Job Listing: Civic Engagement Educator (Gunston Hall)

Civic Engagement Educator

Position Title: Civic Engagement Educator
Location: Gunston Hall, Mason Neck, Virginia
Length of Appointment: Year Round
Status: Non-Exempt-Full Time
Compensation: $37,440 or $18/hour
Benefits: Eligible for medical (including dental and vision), retirement, life insurance, access to an employee assistance program, professional development days, and paid vacation and sick days.

Reports to: Education Manager

All Educators are part of a highly collaborative, energetic staff dedicated to the power of place, historical objects, and storytelling for visitors of all ages.  The Civic Engagement Educator is the primary driver of our mission-focused programming and collaborates with the rest of the Education Team to ensure mission connection in other programming areas. All Educators invite visitors to explore the past to better understand the ideas and contradictions that formed our nation. 

The Civic Engagement Educator will take the lead on shaping public-facing experiences to help our guests to:

• better understand the ideals and principles set forth by George Mason in the Virginia Declaration of Rights;
• better understand their part in today’s democratic society;
• take action in their communities in ways that make sense for them.

The Civic Engagement Educator’s responsibilities are:      

50% - Developing and Facilitating Educational Experiences

• reviewing existing civic engagement programs for mission connection, functionality, and return on investment;
• developing a new annual slate of civic engagement programs for adults ages 18-45;
• collaborating with other Educators to add additional civic engagement elements to existing programs including Summer Saturdays and Declaration Day;
• research, and if feasible, develop civic engagement workshops for teachers and young adults.

25% - Hospitality/Guest Services/Tours

• Foster a welcoming environment;
• Use their creativity to lead distinctive tours that are accurate and engaging for visitors of all ages;
• Facilitate informal learning experiences, including during public programs and special events;
• Promote and relay accurate information about planned programs and events;
• Provide support for volunteer-run school programs;
• Monitor the museum exhibitions in the visitor center, period room installations in the mansion, and reproduction outbuildings;
• Interact with visitors throughout their time on the property;
• Answer telephones.

20% - Administrative Work

• Take the lead on opening museum buildings, and provide access for part-time staff members, on weekends and holidays;
• Serve as a point of contact between staff on-site and supervisors if no supervisors are present;
• Schedule school and group tours;
• Keep accurate records, including admissions records;
• reconcile cash and charge receipts.

5% - Supporting Education Team Initiatives

• Participate in a variety of activities that support educational initiatives, including conducting historical research, and writing social media posts;
• Support other projects related to Gunston Hall’s educational mission.

An ideal candidate will:

• Have a bachelor’s degree in history, civics, or related field; or commensurate experience in the field;
• Be dedicated in fostering life-long learning in others;
• Be able to think creatively about making historical ideas and concepts relevant today;
• Be solution- and detail-oriented;
• Be able to adapt to changing circumstances;
• Be committed to serving as an effective ambassador for Gunston Hall and its content, whether the candidate is working with teachers, students, program attendees, museum visitors, or other members of the general public;
• Have experience in an educational setting, either classroom or informal learning;
• Have experience teaching civic engagement concepts.

The Civic Engagement Educator position requires:

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and ages;
• Excellent customer service skills;
• Commitment to telling stories from multiple perspectives and to talking about difficult subjects;
• Responsibility and trustworthiness;
• Knowledge of basic office procedures;
• Ability to read and write the English language and to understand, follow, and give oral instructions;
• Knowledge of computers, telephone systems, audio-visual equipment, and cash registers;
• Ability to reconcile cash and credit card receipts;
• Ability to maintain an electronic calendar to schedule events;
• Exhibition of professional manner and dress at all times;
• Ability to multi-task;
• Ability to work both outside and inside;
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

This position operates on a Sunday through Thursday schedule, including some holidays.  It is full-time and non-exempt, paying an hourly rate of $18.  Benefits include paid annual and sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan, and a discount in the museum shop. 

Additional benefits of employment at Gunston Hall include opportunities to enjoy 554 acres of outdoor recreational and environmental amenities along the Potomac River, an organizational commitment to wellness and personal fulfillment, access to comprehensive professional development programs, and the opportunity to collaborate with a creative, innovative, and fun team of individuals who are all enthusiastically committed to the organization, our mission, and to each other’s success.

To apply please send a letter of interest, resume, and application to Lacey Villiva, Education  Manager, at lvilliva@gunstonhall.org

Please note, Gunston Hall does not accept “See Resume” as a response to any question.  Also, applications should include complete work history, including periods of unemployment if applicable.  Failure to complete any section of the application may disqualify the application for further consideration.

Gunston Hall is an equal opportunity employer.