THC Chief Historic Site Officer (Deputy Director I) 26-11

JOB OBJECTIVE: The Texas Historical Commission (THC) serves as the official state agency dedicated to historic preservation. The Chief State Historic Sites Officer holds a pivotal leadership role, overseeing the management and stewardship of 42 state historic properties. This position carries direct authority and responsibility for these sites, as well as for supervising approximately 100 professional staff members assigned to the Historic Sites Division. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Chief State Historic Sites Officer is entrusted to perform their duties with minimal supervision, demonstrating a high degree of initiative, independent judgment, and strategic decision-making. The incumbent is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while ensuring the effective operation, preservation, and interpretation of Texas’ historic sites for the benefit of the public and future generations.

Essential Duties:

1. 1.       Oversee the stewardship (restoration, maintenance, interpretation, etc.), operation, and success of 42 state historic sites and associated collections.
2. 2.       Serve as the primary liaison to the Governor-appointed Commission on all state historic site-related matters.
3. 3.       Develop, manage, and evaluate the division budget in partnership with THC Finance and Accounting.
4. 4.       Work with the Public Information and Education Division to develop innovative marketing strategies, including events, publications, and social media, to increase visitation to and awareness of the state's historic sites.
5. 5.       Work closely with fellow Chiefs to allow for success across division lines.
6. 6.       Integrate historic sites into heritage tourism efforts for the benefit of the local and statewide economy.
7. 7.       Ensure that visitors to the state's historic sites have a memorable and rewarding experience and that they leave with a greater understanding of Texas history and their own potential for contributing to the state’s future.
8. 8.       Enthusiastically support youth programming at state historic sites.
9. 9.       Recognizes the role of state historic sites as economic engines in their local communities and supports the involvement of site staff in community activities as appropriate.
10. 10.   Coordinate and provide leadership to Friends organizations seeking to support the state historic sites.

Non-Essential Duties:

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Business, Management, History, American Studies, or a closely related field;
• Minimum five years’ work experience in an administrative role in directing and managing museum or historic site business operations and staff.
• Experience making public presentations and demonstrating an ability to work with people at all levels of professional expertise in the agency’s programs (including architects, archeologists, historians, interpretive specialists, curators, groundskeepers, etc.);
• Knowledge of cultural resource management principles in architecture, history, landscape architecture, and museum management is required;
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• Required to travel up to 25% of the work period.

Prefer:

• Master’s degree in historic preservation, museum studies, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum eight years’ work experience in an administrative role in directing and managing museum business operations and staff;
• Experience with public agency administrative practices, including Human Resources, procurement, and risk management.
• Significant supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills;
• Effective critical thinking skills;
• Knowledge of state government processes and public/private partnerships;
• Knowledge of museum administration and operations;
• Knowledge of business principles and retail operations;
• Knowledge of cultural resource management;
• Knowledge of nonprofit organization structure, administration, and management;
• Knowledge of museum interpretation/education;
• Knowledge of safety rules, regulations, practices, and procedures, including county health regulations.;

·       Skill In Providing Customer Service Excellence To Both Internal And External Customers;

·       Skill In Operating A Personal Computer With Word Processing, Database, And Spreadsheet Software;

• Ability to develop relationships and professional partnerships with diverse communities: local, state, national, and international;
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions;
• Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan, organize, and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:
• Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Workplace setting is a historic site, in an office and outdoor setting where occasional exposure to weather, dust, insects, and traveling on uneven and unpaved surfaces, and lack of environmental control are part of the working conditions. Required to work 40 hours per week, including flexible scheduled hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Must be able to safely lift up to30 pounds and is required to respond to emergency situations. Require traveling with an occasional overnight stay. 

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: All CAPPS Recruit job postings extend priority of service to veterans, a surviving spouse, orphan of a veteran who was killed while on active duty, spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on active duty, or spouse of a veteran with a disability if the spouse is the primary income for the household. 

To receive Military Employment preference, a copy of the DD 214, NA Form 13038, VA Summary Benefits Letter, or a DD Form 1300 must be provided before an interview can be extended.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements):  State of Texas application must be submitted through the CAPPS website. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection.  Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information, or protected activity in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors.

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

As part of the employment process, THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check.  Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at 512-305-6729.

THC participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Program Management

Veterans: Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires: Health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

An Equal Opportunity

Affirmative Action Employer