Education and Experiences Programs Manager

Education Programs & Experiences Manager
Full-Time Exempt
 
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.

Overview and Background:

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 exhibit 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 work of the Education Programs & Experiences Manager contributes to Mount Vernon's mission through the creation, development, implementation, and evaluation of our estate-wide learning experiences in the Sanda and Jeremiah Hands-on-History Center, historic area, George Washington Presidential Library, and permanent exhibit spaces.

Position-Specific Responsibilities:

Supervising and Program Management

• Manage the Education Program Specialist, interns, volunteers and designated education programs staff in order to ensure high-quality learning opportunities in a safe and friendly environment. Create a positive work environment, encourage morale, and provide staff with the tools necessary to succeed. Direct recruitment, hiring, training, coaching, disciplining, and effective evaluation of performance.
• Develop and implement new/refreshed onsite learning experiences and strategies, hands-on activities, public programs, projects and policies for all visitors based on scholarly research, made accessible.
•  Under guidance from the Director of Education Programs manage elements of the museum tour and tour training program.
• Creating, managing, implementing, training, and evaluating activities to be used in hands-on and multi-sensory experiences including signature programming (Discovery carts) in the historic area, Sanda and Jeremiah Hands-on-History Center, George Washington Presidential Library, orientation, and permanent exhibition spaces.
• Managing the workflow, timelines and reviewing graphic and media elements for signature programs implemented by the Education Programs Specialist. In 2026, signature programs include
  • Homeschool Days
  • Family Days
  • Youth and Adult Sensory Friendly Days
  • Specialty workshops
  • Adult and Homeschool Situation Room Experiences

Interdepartmental & Community Collaboration

• Work closely with the Fine and Decorative Arts department to create and align exhibit experiences and educational program design (gallery experiences, discovery carts, hands-on experience, etc) and learning materials (gallery guides, scout guides, etc).
• Collaborate with other Mount Vernon colleagues and departments on programs and initiatives designed to connect intergenerational audiences to Mount Vernon's mission. Programs and initiatives include:
  • Special event activities (Free Day, Halloween, Colonial Days)
  • Local community outreach and civic initiatives
  • Annual Initiatives.  In , this includes 250th Anniversary topics
  • Audio Tours, Signage, Scheduling 
• Manage the Homeschool Educator experiences, including the Homeschool Educator Advisory Board, to ensure connection between homeschool audiences and Mount Vernon education offerings
• Support efforts in Mount Vernon becoming an access-for-all historic site, including creating, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs for and outreach to sensory-friendly audiences.

Administrative

• Create, support, advocate, and advise on visitor programming and experiences across the institution.
• Track and report required information for monthly and annual reports, Development grants, and other Mount Vernon publications.
• Work closely with Director of Education Programs to manage departmental resources, monitor budget and promote efficiency.
• Stay current and train others on museum education and public programming trends in informal learning environments and program materials to improve the educational and engagement impact of the programs
• Represent Mount Vernon in national conversations about informal learning and museum education.
• Participate in Education Programs Department meetings and strategy sessions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in history, museum studies, leadership studies, civics studies, education, English, and related studies, or an equally qualifying experience
• Minimum 4 years' experience in program development, coordination and supervision
• 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

Special 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 and as determined with program stakeholders. 

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. Clear verbal communication and auditory ability are essential.

How to Apply:

Use our online application system to apply for the position. Applicants may also choose to apply using Indeed.

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, K12, Historic Trades, Guest Services, and Education Programs 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
• 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
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays
• Flexible spending account for medical care

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.