Capitol Civic Education Lead

State-of-Washington-Dept.-of-Enterprise-Service; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) in Olympia seeks a Civic Education Supervisor to oversee all civic education tour operations at the Washington State Capitol, leading tour staff to deliver engaging educational experiences for visitors and school groups. You will report to the Visitor Services Manager and help grow the Capitol's public engagement.

This role focuses on managing tours, scheduling, staff hiring and training, coordinating with agency partners, and ensuring a welcoming,

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of progressive experience in community, youth and public engagement.
• Knowledge of civics, the legislative process and/or Washington State history.
• Speaking in front of large groups.
• Giving tours or supervising a tour program.
• Developing and creating educational activities and material.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily Civic Education program operations, including tour scheduling, logistics, alternate location bookings, and system configurations within the tour reservation system.
• Directly supervise tour staff by handling hiring, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, timesheets, disciplinary actions, and seasonal off-boarding with HR and IT.
• Create and distribute detailed daily tour plans, while coordinating logistics and tenant space usage with agency partners, stakeholders, and legislative staff.
• Resolve escalated customer service and sensitive visitor issues using de-escalation techniques, while promoting a welcoming, accessible, and viewpoint-neutral Capitol experience.
• Develop and administer interim civic activities and interpretive space for visitors.
• Develop and maintain all training manuals, conducting annual training for new and returning guides as well as cross-training backup staff.
• Oversee internal and external communications regarding tour information, daily schedules, and program updates.
• Advise leadership on operational challenges and program improvements using firsthand experience, stakeholder feedback, and historical context.
• Act as the DES representative by managing buildings, enforcing rules and Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), and collaborating with security personnel, maintenance teams, and stakeholders to resolve issues and plan public space usage.
• Provide direct visitor services support as needed during staff shortages, including conducting tours, supporting campus events, and assisting volunteers, employees, and the public.

Skills

Public speaking

Tour program supervision

Educational material development

Civics knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Social Sciences, Communications, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) in Olympia seeks a Civic Education Supervisor to oversee all civic education tour operations at the Washington State Capitol, leading tour staff to deliver engaging educational experiences for visitors and school groups. You will report to the Visitor Services Manager and help grow the Capitol's public engagement.

This role focuses on managing tours, scheduling, staff hiring and training, coordinating with agency partners, and ensuring a welcoming,