Historian

Summary  

The Historian serves as an official spokesperson and representative of the Museum and provides content expertise for Museum programs, the general public, and the media. This position supports all staff by providing content information and research on topics and speakers for programs and education. The Historian recommends experts in the intelligence community to work on various Museum initiatives. The position serves as an educator for school, university, and other public audiences and supports curriculum development. The Historian is an official representative of the Museum to the media through interviews, writing op eds, providing research, etc. Key to success of the position is building and expanding the Museum’s local, national, and international presence, profile and reputation with scholars and professionals in the intelligence community. This individual publishes regularly on issues that are of importance to the Museum and the intelligence community.   

Success Traits 

• Strong current events and historical knowledge – able to assist with intellectual leadership on how the museum represents the history, present and future of intelligence, technology, museums, and the geopolitical environment.
• Serial collaborator – able to proactively build relationships with SPY team members and individuals and organizations in academia and the intelligence community to the benefit of the institution.
• Problem solver – able to solve problems internally and externally from the planning through to final execution stage.
• Creative thinker – able to generate imaginative ideas for programming, education, and other institutional priorities.
• Networker – demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, external partners and potential and current donors. 
• Detail orientated – able to conduct independent and collaborative research with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and an engagement with scholarly work.

Responsibilities 

• Responds to public inquiries concerning the exhibitions, content areas, and collection; disseminates accurate information and establishes positive rapport and respect.
• Represents the museum to the media via on-camera interviews, print, radio, social media, etc. Responds to media research requests as needed.
• Works closely with the Development office on cultivation of donors and sponsors.
• Provides content expertise and research to the exhibits and collections staff as needed.
• Provides content expertise to education staff as needed for programs and for the Museum’s varied audiences.
• Conducts tours that educate the public, VIP’s, donors and scholars.
• Presents talks and participates in public programming relating to the permanent collection and special exhibitions for staff, docents, volunteers, VIPS, and other audiences.
• Develops and supports collaborative relationships with other scholars and museums, the Museum’s advisory council, educational organizations, government agencies, business, and other organizations that further the Museum’s mission.
• Build and expand the Museum’s local, national, and international presence, profile, and reputation.
• Additional tasks as required.

Minimum Education Required 

• PhD in Modern History, Political Science, or International Relations or related field.    Global perspectives are especially encouraged. Experience working in museum field is also highly desirable.

Minimum Experience Required 

• Teaching, museum, and/or intelligence community experience highly desirable.

Skills Preferred 

• A thorough and exacting researcher.
• An ability to think imaginatively and creatively in a collegial environment.
• An ability to speak publicly to a variety of audiences about content and the mission.
• An ability to connect with people, stakeholders, and organizations.
• ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.