Education Programs Associate

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.

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.
• 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
• An interest and experience in engaging with children and families
• A sincere interest in history and museums
• A willingness to adapt and interpret mission-based content for visitors of all ages, learning styles, and accessibility needs
• An ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team
• A 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.

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

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is committed 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.