Historic Resources Manager

Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation provides leadership and strategic direction for the City’s historic sites, collections, and programs. Oversees the Historic Resources division within the Department of Parks and Recreation, ensuring that all activities align with departmental priorities and City goals.

Responsible for the stewardship, preservation, interpretation, and public engagement associated with City-owned historic properties, including the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, the Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House, and Historic Blenheim, which includes the Historic Blenheim House, Grandma’s Cottage, and the Civil War Interpretive Center. Guides staff, manages division budgets and planning initiatives, and ensures professional standards in the preservation, interpretation, and management of the City’s historic resources and museum collections.  This position functions as the division-level manager for Historic Resources and does not serve as a department head.

Provides leadership and administrative oversight for the Historic Resources division, including staff supervision, budget management, policy implementation, and operational coordination across City-owned historic sites.

Establishes division goals, priorities, and performance metrics in coordination with the Director of Parks, Recreation, City administration, and departmental leadership.
 

Leads long-range planning efforts for historic sites, collections, exhibits, and interpretive programs, ensuring alignment with City priorities and departmental strategic initiatives.
 

Coordinates with Parks and Recreation, Facilities and Operations, Public Works, and other City departments on Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs), restoration initiatives, and maintenance activities affecting historic properties.
 

Oversees the planning and development of historically accurate interpretive programs, exhibits, and educational initiatives that communicate the significance of the City’s historic resources.
 

Oversees the acquisition, documentation, care, conservation, and management of the City’s museum collections in accordance with established collections management policies, professional museum standards, and recognized accreditation best practices.
 

Provides professional oversight and guidance to ensure restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance work affecting City-owned historic properties follows recognized historic preservation standards and best practices.
 

Represents the Historic Resources division in City-wide initiatives, community partnerships, and intergovernmental collaborations related to history, heritage tourism, and cultural engagement.
 

Serves as staff liaison to Historic Fairfax City Inc. (HFCI) and collaborates with nonprofit partners and community organizations to support programming, fundraising initiatives, and special projects.
 

Develops and recommends annual operating and capital budget requests for Historic Resources and monitors expenditures in coordination with departmental leadership.
 

Supervises Historic Resources staff in accordance with City policies and procedures, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning work, evaluating performance, and resolving personnel matters.
 

Collaborates with internal staff on preservation planning initiatives and development issues affecting historic resources.

Provides historical research and interpretive expertise in support of departmental and City initiatives as directed.

Other duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Requires a Master’s Degree in American History, American Studies, Museum Education, Historic Preservation, or closely related field.

Requires six years’ experience in historic site management, museum management or closely related experience.   

Eight years of progressively responsible experience in museum or historical site interpretation, collections, education and/or research, or closely related field.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of architectural history and historic preservation principles and practices, including the restoration/rehabilitation of historic buildings.

Knowledge of the principles of museum education and interpretation, curatorial practices, and historic site or museum management practices.  

Ability to manage complex capital, restoration, renovation, and improvement projects.  

Ability to analyze programs and evaluate their performance against established objectives.   

Ability to schedule, coordinate and prioritize the work of employees and volunteer staff.   

Ability to supervise paid and volunteer staff and recommend specialized training and professional development opportunities.  

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.  

Ability to coordinate effectively with other City departments, external partners and community organizations in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment.

Additional Desirable Qualification:

Advanced degrees or additional degrees and training in historic preservation, public administration, and business administration.

Experience in managing multiple historic sites/museums under one umbrella.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Certifications and/or completion of advanced training in areas of historic site management, historic preservation, leadership, and tourism development are desirable.

Salary : $82,781 - $107,499