for a site.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Ability to develop, administer, and monitor an annual budget.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Three years of professional experience managing overall museum operations including two years of experience supervising professional or volunteer museum staff; and a bachelor’s degree in history, American studies, museum studies, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of experience supervising professional or volunteer museum staff and a bachelor’s degree in history, American studies, museum studies, or a closely related field.