Education Programs Manager

Education and Experience s Programs Manager

Full-Time, Exempt

The Education Programs Department at George Washington’s Mount Vernon interprets the artifacts, biography, and exhibition spaces about George Washington, Mount Vernon, and the 18th Century. We create meaningful and relevant connections between Washington’s example and today’s world through interactive programming and exhibit experiences. The Education Programs & Experiences Manager contributes to Mount Vernon’s mission by creating, developing, implementing, and evaluating estate‑wide learning experiences across Sanda and Jeremiah Hands‑on‑History Center, the historic area, George Washington Presidential Library, and permanent exhibit spaces.

• Manage the Education Program Specialist, interns, volunteers, and designated education programs staff to ensure high‑quality learning opportunities in a safe and friendly environment. Create a positive work environment, encourage morale, and provide staff with the tools necessary to succeed. Direct recruitment, hiring, training, coaching, disciplining, and effective evaluation of performance.
• Develop and implement new/refreshed on‑site learning experiences, hands‑on activities, public programs, projects, and policies for all visitors based on scholarly research and made accessible.
• Under guidance from the Director of Education Programs, manage elements of the museum tour and tour training program.
• Create, manage, implement, train, and evaluate activities for hands‑on and multi‑sensory experiences, including signature programming (Discovery carts) in the historic area, Sanda and Jeremiah Hands‑on‑History Center, George Washington Presidential Library, orientation, and permanent exhibition spaces.
• Manage the workflow, timelines, and review graphic and media elements for signature programs implemented by the Education Programs Specialist. Signature programs include:
  • Homeschool Days
  • Family Days
  • Youth and Adult Sensory Friendly Days
  • Specialty workshops
  • Adult and Homeschool Situation Room Experiences

• Work closely with the Fine and Decorative Arts department to create and align exhibit experiences and educational program design (gallery experiences, discovery carts, hands‑on experience, etc.) and learning materials (gallery guides, scout guides, etc.).
• Collaborate with other Mount Vernon colleagues and departments on programs and initiatives designed to connect intergenerational audiences to Mount Vernon’s mission. Programs and initiatives include:
  • Special event activities (Free Day, Halloween, Colonial Days)
  • Local community outreach and civic initiatives
  • Annual initiatives, including 250th Anniversary topics for 2025‑2026
  • Audio Tours, Signage, Scheduling
• Manage the Homeschool Educator experiences, including the Homeschool Educator Advisory Board, to ensure connection between homeschool audiences and Mount Vernon education offerings.
• Support efforts in making Mount Vernon accessible for all historic site visitors, including creating, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs for and outreach to sensory‑friendly audiences.

• Create, support, advocate for, and advise on visitor programming and experiences across the institution.
• Track and report required information for monthly and annual reports, development grants, and other Mount Vernon publications.
• Work closely with the Director of Education Programs to manage departmental resources, monitor budget, and promote efficiency.
• Stay current and train others on museum education and public programming trends in informal learning environments to improve the educational and engagement impact of the programs.
• Represent Mount Vernon in national conversations about informal learning and museum education.
• Participate in Education Programs Department meetings and strategy sessions as needed.

• Master’s degree in history, museum studies, leadership studies, civics studies, education, English, or related studies, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in program…