Program Manager, Josiah Henson Museum and Park (14893, Grade 20)

Montgomery Parks; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery Parks’ Josiah Henson Museum & Park seeks a Program Manager to lead educational and public programming across on-site, off-site, and virtual settings. You will create engaging experiences for students, families, educators, and community groups, guiding interpretive activities that connect visitors with Reverend Josiah Henson's history and its modern-day relevance.

The role emphasizes developing curricula, coordinating staff and volunteers, managing partnerships with schools and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, Museum Studies or related field.
• At least 1 year of related experience; equivalent combination may total five years.
• Valid driver’s license per state/commission rules.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver educational programs for diverse audiences across on-site, off-site, and virtual settings.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and support seasonal interpretive staff and volunteers; manage bookings and schedules.
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, cultural organizations, and community groups.
• Oversee digital content and communications for the museum in line with Montgomery Parks policies.

Skills

Public history

Museum education

Program management

Community partnerships

Public speaking

Bilingual (English)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Description

The Program Manager leads educational and public programming for the Josiah Henson Museum & Park, creating opportunities for visitors to explore Reverend Josiah Henson's journey from slavery to freedom, the history of slavery in Maryland, and the continuing impact of that history today. Through interpretation, outreach, and community partnerships, this position develops engaging experiences for students, families, educators, and community groups in on-site, off-site, and virtual settings. The role plays an important part in helping visitors better understand the past while creating opportunities for reflection, learning, and meaningful community dialogue.

About Josiah Henson Museum and Park

Located in North Bethesda, the Josiah Henson Museum & Park preserves and interprets the life and legacy of Reverend Josiah Henson (1789-1883), an abolitionist, author, and Underground Railroad hero whose life story helped inspire the fictional, "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The site features the historic Riley/Bolten House, a log kitchen once occupied by enslaved laborers, a visitor center with exhibits and community gathering space, and nearly four acres of former plantation grounds that support interpretation and educational programming. Together, these spaces help visitors explore Henson's journey from slavery to freedom and the broader history and legacy of slavery in Maryland.

• Learn More About Josiah Henson Museum and Park: https://www.josiahhenson.org/

About Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.

• Learn More About Montgomery Parks: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Educational Programming & Interpretation

• Design, develop, and deliver educational and public programs for multicultural and multigenerational audiences that support the museum's mission and Montgomery Parks' equity goals.
• Create curriculum-based learning experiences for school groups, homeschool students, families, and community organizations.

Staff Leadership & Program Administration

• Recruit, train, supervise, and support seasonal interpretive staff and volunteers.
• Manage program registrations, bookings, schedules, and program logistics.
• Assist with managing budgets, supplies, materials, and program resources.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, cultural institutions, community organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Foster welcoming and inclusive learning environments that encourage thoughtful dialogue and engagement.

Digital Engagement & Communications

• Manage online educational and interpretive content for the museum.
• Maintain accurate and engaging information across digital and social media platforms in accordance with Montgomery Parks policies and procedures.

Important Skills And Characteristics

• Passion for public history, museum education, and visitor engagement.
• Ability to make complex historical topics accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
• Creativity in developing educational programs and interpretive experiences.
• Strong relationship building and communication skills.
• Ability to foster inclusive learning environments and facilitate thoughtful dialogue.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to equity, accessibility, and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience leading museum interpretation, educational programs, special events, or instructional programming at an African American historical site, museum, or cultural institution.
• Experience developing and implementing curriculum-based educational programming.
• Experience using innovative approaches to increase educational impact and visitor engagement.
• Experience managing program budgets, supplies, materials, and staffing resources.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or English and French is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting, historic site facilities, and outdoor park environments. Regular movement between the visitor center, historic house, and park grounds is required, as well as occasional travel to off-site programs, events, and meetings.
• Requires physical activity including prolonged standing, walking, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, and the ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires a regular Tuesday-Saturday work schedule with occasional evenings, weekends, extended hours, and response to emergency situations as needed.

Additional Details

The salary range shown reflects the full earning potential for this role. Your actual pay will be based on your experience.

• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in History, Public History, American Studies, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Paleontology, Anthropology, Education, Historic Preservation, Interpretive Research, Library Sciences or any related field.
• One (1) year of related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total five (5) years.
• Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification History Specialist I

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.