Job Description
Salary: $61,066.67 Annually
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: FY2024-01025
Department: Museums and Tourism
Opening Date: 06/10/2025
Closing Date: 7/8/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the overall management and day to day administrative and professional duties for the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center to include research, documentation, interpretation, maintenance and conservation. Reports to the Director of Museums and Tourism or designee.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center.
Provides interpretation of museum exhibits; plans and displays art exhibits; manages cultural events, exhibit openings and other activities as required; may serve on various committees and advisory boards.
Responsible for the effective supervision of staff and administrative functions of budget preparation and monitoring expenditures, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities; also works as part of a team for exhibition planning, program development, grant writing, budget and training.
Answers research inquiries from researchers, students and the general public; researches and contributes to the development of exhibits and programs; prepares reports on museum attendance as well as other reports and documentation as required.
Maintains a working relationship with the other museums and city departments; promotes and represents the museums as well as the city of Portsmouth through oral presentations to the public, tourism bureaus, civic and business organizations; interacts with collectors, donors, scholars and the community.
Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by the Director of Museums and Tourism based on current workload and department needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of Job: Has considerable knowledge of the policies, procedures, organization and functions of the Department of Museums and Tourism. Has considerable knowledge of art history, principles and practices of museum and historic house administration and operations. Has considerable knowledge of the art needs and expectations of museum patrons and implements museum programming based on these expectations. Has general knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment. Has general knowledge of modern accounting and bookkeeping methods, policies, procedures and practices. Has general knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and organization. Has general knowledge of resources available from the city for the operation of the museum system. Is skilled in the measurement of lighting so that it enhances the works on display. Is skilled in the operation of computer equipment. Is able to utilize computer software packages, designed for basic office needs. Is able to interpret city and museum policy and procedural guidelines and to resolve problems and questions. Is able to maintain a variety of moderately complex records and to compile reports from such records. Is able to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Is able to exercise independent judgment, discretion and initiative. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with patrons, local museums, national art and history organizations, civic groups, other city employees and the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Functions."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisor for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, to project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings and deadlines.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the cultural goals and objectives of the department and the city. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and city objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other city officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the city. Personally directs the development and training of department personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of city goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews department policies in order to ensure that any changes in city philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Art History or a related field, and 3 - 5 years of museum practices and standards, exhibition development, and curatorial experience, and 1 - 2 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Master's Degree preferred. Must have excellent writing, research and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct primary source research.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to work a schedule that includes weekends, holidays and nights.
Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.
Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint.
Physical Demands Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which include a computer, hand tools, artist supplies etc. Must be able to exert up to 35 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must be able to adjust overhead lights and install large works of art. Physical requirements are for Light to Medium Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to subordinates or assistants.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read art history reference books, and resources for use in the preparation of museum exhibits. Additionally, the ability to read time sheets, attendance reports, policy manuals, printing proofs etc. as required. Requires the ability to prepare memoranda, Curator's reports, newspaper guides, oral and written advertisements, correspondence, budget requests, etc. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence, and to articulate information to others.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational thinking to define problems, to interpret a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions in furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic or schedule form.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including educational and museum studies.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages and compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, works of art, artifacts, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with deadlines, staffing difficulties and people who are under stress.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
FLSA Status: Exempt
EEO Cat: 2
The city of Portsmouth offers a complete and comprehensive benefit package to full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, legal, Flexible Spending Accounts, basic and optional life insurance, short-term disability insurance, Virginia Retirement System (includes a mandatory 5% employee contribution), holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plan, and Chartway Credit Union. To learn more details, visit
01
Please select the highest level of education completed.
- Less than High School
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College
- Associates/Vocational/Technical
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
02
Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Art History or a related field?
03
Do you have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?
04
Do you have 1 - 2 years of supervisory experience?
05
Do you have at least 3 - 5 years of museum practices and standards, exhibition development, and curatorial experience?
06
Please describe your writing, research and interpersonal skills, and your ability to conduct primary source research.
Required Question City of Portsmouth, VA
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Night shift,