Museum Research Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 18th-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 Application Systems Analyst / Senior Analyst (level based on experience and qualifications) supports and leads enterprise-level projects while advising leadership on technical strategy. This role designs, implements, and optimizes the Foundation’s business systems and serves as a key liaison between Colonial Williamsburg’s business units, stakeholders, and vendors. The Analyst/Senior Analyst provides advanced problem-solving, process review, and implementation support, including automation using scripting or development skills.

***Must reside in or be ready to relocate to Virginia***

Main Duties:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Implement, maintain, and integrate applications supporting business objectives.
• Partner with business units and vendors to resolve issues and convey application/infrastructure strategies and requirements.
• Analyze system functionality, recommend solutions, and support process improvements.
• Support test planning and user testing for system upgrades.
• Provide technical assessments to inform lifecycle and budget planning.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the supported business area and industry trends, providing recommendations for future releases and roadmap planning.
• Identify and implement moderate system or process improvements using analysis and prior experience.
• Provide guidance or training to peers and may review others’ work on smaller projects.

Additional Senior Applications System Analyst responsibilities include:

• Manage large or complex projects with limited oversight, including delegating work and reviewing deliverables.
• Influence stakeholders within and outside of IT regarding policies, procedures, and operational practices.
• Provide advanced guidance, coaching, and training to colleagues.
• Lead vendor management and major system implementations, using deep functional and industry knowledge to recommend and implement significant enhancements and initiatives.

Required Education and Experience:

Applications Systems Analyst Requires:

• Bachelor’s degree AND at least three (3) years of related professional experience; OR
• Associate degree AND at least five (5) years of related professional experience; OR
• High school diploma/equivalent AND at least seven (7) years of professional related experience.

Senior Applications Systems Analyst Requires:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least six (6) years of related professional experience; OR
• Associate degree and at least eight (8) years of related professional experience; OR
• High school diploma/equivalent and at least ten (10) years of related professional experience.

Professional experience for both levels must include:

• Supporting, configuring, or maintaining business applications or enterprise systems.
• Experience with cloud-based platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or comparable environments).
• Experience with SQL, databases, system integration, and data analysis.
• Experience with enterprise application architecture, system performance optimization, and scalability.
• Experience with SDLC methodologies, including Agile/DevOps practices and enterprise testing standards.
• Experience collaborating with internal stakeholders and external vendors on system related activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree specifically in Information Technology (IT).
• Workday experience.
• Experience with a customer relationship management (CRM) system such as Tessitura system or similar.

Key Skills / Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to analyze system issues, troubleshoot, and support upgrades or enhancements.
• Advanced knowledge of report writing and BI tool skills.
• Ability to design and oversee complex workflows, application integrations, and automation processes.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices in application/system environments.

Typical Work Schedule:  8:30 - 5pm, fulltime

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range: $64,500 to $105,000