Description

Mission: through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, we explore the infinite richness and complexity of American history. We help people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future.

The National Museum of American History opened to the public in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology, and was renamed in 1980 to more accurately reflect its scope of interests and responsibilities.  It was the sixth Smithsonian building on the National Mall and since its opening some four million visitors a year have passed through the doors to enjoy the museum’s National Treasures, exhibitions, public programs, educational activities, collections, and research facilities.

The museum is responsible for the acquisition, care and preservation of more than 3 million objects and archival materials, representing the nation’s heritage and devoted to its scientific, cultural, social, technological, and political development. The collections include the Star- Spangled Banner, First Ladies gowns, a Samuel Morse telegraph, Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, Julia Child’s Kitchen, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, Duke Ellington’s sheet music and presidential artifacts.

The Museum contains 300,000 square feet of exhibition, programming and public space. Current exhibitions explore major themes in American history and culture, from the War of Independence to the present day. The Price of Freedom: Americans at War surveys the history of U.S. military conflicts and examines ways in which wars have been defining episodes in American history. America on the Move immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and sensations of transportation in the United States from 1870 to the present.  Other popular exhibitions on view include The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, Within These Walls…, The First Ladies, American Enterprise, The Value of Money, and several new educational spaces for children, including Wegman’s Wonderplace for young historians. A schedule of temporary and traveling exhibitions offers visitors something new on almost every visit.

• Encourage and direct independent and exhibition-related research, leading to presentations at professional meetings, publications, and collaborative projects with other institutions.

Management/External Relations

• Oversee, motivate and direct OCA personnel, who comprise half the museum’s staff, providing financial and administrative guidance; maintain a collegial environment and delegate appropriate responsibility; establish clear performance goals and expectations, optimize personnel productivity and ensure that staff is aligned with NMAH and Smithsonian priorities;

• Maximize the appropriate use of technology and digital media in promoting the museum, reaching new and diverse audiences and creating innovative and engaging exhibitions and programs; lead the transition of NMAH in the areas of effective use of new technology, improved internal coordination and communication.

• Establish a close partnership with the museum’s Executive Team; encourage cross- departmental collaboration internally, among the museum’s curatorial, collections, exhibitions, education and communications staff, and externally, among other SI museums and collections;

• Encourage, participate and approve staff participation in Smithsonian Institution, national and international conferences, meetings and symposia; serve on national and international museum committees; explore and develop joint programs in cooperation with universities, other museums and community groups; provide expert advice and consultation to professional and other organizations;

• Analyze financial and human resource needs and manage the allocation of financial resources; develop, implement and monitor policies and practices to achieve NMAH and SI objectives in staff development, employee relations, diversity and equal employment opportunity;

Requirements

• Strong academic training and credibility in American History, ideally with a terminal degree; an understanding or interest in social and cultural history as well as history of science and technology—the two major areas of scholarship and collections at the museum;

• Senior level management and leadership responsibility with a complex institution known for quality and excellence; a record of success in managing people, operations and budgets; experience working within a collecting institution, while not required, is desirable;

• A record of achievement in bringing about change in exciting and creative ways;

• Enthusiasm and talent for fundraising with successful results in identifying, cultivating and soliciting major donors, foundation grants and corporate sponsorships;

• A track record as an effective communicator; the presence and credibility to serve as an effective and enthusiastic spokesperson for the NMAH with outside communities, the media, supporters and donors and the public.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Being fully aligned with the mission, vision, and intellectual direction of the museum, the ideal candidate will exemplify a high degree of integrity and will also have or be:

• A creative and collaborative leader, able to articulate and implement a vision; committed to the mission of the NMAH; willing to engage and be highly visible internally and externally;

• Persuasive and resourceful, with the instincts to anticipate and act on events that may create opportunities for raising funds, expanding visibility and promoting the museum;

• Politically savvy and diplomatic; a person who can negotiate and navigate change graciously while remaining clear, decisive, proactive and fair; an understanding of the subtleties of motivating, directing and working with others;

• A practiced and committed team builder with sound judgment and a patience for process when appropriate, yet the ability to push through to action; one who feels and communicates pride in his or her team;

• Mature, with good judgment and a sense of humor in order to maintain perspective and balance.