Gamage Democracy Fellowship

Overview

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. Its mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th‑century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. The Foundation engages, informs, and inspires people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

The Gamage Democracy Fellowship is a prestigious one‑year, full‑time, benefitted position at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Designed to honor Stewart Gamage’s legacy, the Fellow will develop international education programs in collaboration with the Foundation, the Presidential Precinct, and William & Mary, contributing to the realization of the “Destination Democracy” concept and promoting the Foundation as an international hub for education and the advocacy of democracy.

The Foundation will cover all housing expenses, including rent and utilities.

• Develop and implement non‑credit international democracy and civic engagement education programs for professionals in law, technology, and public policy in their respective countries.
• Research best practices in democracy education and collaborate with experts from William & Mary and the Presidential Precinct to develop curriculum content.
• Design, implement, and coordinate logistics for in‑person or virtual workshops, seminars, or lecture series that bring together young professionals and experts to discuss democratic principles and practices; facilitate discussions and exercises during these events.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create educational materials and resources that showcase the Foundation as a hub for democracy education.
• Evaluate the program’s effectiveness and make improvements for future iterations.
• Engage in direct civic activism and create positive change through innovative initiatives, including organizing events or conferences that attract international professionals and foster dialogue on contemporary democratic challenges and solutions.
• Establish partnerships with international organizations and institutions to expand the reach and impact of democracy‑focused initiatives.
• Represent the Gamage Democracy Fellowship in various forums and events, serving as an ambassador for the program’s mission (e.g., an annual international conference on democracy where the Fellow would network with other young professionals and may moderate a panel discussion).
• Coordinate program development between the three partner institutions, ensuring alignment with their respective missions and goals.
• Assist in budget planning for educational programs and events, including collaborating with financial staff at the Foundation, the Presidential Precinct, and William & Mary to allocate resources for joint initiatives, identifying potential funding sources or grants, and ensuring that proposed programs and activities align with available resources.

• Required: Recent graduate of William & Mary with an outstanding academic record that includes demonstrated excellence in politics, government, and civic affairs.
• Preferred:
  • Previous internship or work experience in public policy, government, or for non‑profit organizations.
  • Leadership experience in student organizations or community initiatives.

• Strong leadership and program development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Passion for promoting democracy and civic engagement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with event planning.

Full time, standard work hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM).

This is a non‑exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). While the position may be subject to overtime during high‑peak times, overtime is directed and approved by the supervisor.