Chief of Interpretation | Austin, TX

Organization

Primary Location

Work Location

Job

Employee Status

Schedule

Travel

Salary (Pay Basis)

Number of Openings

Overtime Status

Job Posting

Description

JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs highly complex (senior-level) administrative and supervisory program work. Work involves interpretive planning for all aspects of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) Interpretation, Exhibits and Planning Division (IEP), compiling and reviewing existing plans and information, developing priorities, budgeting and processes for interpretive planning to include establishing  guidelines and standards; working with planning, interpretive, exhibit and other consultants to develop plans/implementation; project management to oversee exhibit design work to include design firm selection, contracting, management, closeout and warranty issues; building budgets as well as reviewing and approving project budgets and assessing financial data and planning accordingly to address project needs; review all text for accuracy and design to assess overall visitor experience. Reporting to the Chief Historian of IEP, the Chief Interpretive Specialist works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Maintain information on each site interpretation and interpretive/exhibit plans.
2. Identify priorities for interpretive planning and exhibit development projects.
3. Project management of all exhibit projects, from solicitation and award through closeout and addressing warranty issues.
4. Oversee, review, and monitor budgets for exhibit and interpretive projects.
5. Oversee the coordination of exhibit and interpretive planning with Site Managers and other appropriate THC staff, and contribute as an interpretive specialist and visitor advocate.
6. Oversee design review of all interpretive and exhibit vendor work products and coordination with staff and vendors.
7. Oversee and coordinate the content of site guidebooks and interpretive multi-media elements with contractors and appropriate THC staff.
8. Develop RFPs or other procurement documents to secure qualified interpretive/exhibit consultants, in coordination with THC staff as appropriate.
9. Coordinate with THC architects, Directors of Historic Sites Operations, and Site Managers in facility planning to insure adequate facilities for interpretive efforts.
10. Coordinate with THC web master on updating and improving interpretive content on historic site web pages.
11. Coordinate with THC marketing staff on design and distribution plans for promotional material.
12. Review audience evaluation formats and program evaluation research developed by site managers and education staff.
13. Review content and format of basic site informational publications, including rack cards, visitor guides, maps created by THC marketing staff.
14. Work with Chief Curator on the identification, research, and appropriate interpretive use of artifacts and objects as needed.
15. Consult with site staff on temporary/changing exhibits to insure their appropriate content and professionalism.
16. Assist site staffs in development of interpretive programs and special events.
17. Participate in development of THC plans, goals and objectives as the division Interpretive Specialist.
18. Identify appropriate training opportunities and make information available to staff; develop opportunities for collaboration, coordination and training in-house.
19. Adheres to established work schedule with regular attendance.
20. Follow all THC safety guidelines, policies and procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

21.      Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in History, Public History, Anthropology, American Studies, Museum Studies, Education or closely related field;
• Minimum eight years’ work experience in the field of interpretation;
• Minimum two years’ work experience conceptualizing, planning and implementing a wide range of interpretive exhibits, program and materials;
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• Required to travel up to 20% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Master’s degree in History, Public History, Anthropology, American Studies, Museum Studies, Education, Design or a closely related field.
• Minimum ten years’ work experience in the field of interpretation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Oversee and/or prepare program management and productivity reports and studies.
• Provide guidance to employees in handling difficult or complex problems in assigned program area.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, human relations and organizational skills;
• Effective critical thinking skills;
• Knowledge of current interpretation theory and methodologies for exhibits, programs and other materials, inducing printed, multi-media and electronic interpretive products;
• Knowledge of current best practices and standards for presenting interpretive information to the public;
• Knowledge of ADA requirements, archeological requirements and federals and state laws that apply to presenting information and objects;
• Skill in overall interpretive master planning and complex strategic planning;
• Skill in facilitation group planning sessions and resolving conflicts;
• Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;
• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database and spreadsheet software;
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions;
• Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:
Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

Learn more and Apply: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/808/jobdetail.ftl?job=00055500&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicago