Job Listing: Family Programs Educator (Gunston Hall)

Family Programs Educator

Position Title: Family Programs 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 Gunston Hall Educators are part of a highly collaborative, energetic staff dedicated to the power of place, historical objects, and storytelling for visitors of all ages.  They also invite visitors to explore the past to better understand the ideas and contradictions that formed our nation.  The Family Programs Educator focuses on programming and experiences for intergenerational groups, particularly engaging our youngest learners and mixed family groups.

The Family Programs Educator will take the lead on shaping public-facing experiences:

• that are intimate, and provide opportunities for deeper connections within the group and with Gunston Hall;
• which help foster intra-group family engagement with our mission and strategic goals.

The Family Programs Educator’s responsibilities are:       

50% - Developing and Facilitating Educational Experiences

• reviewing existing family programs for mission connection, functionality, and return on investment;
• coordinate with the Education Manager to develop an annual slate of family programs;
• developing new family programs including, but not limited to, parent/child programs, and seasonal experiences;
• collaborate with the Civics Engagement Educator on joint programs such as Summer Saturdays and Declaration Day, and investigate opportunities for new programs.

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 Family Programs 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 Tuesday through Saturday 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.