Professional Feature Writer Jobs (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 88 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, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

About the Position

The Writer/Editor will generate and write original articles and edit features and other content as needed for Trend & Tradition: The Magazine of Colonial Williamsburg, as assigned by the Editorial Manager. Work with all editorial staff on best practices. In addition, will provide writing and editing support for book publishing.  

Main Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Will use their news judgement to propose, research, conduct interviews and personally write original articles whose subject matter pertains to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's mission, activities, research, programming and general news. The position will be responsible for writing a minimum 12 original articles an issue, which vary from 200 to 2,000 words, to incude (but are not limited to) profiles, “Behind the Scenes,” general-interest stories and Foundation updates.

• Will exercise independent editorial judgement, and participate in idea sessions on stories and illustrations, find and propose potential articles and bring fresh ideas and approaches to long-standing features and columns.

• Will offer original headline suggestions and caption writing and suggest and produce complementary content to package with articles, including illustrations, photography.

• Work with the editorial staff, use excerising editorial judgement, and help expand and produce stories based on ideas from the staff.

• Will conduct fact-check using Associated Press Style, edit features and news articles, make suggestions to further align stories with the Foundation’s mission. Work with the editorial team to execute long-term planning for stories and magazine issues.

• Cultivate relationships with other departments across the Foundation, including Development, Museums and Digital Marketing, to collect material for regular magazine features.

• In concert with the Editorial Manager, proofread final galleys of the magazine before its submission for printing.

• Support book publications as a Writer and/or Editor/Proofreader. Generate potential book projects.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, Journalism or History

• Three (3) to five (5) years of professional feature writing and editing experience

• To be considered, applicants must provide three (3) published writing clips, resume and references.

Preferred Qualifications: 

•  Experience in book publishing is desired
•  3+ years’ experience in a magazine setting
•  Familiarity with inDesign is desirable
• Familiarity with project management tools, such as Trello is a plus

Key Skills / Competencies:   

• Knowledge of American colonial history

• Knowledge of AP Style

• Strong organizational skills; must demonstrate ability/willingness to take direction and work independently.

• Must be comfortable using both Mac and PC environment

• Knowledge about Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding region, particularly its 18th- century history

Physical and Environmental Demands: 

Stand Constantly

Walk Frequently

Sit Constantly

Use hands/fingers Constantly

Climb or balance Rarely

Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl Rarely

Reach with hands/arms Frequently

Talk or hear Constantly

Lifting up to 10 lbs. Rarely

Lifting up to 25 lbs. Rarely

Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely

Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely

More than 100 lbs. (with assistance) Rarely

Wet/humid conditions: Rarely

Wet/humid conditions: Rarely

Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely

Fumes/airborne particles: Rarely

Extreme cold: Rarely

Extreme heat: Rarely

Risk of electrical shock Rarely

Typical Work Schedule: 

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM  

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: $69,700 to $104,500