Careers at the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Museum Interpreter (Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House)

Department:

Historic Sites

Location:

Alexandria, VA

JOB SUMMARY

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is seeking part-time Museum Interpreters to provide engaging, interpretive tours of both sites, for two to three days per week. Interpreters must also attend regular mandatory meetings and training sessions. The position offers the opportunity to join a dynamic team at a historically significant site in Alexandria, Virginia. This is a limited part-time position with 10-15 hours expected per week. The hourly wage for the position is $17.00 per hour.

The museum�s mission is to engage with our community to preserve history and care for nature at this former site of enslavement. Our programs, events, and interpretation foster racial justice, promote sustainable practices, nurture wellbeing, and contribute to community repair. We are dedicated to researching and interpreting the underrepresented histories and stories of the site�s Indigenous and enslaved people, free Black and Quaker communities, and their descendants. Our goal is to share the full history of the site, provide historical context, and highlight the contributions of all the people who lived and worked in both houses. The site includes Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BECOMING SKILLED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Provide guided tours and occasional self-guided experiences for visitors, maintaining a level of knowledge in order to substantively inform the public and respond accurately to their questions.
Facilitate positive experiences for visitors, group tours, and other audiences in a confident, professional and inclusive manner.
Dedicate time and independent study to broaden knowledge of local history and deepen site-specific expertise.
Ensure alignment of tours with the site�s interpretive themes, especially in telling the full story and centering the tour on all inhabitants and in conveying and highlighting underrepresented Indigenous, enslaved, free Black, and Quaker histories.
Understand and implement on-site opening and closing procedures.
Participate in mandatory trainings and group discussions to understand tour content and updates and methods of historic site interpretation.
Follow procedures in submitting ideas for research or updated tour content or structure.
Assist in monitoring the safety and security of visitors, objects, buildings, and grounds while on site.
Assist with special events, public programs, and school and groups tours, conveying historical information, exhibiting excellent customer service, providing house museum security, and offering overall operational assistance to ensure tours and programs are successful.
Stay informed about and aligned with organizational policies, general site operations, and current and upcoming programs and exhibits and be able to explain to visitors.
Respond calmly and professionally to emergencies and promptly notify supervisor and building and grounds technician of incidents or unsafe conditions.
Interact positively, professionally, and respectfully with site colleagues according to standards and expectations outlined in the employee handbook and by your supervisors.
Complete and approve all required Trust procedural actions, including payroll timecard, in a regular and timely manner.
Help with tidying visitor areas and maintaining overall cleanliness of the houses and grounds, in collaboration with facilities staff.
Assist with interpretation related projects as requested.
Assist as needed with visitor services and operations, including visitor orientation, refilling brochures, and answering phones.
Assist with annual cleaning of the houses and collections.
Share your ideas, suggestions, lessons learned, research, and tour observations with supervisor including feedback from visitors.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and/or education in presenting African American, Indigenous, and/or Quaker histories a plus. Dedication and willingness to learn about and prioritize these histories is vital.
Ability to comfortably and naturally speak in front of a group, including handling difficult discussions and situations.,
Express a passion for learning about the site�s history, and the desire to communicate this knowledge and enthusiasm to others.
Prior or present studies in history, historic preservation architecture, or other related topics a plus, but not required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to speak and read English fluently. Bi-lingual fluency (in Spanish or other language) a plus.
Ability to positively contribute to and collaborate with a diverse and inclusive team.
Ability to problem-solve effectively and take initiative when needed, as well as calmly handle different kinds of situations with patience.
Necessary to be punctual, reliable, and responsible.
Ability to be open and flexible regarding constructive tour feedback and critique.
Ability to handle moderate physical activity including climbing stairs and moving about the historic site from house to house in varying weather conditions.
Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
Flexibility in schedule is preferred and will take precedence in staffing.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. The National Trust for Historic Preservation actively seeks opportunities to include members of these groups in its programs and activities.