Director of Archaeology – Jamestown Rediscovery

Preservation Virginia
Jamestown Rediscovery

Director of Archaeology

Job Title: Director of Archaeology

Location: Jamestown, Virginia

Organization: Jamestown Rediscovery (Preservation Virginia)

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: $77,000-$110,000

Position Overview: Jamestown Rediscovery (Preservation Virginia) seeks an experienced and highly motivated Director of Archaeology to lead and oversee archaeological fieldwork at the historic Jamestown site. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive archaeological strategy, managing a team of a dozen full-time staff plus part-time interns, interpreting the outcomes of fieldwork, writing reports, publishing research papers, and working effectively with Jamestown Rediscovery’s management group.

The Director of Archaeology assumes a vital role in institutional initiatives, research projects, exhibitions, preservation of the property and extant features, and support of onsite public interpretation. This work, in support of the mission of the Jamestown Rediscovery, includes the development, management, and reporting of large and complex projects to accomplish the above objectives.

As Jamestown is a public archaeology site, the Director of Archaeology serves as a principal representative of the site and research and will disseminate information about the site and collections in academic settings, to onsite visitors, to both the Preservation Virginia and Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation boards, to donors, and to other interested groups and stakeholders.

The Director of Archaeology works directly with the Director of Collections and Conservation to support active archaeology and archaeological research designs, the Director of the Voorhees Archaearium Museum to support museum initiatives, and the Director of Development to establish and carry out grants and fiscal development. The Director of Collections and Conservation may have other duties assigned by the President and Chief Officer of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation in support of special events and visitor assistance.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management:
   • Provide leadership and strategic direction for the field archaeology team in accordance with Jamestown Rediscovery’s overall strategic plan.
   • In collaboration with the Director of Collections and Conservation, ensures the documentation of the results of fieldwork by producing technical reports, periodic updates, scholarly publications, and online and social media materials.
   • Directs and manages the annual field school.
   • Works effectively with Jamestown Rediscovery’s Development team to raise funds to support fieldwork.
   • Performs other duties as assigned by the President and Chief Officer of Jamestown Rediscovery.
2. Fieldwork and Research:
   • Plans, coordinates, and directs archaeological excavations and research projects.
   • Develops and implements current fieldwork methodologies, including remote sensing techniques such as GPR, and promotes best practices in archaeological investigations.
   • Collaborates with the Director of Collections and Conservation in the development of Jamestown Rediscovery’s bioarchaeology program.
   • Analyzes and interprets field archaeology data, producing technical reports and scholarly publications.
3. Public Engagement and Interpretation:
   • Presents findings to the public, stakeholders, and academic audiences through lectures, onsite tours, and publications.
   • Promotes community involvement and awareness of Jamestown's unique historical significance.
   • Takes part in media productions and communications with the media.
   • Works closely with the education and interpretation teams to develop engaging and informative public programs.
   • Contributes when required to onsite exhibitions in cooperation with the Director of the Voorhees Archaearium Archaeological Museum and Director of the Collections and Conservation.
4. External Collaborations and Partnerships:
   • Fosters relationships with academic institutions, government agencies, and archaeological programs at other relevant historic sites.
   • Represents Jamestown Rediscovery at conferences, symposia, and professional gatherings.
5. Compliance and Reporting:
   • Ensures all archaeological activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
   • Prepares and submit required reports to regulatory agencies and funding bodies as required.
   • Maintains accurate and detailed records of all archaeological fieldwork conducted at Jamestown.

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree (Minimum: Master of Arts or Science, PhD preferred) in Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Geology, or a related field.
• At least 12 years of experience in archaeological fieldwork, with a minimum of 5 years in leadership positions.
• Proven track record of successful project management and team leadership.
• Experience working at a major early American historical or cultural site.
• Extensive experience of archaeological excavation techniques and artifact analysis.
• Familiarity with GPR, and other remote sensing techniques, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Commitment to public archaeology and the dissemination of research findings to a broad audience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals and a record of presenting research papers at professional conferences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

Other Information:

Special Information:

• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Occasional travel to support off-site public outreach.
• Occasional work hours beyond a standard 8-hour day/40-hour week are required, in support of archaeological work, special events, and public outreach.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. on a consistent basis.
• Ability to work outside throughout the year.

Work Location:

• The Director of Archaeology is typically required to be on-site at Jamestown on a daily basis. Occasional off-site work in support of community outreach may be required but remote work is limited in this position.

Application Process: Candidates should submit the following:

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience and achievements.
• A cover letter stating your interest in the position.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Copies of or links to recent publications.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2024

To Apply: Please send your application and materials to hjadmin@preservationvirginia.org

Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.