Summary/Objective:

Draws from curatorial, conservation, architectural preservation and research, archaeology, and other resources to develop interpretative guest experiences and public programs that illuminate: 1) the investigative processes used to document, understand, preserve, and furnish historic sites and; 2) the complex and diverse history of Williamsburg at sites that are undergoing preservation or investigation. Such programs will highlight the history, research, evidence, and analysis underlying the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic buildings, their interior installations, exterior environments, and the ongoing process of discovery at Colonial Williamsburg.

With guidance and collaboration from the MPHR Sites Committee: designs and implements educational and operational strategies for the sites; organizes and facilitates tours and other public programs; manages and leads a passionate corps of interpreters, volunteers, and interns; works collaboratively with team members who preserve the buildings, collections, and grounds; and indirectly manages support personnel assigned to the sites.

Essential Functions:

Interpretation and Historical Knowledge

Stewardship & Management

Additional

Supervision to be Exercised:

Direct: Interpreters, Interpreter/Volunteer Leader, and Interns.

Indirect: Volunteers, Personnel from other Foundation divisions working at the sites.

Position Type: Regular FT; 37.5 hours/week

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:

Required: Bachelor’s degree in American History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architectural History, Art History, Museum Education, or Museum Studies; direct experience with architectural preservation and/or archaeology fieldwork; previous administrative experience managing historic sites and supervising staff; and developing and implementing dynamic, engaging, and highly-rated public programs for at least 5 years in a lead role.

Preferred: Master’s degree in American History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architectural History, Art History, Museum Education, or Museum Studies; previous administrative experience managing multiple historic sites and supervising staff; and developing and implementing dynamic, engaging, and highly-rated public programs for at least 7 years in a lead role.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of American history with emphasis on 18th – 20th century Williamsburg and Virginia at historic sites as assigned; understanding of interpretive techniques; demonstrated experience with successful program development and implementation; willingness to innovate in new ways of engaging visitors in historic house museums. Portfolio of dynamic, successful programs at historic sites. Direct experience with architectural preservation and or archaeology fieldwork. Must have an understanding of professional museum practices including curatorial, conservation, collections, and preservation principles; excellent public contact skills including ability to deal with a wide variety of guests with tact and courtesy. Proven ability to work flexibly, collaboratively, and productively with others. Ability to present content accurately and effectively, supervise and when necessary provide counsel to employees, volunteers, and interns, and communicate orally and in writing—generally gained through a Bachelor’s degree plus five years of historic site experience and previous administrative and supervisory experience. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, nights and holidays.

Benefits:

• Beautiful historic setting
• Competitive benefits for eligible employees include:

• health insurance
• pension plan
• vision plan
• medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Sick, vacation, and holiday pay
• 401(k) plan with a portion of contributions matched
• life insurance
• long-term disability
• accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• group travel accident insurance

About Colonial Williamsburg:

From our Historic Area to Hotels, Colonial Williamsburg’s mission “that the future may learn from the past” is part of everything we do. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational institution welcoming guests to the world’s largest living history museum which brings the past to life through museum theater, 18th-century trades, historic sites, and more. The Foundation also includes two world-class art museums, featuring the nation’s premier folk art collection, plus the best in British and American fine and decorative arts from 1670–1840. The Colonial Williamsburg Company boasts a rich history as well, having hosted and entertained guests from around the world with an impressive collection of amenities including our hotels, guest homes, food and beverage outlets, championship golf courses, and spa & fitness center.

Our Team:

Universal acceptance for everyone, everywhere is at the heart of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. We promote diversity & inclusion of thought, culture, and background, which connects our entire team. As such, Colonial Williamsburg is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.