School and Youth Program Facilitator

Colonial Williamsburg; Williamsburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Williamsburg seeks a Facilitator to guide school groups through on-site educational programs in the Historic Area, coordinating schedules and transitions between sites and trades shops.

The role emphasizes inquiry-based experiences, student engagement, and adapting to dynamic group needs while working with teachers and colleagues to ensure a high‑quality program for learners of various ages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, experience, and training.
• 2–3 years of experience working with students or youth in educational, recreational, or program-based settings.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality school programs to assigned school groups on site.
• Guide groups through scheduled program activities and locations within the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area.
• Maintain adherence to program timelines and ensure safety.
• Communicate with teachers and chaperones regarding schedules and expectations.
• Collaborate with Historic Trades, Historic Area Interpretation, Rare Breeds, Archaeology, and other departments to support program delivery.
• Engage students with inquiry-based discussions using artifacts to encourage participation and critical thinking.

Skills

Classroom teaching experience

Tour guide experience

Public speaking

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, experience, and training

2–3 years of experience working with students or youth

Job description

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. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18 th -century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute , and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over five million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

Facilitators guide school groups through Colonial Williamsburg’s educational programs, ensuring well organized, engaging, and meaningful visits. Facilitators serve as the primary point of contact for school groups during their program, managing schedules, coordinating transitions between historic sites and trade shops, and supporting program learning objectives. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, inquiry-based experiences that spark curiosity and encourage students to think critically about American history and its relevance today. Facilitators help create a welcoming, interactive environment that supports student participation, critical thinking, and a positive overall program experience.

Main Duties

Deliver high quality school programs to assigned school groups on site, guiding groups through scheduled program activities and locations within the Colonial Williamsburg Historic area.

• Ensure smooth transitions between sites and maintain adherence to program timelines.
• Communicate clearly with teachers and chaperones regarding schedules and expectations.
• Facilitate student engagement through inquiry-based discussions using Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area and collections to encourage participation and critical thinking with students.
• Use age-appropriate language and techniques to make historical content accessible and interesting.
• Create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.
• Ensure program quality by providing teacher and student feedback to help create the best possible school program.
• Maintain consistency in program delivery and ensure that all activities align with established learning objectives and programmatic outlines/goals.
• Monitor group movement to ensure safety and compliance with site policies.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies or unexpected situations and assist with managing group behavior in a positive and professional manner.
• Collaborate with Historic Trades, Historic Area Interpretation, Rare Breeds, Archaeology, and other departments to support effective program delivery and maintain positive working relationships.
• Communicate with the Associate Director of School and Youth Programs to address scheduling, operational, or program-related issues.
• Participate in and attend all required training sessions and team meetings to support program effectiveness.

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

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, experience, and training.
• 2–3 years of experience working with students or youth in educational, recreational, or program-based settings, including leading groups in structured activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Classroom teaching experience at any grade level.
• Previous museum/historic site experience.
• Previous experience as a tour guide or in leading group tours.
• Demonstrated passion for history, particularly American history, Virginian history, and/or Williamsburg history.
• Experience in performing arts (such as theater, music, or public speaking) is a plus.
• Familiarity with managing schedules and group logistics in dynamic environments.
• Ability to confidently lead and manage large student groups while maintaining engagement and effective program flow.
• Skill in facilitating inquiry-based discussions that encourage participation, curiosity, and critical thinking.
• Understanding of American history, particularly Colonial, Virginian, and Williamsburg history, or the willingness to learn and apply historical content accurately.
• Comfort with adapting to changing schedules, varying group needs, and outdoor working conditions.
• Clear and effective communication with students, teachers, and colleagues.
• Ability to collaborate as part of a dynamic team to deliver consistent, high-quality programs.
• A positive, professional demeanor that reflects enthusiasm and respect in all interactions.
• Willingness to continue learning, develop new skills, and participate in ongoing training.
• Ability to use storytelling, performance techniques, or interactive methods to make historical content engaging and accessible.

Typical Work Schedule

School programs typically happen Monday through Friday with tour opportunities in the mornings and
afternoons. Occasional weekend work available but the majority of the school programs happen during the work week. Facilitators are required to be on‑site early for morning tours.

Compensation Disclaimer

The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.