Education Programs Specialist

Mount Vernon•Mount Vernon, VA

1h•$48,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Education Programs Specialist works in Mount Vernon’s Education and Guest Services Division, within the Education Programs Department. The department interprets George Washington’s artifacts, biography, exhibition spaces, Mount Vernon, and the 18th century through interactive programming, hands-on experiences, and visitor-led inquiry that connect Washington’s example to the present. The role develops and coordinates educational programs and resources for visitors, students, youth, families, and intergenerational audiences. It leads signature programs from planning through evaluation, supports estate-wide events and community outreach, coordinates staff and volunteers, and maintains program schedules, materials, data, and reports. The specialist also facilitates activities and provides frontline coverage when needed. Duties may be weighted differently based on department needs, and other duties may be assigned. The position is full-time and exempt, with compensation of $48,000–$55,000. It may require non-traditional and additional hours as programs require, as well as extended periods of standing and walking indoors and outdoors on varying surfaces and the ability to lift 25 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, leadership studies, civics studies, education, English, or related studies, or equally qualifying experience.
At least 2 years of experience in program development and coordination.
Demonstrated interest in museums or public history.
Strong writing and editing skills.
Strong oral communication and public speaking skills.
Knowledge of museum education practices and program or exhibition evaluation.
Strong interpersonal skills when working with scholars, teachers, contractors, students, stakeholders, and Mount Vernon colleagues.
Demonstrated ability to follow administrative and financial policies and practices.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to track several projects simultaneously and prioritize workload.
Demonstrated practice or skills in leading dialogue or programming with young people about slavery, civics, the Constitution, and related topics in American history.
Experience engaging and developing programming with non-traditional museum goers.
Knowledge of and ability to implement and evaluate educational programming for intergenerational audiences.
Ability to stand and walk for long periods on varying surfaces, indoors and outdoors, and in a variety of conditions.
Ability to lift 25 pounds.
Availability to occasionally work non-traditional and additional hours as programs require.

Responsibilities

Make Mount Vernon’s mission accessible to visitors through engaging resources and programs.
Lead signature programs from planning through evaluation, including logistics, marketing, training, budgeting, and reporting. Programs listed for 2027 include Homeschool Days, Family Days, Youth and Adult Sensory Friendly Days, outreach experiences, and specialty programs.
Support estate-wide events and community outreach initiatives, including Free Day, Halloween, Colonial Days, Mount Vernon for All programs, the Homeschool Educator Advisory Board, and the 250th Anniversary.
Collaborate with colleagues and outside partners to develop resources and advise other departments on intergenerational learning.
Coordinate interns, volunteers, and staff assigned to signature programs.
Build and publish the Education Program Associate schedule with the Manager of Education Programs and Operations, and arrange coverage for call-outs and absences.
Maintain timekeeping records for part-time staff and prepare them for payroll.
Coordinate onboarding for new Associates, including paperwork, orientation, shadowing, materials, and credentials.
Work with Lead Associates on day-of coverage and training logistics, and support volunteer scheduling with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Maintain inventory of activity kits, Discovery Cart materials, and reproduction objects, and keep storage spaces organized and stocked.
Keep the Hands-on History Center and program spaces ready for daily operation.
Track attendance, registration, and visitation, and prepare monthly and annual reports.
Collect evaluation data during and after programs.
Keep program calendars, contact lists, and shared files current.
Facilitate activities and provide frontline coverage during peak periods and staffing gaps.
Participate in department meetings, operations meetings, and program debriefs.
Work within budgets and timelines and follow Mount Vernon’s administrative and financial policies.
Represent Mount Vernon in regional conversations about family and intergenerational learning.
Stay current on museum education trends and share them with colleagues.