Museum Programming Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

Who We Are

Virginia Living Museum is a leader in natural living exhibits! Native Virginia mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants and planets are presented in natural ecosystems and honored for our ability to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.

Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (living exhibits) and the American Alliance of Museums (non-live collections), the Museum's high standards are its hallmark, as only sixteen institutions share this designation in the country. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 7:1 for incredible mission delivery.

Our full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days), fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, dental coverage, and health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum. Additional benefits include a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan. Join us in our mission to inspire and connect people with the natural world while benefiting from a supportive and rewarding work environment.

Status: One Full-Time, Non-Exempt position; One Part-time position

Department: Marketing Communications 

General Statement of Duties

The Museum Hype Squad helps create an experience that guests talk about long after they leave. Success in this role is measured by:

• Creating positive, memorable interactions with guests every day.
• Increasing participation in tours, activities, and special experiences.
• Encouraging guest engagement throughout the Museum.
• Representing the Museum professionally and enthusiastically at community events.
• Supporting a welcoming, energetic atmosphere that enhances the visitor experience.
• Contributing ideas that improve programs, guest engagement, and outreach efforts.
• Receiving positive feedback from guests, volunteers, and team members.

The ideal candidate enjoys being around people, thrives in dynamic environments, and isn't afraid to step into the spotlight to help create memorable moments.

Qualifications

• Strong public speaking, presentation, storytelling, or tour-guiding skills
• Experience engaging groups of varying ages and sizes in public-facing environments
• Experience in hospitality, guest services, education, theater, events, attractions, museums, zoos, aquariums, or similar fields preferred
• Ability to adapt communication style to different audiences
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and approachable personality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Weekend, holiday, and occasional evening availability required
• Valid driver's license preferred

Duties and Responsibilities

The Museum Hype Squad members are responsible for bringing energy, excitement, and engagement to the Virginia Living Museum experience. As a member of the Marketing & Communications team, this role serves as a visible ambassador for the Museum, promoting guided tours, interactive activities, special events, community outreach, and unique visitor experiences.

Whether leading a tour, facilitating a hands-on activity, supporting the Museum's dinosaur experience, or representing the Museum at a community event, the Hype Squad helps create memorable moments that inspire curiosity, exploration, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

This role is ideal for an outgoing, enthusiastic individual who enjoys engaging with people of all ages and creating experiences that guests will remember long after their visit.

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum. 
• Perform animal narrations, programs, and talks on microphone for large groups of museum visitors, often in collaboration with animal care team, education team, and volunteers
• Engage with live interpretive initiatives, including assisting with special events, informal interpretation, facilitating Touch Pool, and providing pre-program entertainment for guests
• Collaborate with Education, Living Exhibits, and Guest Engagement teams to ensure programming is high-quality, accurate, and fun
• Funnel member and donor leads to the Advancement team
• Provide frontline assistance to guests, such as wayfinding and customer service
• Learn and implement interpretation best practices to ensure high levels of guest engagement
• Test and maintain sound equipment for exhibit programming
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

•  Ability to communicate effectively through both written and verbal communication
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, humidity, wind, and cold
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds occasionally
• Ability to lead tours and engage guests for extended periods in active environments
• Ability to travel locally for outreach and community events as needed
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings