Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Historic Sotterley, Hollywood, MD 20636

Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Sotterley President/Board of Trustees

Position Summary:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the senior leader responsible for the overall management of operations at Historic Sotterley, a 100-acre rural historic site with over 300 years of cultural, architectural, and community significance. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO ensures that the site operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with its preservation mission and long-term strategic goals.

This position requires strategic thinking and operational execution, an understanding of business operations, and experience working with others to accomplish objectives. The work is focused on historic site stewardship, staff management, descendant and visitor engagement, financial oversight, and facilities maintenance on this historic site. It is an onsite position. Remote work is not an option.

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Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Direct daily operations, including visitor services, site tours, events, and programs.
• Staff supervision.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures aligned with historic preservation and best practices in historic site management.

Preservation and Facilities:

• Oversee the care, maintenance, and preservation of historic buildings, landscapes, and collections in accordance with professional standards and historic integrity.
• Coordinate restoration and infrastructure projects with contractors, preservation experts, and grant funders.

Financial and Administrative Oversight:

• Assist with budget planning and management, ensuring responsible use of financial resources.
• Support the Executive Director in fundraising, grant management, and donor relations.
• Monitor revenue-generating activities (e.g., admissions, events, retail, rentals) and identify opportunities for growth and recommend changes to achieve goals.

Human Resources and Staff Development:

• Hiring, training, and evaluation of staff.
• Foster a positive workplace culture and ensure compliance with labor and safety regulations.
• Promote professional development and cross-training.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Strengthen partnerships with local communities, tourism boards, schools, and cultural organizations.
• Represent Historic Sotterley at community events, meetings, and regional initiatives.
• Support efforts to increase access, diversity, and inclusion in programming and outreach.

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Qualifications:

• Experience with budgeting, financial reporting and strategic planning.
• Proven experience in operations, preferably at a historic site, museum, nonprofit, or cultural institution.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Familiarity with historic preservation, rural site management, or heritage tourism is preferred.
• Excellent people, communication and organizational skills.
• Comfort working in a historic setting with hands-on operational needs.
• Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, or museum studies or related field preferred.

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Working Conditions:

• Full-time position, with occasional weekend and evening hours for programs or emergencies.
• Work takes place in office settings, historic structures, and outdoor environments.
• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain and lift up to 25 lbs. as needed.

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Compensation

Salary range is $75,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to recruitment@sotterley.org by 9/19/2025.