Program Associate Jobs in Williamsburg, VA (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 five million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position:
Facilitators guide school groups through Colonial Williamsburg's educational programs, ensuring well organized, engaging, and meaningful visits. Facilitators serve as the primary point of contact for school groups during their program, managing schedules, coordinating transitions between historic
sites and trade shops, and supporting program learning objectives.
This role focuses on delivering high-quality, inquiry-based experiences that spark curiosity and encourage students to think critically about American history and its relevance today. Facilitators help create a welcoming, interactive environment that supports student participation, critical thinking, and a positive overall program experience.
Main Duties:
Deliver high quality school programs to assigned school groups on site, guiding groups
through scheduled program activities and locations within the Colonial Williamsburg Historic
area.
• Ensure smooth transitions between sites and maintain adherence to program timelines.
• Communicate clearly with teachers and chaperones regarding schedules and expectations.
• Facilitate student engagement through inquiry-based discussions using Colonial
Williamsburg's Historic Area and collections to encourage participation and critical thinking
with students.
• Use age-appropriate language and techniques to make historical content accessible and
interesting.
• Create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.
• Ensure program quality by providing teacher and student feedback to help create the best
possible school program.
• Maintain consistency in program delivery and ensure that all activities align with established
learning objectives and programmatic outlines/goals.
• Monitor group movement to ensure safety and compliance with site policies.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies or unexpected situations and assist with managing
group behavior in a positive and professional manner.
• Collaborate with Historic Trades, Historic Area Interpretation, Rare Breeds, Archaeology, and
other departments to support effective program delivery and maintain positive working
relationships.
• Communicate with the Associate Director of School and Youth Programs to address
scheduling, operational, or program-related issues.
• Participate in and attend all required training sessions and team meetings to support
program effectiveness.
This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as
directed and approved by the supervisor.
Required Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, experience, and training.
• 2-3 years of experience working with students or youth in educational, recreational, or
program-based settings, including leading groups in structured activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Classroom teaching experience at any grade level.
• Previous museum/historic site experience.
• Previous experience as a tour guide or in leading group tours.
• Demonstrated passion for history, particularly American history, Virginian history, and/or
Williamsburg history.
• Experience in performing arts (such as theater, music, or public speaking) is a plus.
Key Skills / Competencies:
• Familiarity with managing schedules and group logistics in dynamic environments.
• Ability to confidently lead and manage large student groups while maintaining engagement
and effective program flow
• Skill in facilitating inquiry-based discussions that encourage participation, curiosity, and
critical thinking.
• Understanding of American history, particularly Colonial, Virginian, and Williamsburg history,
or the willingness to learn and apply historical content accurately.
• Comfort with adapting to changing schedules, varying group needs, and outdoor working
conditions.
• Clear and effective communication with students, teachers, and colleagues.
• Ability to collaborate as part of a dynamic team to deliver consistent, high-quality programs.
• A positive, professional demeanor that reflects enthusiasm and respect in all interactions.
• Willingness to continue learning, develop new skills, and participate in ongoing training.
• Ability to use storytelling, performance techniques, or interactive methods to make
historical content engaging and accessible
Typical Work Schedule:
School programs typically happen Monday through Friday with tour opportunities in the mornings and
afternoons. Occasional weekend work available but the majority of the school programs happen
during the work week. Facilitators are required to be on-site early for morning tours
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:
$20-$31 an hr
Equal Opportunity Employer
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