Gamage Democracy Fellowship

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18^th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.  

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

 About the Position

The Gamage Democracy Fellowship is a prestigious one-year, full-time, benefitted position at The Colonial Williamsburg (CW) Foundation, designed to honor Stewart Gamage's legacy and advance her vision of promoting democracy and civic engagement. The Fellow will develop international education programs in collaboration with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Presidential Precinct, and William & Mary. They will contribute to the realization of the "Destination Democracy" concept, promoting CW as an international hub for education and for the advocacy of democracy.

*CW will cover all housing expenses for the selected incumbent, including rent and utilities.

Essential Functions:

1. Develop and implement not for credit international democracy and civic engagement education programs for learned professionals who are in the space of law, technology, public policy in their respective countries by doing the following:

a. Researching best practices in democracy education and collaborating with experts from W&M and the Presidential Precinct to develop curriculum content.

b. Designing, implementing, and coordinating logistics for in person or virtual workshops, seminars, or lecture series that bring together young professionals and experts to discuss democratic principles and practices. The Fellow is expected to facilitate discussions and exercises during the same.

c. Collaborating with internal stakeholders to create educational materials and resources that showcase CW as a hub for democracy education.

d. Evaluating the program’s effectiveness and making improvements for future iterations.

2. Engage in direct civic activism and create positive change through innovative initiatives including organizing events or conferences that attract international professionals to CW, fostering dialogue on contemporary democratic challenges and solutions.

3. Establish partnerships with international organizations and institutions to expand the reach and impact of CW’s democracy-focused initiatives.

4. Represent the Gamage Democracy Fellowship in various forums and events, serving as an ambassador for the program's mission (i.e an annual international conference on democracy where they would network with other young professionals in the fields of civic engagement, law, public policy, and/or participate/moderate a panel discussion.)

5. Coordinate program development between the three partner institutions, ensuring alignment with their respective mission and goals.

6. Assist in budget planning for educational programs and events they develop through the following:

a. Collaborating with financial staff at Colonial Williamsburg, the Presidential Precinct, and William & Mary to allocate resources for joint initiatives.

b. Helping to identify potential funding sources or grants for program expansion.

c. Ensuring that proposed programs and activities align with available resources.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:

Required:

· Recent graduate of William & Mary with an outstanding academic record that includes demonstrated excellence in politics, government, and civic affairs.

Preferred:

· Previous internship or work experience in public policy, government, or for non-profit organizations.

· Leadership experience in student organizations or community initiatives.

Qualifications: 

· Strong leadership and program development skills.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

· Passion for promoting democracy and civic engagement.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Proficiency with event planning.

Typical work schedule:  Full time, standard work hours (8:30-5:00)