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

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. 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: 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: Examples of Important Duties 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. We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 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 ofrace, 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you. THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION 2026 Benefit Summary For Merit System Employees The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans. Eligibility You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation. Retirement Programs Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members. Plan Employee Contribution Plan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB. Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.* Medical Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%) UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%) UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%) Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%) Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%) Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.) Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs. Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%) Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300 Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500 Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation) Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%) Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%) Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000 Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%) Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each Automatic coverage with opt-out provision Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%) Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000 Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000 Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees) Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll. Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member Leave Programs Annual: 15 days per year Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period) Sick: 15 days per year Holidays: 11 days per year Other Benefits Credit Union Employee Assistance Plan Legal Services Plan Tuition Assistance Program Wellness Program Work-Life Program For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission