Education Programs Specialist

Education Programs Specialist

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $48,000- $55,000

About Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.

Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.

Overview and Background

The Education and Guest Services Division provides meaningful learning opportunities for Mount Vernon’s one million annual onsite visitors and students in classrooms around the country. Through a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging programs, and online resources, we expand each learner’s understanding of, and appreciation for, George Washington and the revolutionary world in which he lived.

Within this division, the Education Programs Department centers its work on interpreting the artifacts, biography, and exhibition spaces of George Washington, Mount Vernon, and the 18th century. We create relevant connections between Washington’s example and today’s world through interactive programming, hands-on experiences, and visitor-led inquiry that build lasting connections between visitors and Mount Vernon.

Essential Duties

Programs

• Make Mount Vernon’s mission accessible to all visitors through engaging resources and programs.
• Lead signature programs from planning through evaluation, including logistics, marketing, training, budgeting, and reporting. In 2027, these include Homeschool Days, Family Days, Youth and Adult Sensory Friendly Days, outreach experiences and specialty programs.
• Support estate wide events and community outreach initiatives that connect youth and families to Mount Vernon. These include Free Day, Halloween, Colonial Days, Mount Vernon for All programs, the Homeschool Educator Advisory Board, and the 250th Anniversary.
• Work with colleagues and outside partners to develop new resources, and advise other departments on intergenerational learning.
• Coordinate interns, volunteers, and staff assigned to signature programs.

Staffing and Scheduling

• 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: 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.

Materials and Inventory

• Maintain the inventory of activity kits, Discovery Cart materials, reproduction objects, and keep storage spaces organized and stocked.
• Keep the Hands-on History Center and program spaces ready for daily operation.

Data and Reporting

• 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.

General Requirements

• Facilitate activities and provide frontline coverage during peak periods and staffing gaps.
• Participate in department meetings, operations meetings, and program debriefs.
• Work within budget 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.
• Duties may be weighted differently based on department needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, leadership studies, civics studies, education, English and related studies or an equally qualifying experience
• Minimum 2 years 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 with scholars, teachers, contractors, students, stakeholders, and Mount Vernon Colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to follow administrative and financial policies and practices
• Strong organizational skills; ability to track several projects simultaneously and to prioritize workload
• Demonstrated practice/skills in leading dialogue or programming with young people about slavery, civics, the Constitution and related topics in American history
• Experience in engaging and developing programming with non-traditional museum goers
• Knowledge of and ability to implement and evaluate educational programming for intergenerational audiences

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand/walk for long periods on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of conditions
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds
• Must occasionally work non-traditional and additional hours as programs require

**Please be prepared to submit a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should specifically address qualifications and/or transferable skills related to the position qualifications and requirements. **

Division-Wide Principles

The Education and Guest Services team is composed of the Interpretation, Historic Trades, Guest Services, and Learning Departments. In sum total this group is comprised of more than 150 full- and part-time staff members who connect Mount Vernon’s mission to a variety of audiences using onsite and offsite programming and physical and digital projects.

• Exceed audience learning expectations and ensure a level of access in which everyone is welcome. Be friendly, respectful, engaging, and flexible. Always remember that this visit may be their first and only.
• Encourage a meaningful appreciation of George Washington and the world in which he lived. Ensure that his legacies connect to the world our audiences live in today.
• Engage yourself in the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association – take responsibility for your continued development and commit to collaboration. Care for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together.

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.