Education Programs Associate

Education Programs Associate

Part-Time

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.

Position Overview:
The Education Programs Department at George Washington's Mount Vernon's work centers around interpreting the artifacts, biography, and exhibition spaces about George Washington, Mount Vernon, and the 18th Century. We create meaningful and relevant connections between Washington's example and today's world through interactive programming and experiences. Our education programs invite visitors to participate in hands-on experiences, interactive inquiry, and visitor-led activities that reinforce the memories and build strong connections between visitors, Mount Vernon, and George Washington's biography. The Education Programs Associates team is part of the Education Programs Department and provides fun and interactive object and inquiry-based opportunities to enhance the experience of intergenerational audiences who visit Mount Vernon.

Compensation:
$15.00/hour

Expected Hours:
24-28 hours/week to include availability to work weekdays, weekends, & holidays, as well as occasional evenings

Essential Duties:

• Provide a welcoming and positive environment for all visitors with a focus on intergenerational groups to have meaningful learning experiences at Mount Vernon.
• Facilitate hands-on activities, object-based and inquiry-based experiences with Mount Vernon audiences in the Sanda and Jerry Lambert Hands-on-History Center, George Washington Presidential Library, historic area, orientation spaces, and permanent exhibit spaces. In 2026, these experiences include,
  • Discovery Stations
  • Learning experiences in the historic area
  • On-site digital experiences (Mapping George Washington's Decisions, Situation Room, and Be Washington)
  • Special Events and Programs
  • Specialty Workshops
  • Museum and Leadership tours
• Contribute to the implementation of new/refreshed programming and activities for target audiences within the Education Programs Department.
• Conduct daily spot checks and reviews of exhibit spaces and interactive media to report, as needed, to other departments
• Attend and participate in division-wide training sessions on relevant content, interpretation strategies, museum education and informal, and intergenerational learning, as needed.
• Prepare, organize, and clean materials for programs
• Assist with other projects and programs as needed

Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Interest and experience in engaging with children and families
• A sincere interest in history and museums
• Willingness to adapt and interpret mission-based content for visitors of all ages, learning styles, and accessibility needs.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team
• Must be responsible, flexible, punctual, and able to work well under pressure

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to engage with visitors for long periods on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of conditions.
• Availability to work weekdays, weekends, & holidays, as well as occasional evenings
• Must comply with comprehensive dress code for uniformed staff; departmental standard operating procedures

Work Environment:
This position involves working in both indoor museum settings and outdoor historic grounds. The role requires frequent interaction with visitors and groups in varying weather conditions. The noise level can fluctuate from quiet to moderate.

Physical Requirements:
This role requires extended periods of standing and walking, including over uneven terrain. The employee may need to climb stairs or inclines and occasionally lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds and push items weighing up to 50 pounds. Clear verbal communication and auditory ability are essential.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• Flexible work schedule
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free Parking

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association 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. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.