Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Manager of Historical Interpretation
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia, us, 23187
Overview
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates a large museum complex in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Foundation’s mission is to help the future learn from the past by preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg and by engaging, informing, and inspiring people about the history and diverse peoples who shaped the nation.
About the Position
The Manager of Historical Interpretation serves as the principal liaison to other Colonial Williamsburg departments in the care and custody of historic sites and venues in the Historic Area. This role maintains interpretive site plans and training materials for each site and venue, develops and manages the interpretive plan, and tracks the budget for the team along with others.
Main Duties
Develop interpretive plans, training materials, and operational directions for 3–4 sites or venues.
Develop and maintain initial, refresher, and advanced training for sites and venues for DHI staff and other CWF staff as needed.
Collaborate with colleagues on interpretive planning and training to equip interpretive staff with knowledge and guidance for sites and venues under their management.
Provide day-to-day work direction to supervisors, lead interpreters, and interpreters, focus on maintaining a steady workflow of tours and programs; resolve operational challenges.
Collaborate with the Program Design and Historic Research teams in ideation, creation, development, production, and assessment of tours and programs.
Ensure appropriate processes and approvals are obtained for prop requests, use of Historic Area venues, and maintenance needs.
Monitor the 18th-century appearance of the Historic Area and the quality of interpretive programs presented there.
Serve as a Daily Program Manager (DPM) alongside the DHI leadership team.
Coaching and developing team members; complete disciplinary actions and other administrative functions as needed.
Monitor and enforce compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
All other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in History, Public History, or Museum Studies or a program-equivalent.
2 or more years of professional experience in managing, leading, and training interpretative teams.
5 or more years of experience in interpretation, museum exhibitions, or relevant experience related to the role.
Experience with creative public program development/assessment and insight into procedures and protocol structure.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in History, Public History, or Museum Studies with experience in program development, execution, and content training.
5 or more years of professional experience in managing, leading, and training interpretative teams.
Key Skills / Competencies
Ability to develop training sessions using primary and secondary documents, images, and artifacts.
Multi-tasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and timely project completion.
Strong organizational and communication skills (written and verbal).
Understanding of historic context and ability to convey early American history.
Adaptability to change and leadership to mentor/train team members and volunteers; manage schedules and daily operations.
Ability to document attendance, challenges, and concerns affecting operations and environment.
Excellent presentation and team-building skills; ability to communicate tour and program information to diverse audiences.
Adherence to defined processes; ability to document situations for long-term resolutions.
Commitment to positive guest experiences through customer service excellence.
Willingness to dress in historical clothing as required; embrace an inclusive environment and work with diverse backgrounds.
Supervisory Responsibilities Direct supervision of 2 supervisors; indirect supervision of 20 staff in the Department of Historical Interpretation. Coordinate volunteers for the Liberty Lounge and Ambassador programs, junior interpreters, and interns.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Standing and walking frequently (up to 5 hours per shift).
Sitting occasionally (up to 2 hours per shift).
Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs (up to 2 hours per shift).
Occasionally lifting 50 lbs with assistance (up to 2 hours per shift).
Typical Work Schedule 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Holidays, weekends, and/or evenings.
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Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates a large museum complex in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Foundation’s mission is to help the future learn from the past by preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg and by engaging, informing, and inspiring people about the history and diverse peoples who shaped the nation.
About the Position
The Manager of Historical Interpretation serves as the principal liaison to other Colonial Williamsburg departments in the care and custody of historic sites and venues in the Historic Area. This role maintains interpretive site plans and training materials for each site and venue, develops and manages the interpretive plan, and tracks the budget for the team along with others.
Main Duties
Develop interpretive plans, training materials, and operational directions for 3–4 sites or venues.
Develop and maintain initial, refresher, and advanced training for sites and venues for DHI staff and other CWF staff as needed.
Collaborate with colleagues on interpretive planning and training to equip interpretive staff with knowledge and guidance for sites and venues under their management.
Provide day-to-day work direction to supervisors, lead interpreters, and interpreters, focus on maintaining a steady workflow of tours and programs; resolve operational challenges.
Collaborate with the Program Design and Historic Research teams in ideation, creation, development, production, and assessment of tours and programs.
Ensure appropriate processes and approvals are obtained for prop requests, use of Historic Area venues, and maintenance needs.
Monitor the 18th-century appearance of the Historic Area and the quality of interpretive programs presented there.
Serve as a Daily Program Manager (DPM) alongside the DHI leadership team.
Coaching and developing team members; complete disciplinary actions and other administrative functions as needed.
Monitor and enforce compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
All other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in History, Public History, or Museum Studies or a program-equivalent.
2 or more years of professional experience in managing, leading, and training interpretative teams.
5 or more years of experience in interpretation, museum exhibitions, or relevant experience related to the role.
Experience with creative public program development/assessment and insight into procedures and protocol structure.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in History, Public History, or Museum Studies with experience in program development, execution, and content training.
5 or more years of professional experience in managing, leading, and training interpretative teams.
Key Skills / Competencies
Ability to develop training sessions using primary and secondary documents, images, and artifacts.
Multi-tasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and timely project completion.
Strong organizational and communication skills (written and verbal).
Understanding of historic context and ability to convey early American history.
Adaptability to change and leadership to mentor/train team members and volunteers; manage schedules and daily operations.
Ability to document attendance, challenges, and concerns affecting operations and environment.
Excellent presentation and team-building skills; ability to communicate tour and program information to diverse audiences.
Adherence to defined processes; ability to document situations for long-term resolutions.
Commitment to positive guest experiences through customer service excellence.
Willingness to dress in historical clothing as required; embrace an inclusive environment and work with diverse backgrounds.
Supervisory Responsibilities Direct supervision of 2 supervisors; indirect supervision of 20 staff in the Department of Historical Interpretation. Coordinate volunteers for the Liberty Lounge and Ambassador programs, junior interpreters, and interns.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Standing and walking frequently (up to 5 hours per shift).
Sitting occasionally (up to 2 hours per shift).
Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs (up to 2 hours per shift).
Occasionally lifting 50 lbs with assistance (up to 2 hours per shift).
Typical Work Schedule 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Holidays, weekends, and/or evenings.
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