Mission Statement

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is committed to interpreting the history and culture of African Americans who contributed to the rich history of Maryland. Through its collections, programming, and advocacy, the museum engages and educates our shared communities.

BACKGROUND

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture opened in June 2005, in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The 82,000 square foot building houses 10,000 artifacts showcasing 400 years of Maryland African American history and culture. The museum is the premier experience and best resource for information and inspiration about African American Marylanders. As the gateway to history through living culture, the museum showcases groundbreaking collections, exhibitions, performances, public and educational programs for all ages, and bridges the gap between the past and the present.

The Lewis is the second largest African American museum on the east coast. The museum is named after Reginald F. Lewis, a native of Baltimore and the first African American to close a billion dollar international leveraged buyout deal in 31 countries. He was one of the first African Americans to open a law firm on Wall Street.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of ICE is responsible for the interpretation of the permanent exhibition as well as curating the changing gallery exhibits, within the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. This position is also responsible for implementing the organization’s overall educational programming goals for the general public and providing relevant interpretation of exhibits and programs for all visitors to the museum and to the website. This position has the responsibility for the administration of all museum collections, including receipt of donations and loans. The Director of ICE is essentially responsible for “telling the stories” of history and culture through items housed within the museum’s exhibits and archives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reports to the Executive Director(ED) and serves as a member of the senior management team
• Works in collaboration with other members of the senior management team to set the strategic direction for the museum
• Management of staff, which includes hiring, setting work/performance objectives, evaluating performance, coaching and counseling as necessary
• Directs and assists with the planning, development coordination and delivery of educational programs and exhibits related to the African American experience in Maryland and beyond
• With an emphasis on historic relevance, identifies areas of African American Culture that aligns with the vision and mission of the Museum and have contemporary relevance
• In conjunction with ADA guidelines, ensures the accessibility of exhibits for all patrons
• Works with local/national scholars to identify areas of cutting edge research for the Museum
• Manages formal and informal interpretation – as executed by docents
• Responsible for all historical interpretation in external and internal communications
• Institutionalizes policies and practices that preserve our collections
• As an educational institution, develops appropriate curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students related to the African American experience in Maryland and beyond and its relevance to current day movements/civic engagement
• Ensures archival exhibitor integrity consistent with Museum standards and Museum Association best practices and works with the ED and board of directors to secure accreditation
• Serves as a spokesperson for the Museum on content issues related to African American history and related areas of interest
• Works closely with External Relations to develop content for the website and identify opportunities for “distance learning” (statewide)
• Works closely with Development to identify funding opportunities for exhibitions and educational programming
• Manages all aspects of exhibition and storage of Museum artifacts
• Designs program content for evolving standard program offerings annually – Book Fair, Reginald F. Lewis Birthday, and MLK Day
• Serves as staff to the Collections and Education Committees of the Museum Board

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise), which may be assigned from time-to-time. This position will periodically require work on weekends, nights and holidays to accommodate Museum programming and utilization.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL / SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires ability to operate personal computer
• Must have sufficient mobility to perform duties throughout the museum and at various museum-related functions
• Requires strong written and verbal communication skills in addition to critical thinking and the ability to be decisive
• Candidate must have strong people skills and be comfortable interacting with the general public
• While the majority of the work is performed inside some outdoor work is required during various museum-related functions