Salary: $57,747.00 - $102,275.00 Annually
Location : Bethesda, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 14893
Department: MC Parks
Division: Park Planning and Stewardship
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
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.
Examples of Important DutiesEducational 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. 
