Historian/Writer/Project Manager

XLA is looking for a Historian/Writer/Project Manager to work at the DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA (metro accessible) and will report to the DEA Museum Executive Director. Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to

Website Redesign

Act as the point person with the web development firm that is designing and building a new website for the DEA Museum. Public Historian will help guide the project and will represent the DEA Museum at all meetings. Incumbent takes notes, acts as the point of contact, and makes decisions on how the new website will be organized. The website is migrating from WordPress to Drupal 9. Familiarity with Drupal is a plus but not required. Training on Drupal 9 will be provided.

Website Content

Plan and organize all content. This includes migrating all content from the old platform to the new platform; rewriting current and past content as needed; creating new content; and making decisions on which old content can be archived. Much of the content is historical in nature. Must have the ability to write brand new historical content that can tie into the existing museum exhibits and educational initiatives. Familiarity with best museum practices, as well as familiarity with historical research and writing, and writing styles to prompt consumer action or involvement, including assistance with marketing and promotional brand messaging. Work with Executive Director and Community Outreach Team to offer appropriate content and develop engaging areas of the site.

Exhibit Content/History

Additional duties include making updates to the museum exhibit content as needed, including curation and writing of new museum changing and traveling exhibitions.

Project Management

Serve as the person to create the website of tomorrow to best reflect the work, quality, and history of DEA and DEA Museum’s drug education initiatives, insuring that website users at all levels of interest and depth of knowledge will stay and learn and find what they need.

Position will serve as main point of contact for outside vendors. Current projects include collaboration with media designers, website designers, and exhibit designers. Position will coordinate projects with all outside vendors and will keep projects organized and on time. This includes attending meetings and keeping meeting notes and organizing communication between parties.

Desired Qualities

• Background and portfolio of written materials, including in history and historical research and writing is required.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, with clear experience in this area. Able to communicate with multiple teams/team members and keep track of communications in a timely manner.
• Experience with developing and writing content for a wide variety of media tools.
• Shows initiative and desire to promote the history and current programs of the DEA Museum and DEA, overall.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks at once.
• Familiarity with website content management systems (particularly Drupal) is a plus.
• Strong writing and editing skills required.
• Background with online and social media communications.
• A collegial and collaborative spirit and experience with both.
• Recommend applicants include a writing sample and/or sample of previous website work.
• Ability to develop creative, efficient, and impactful communications.
• Familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style is a plus.

Requirements

• Past publication experience is a plus
• Ability to provide historical research
• Experience creating and maintaining blogs and/or websites to better illustrate the story of DEA
• Excellent experience writing at the academic and professional level

Education Requirements Bachelor's Degree in History, Museum Studies, or related field is required along with four (4) years of experience. A Master's Degree is a plus.

Clearance Requirements Ability to obtain Agency Clearance.