What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Strategic Projects and Partnerships position at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation?
Description
The Director of Strategic Projects and Partnerships will lead the development and implementation of priority initiatives and partnerships that align with the Foundation's strategic plan and meaningfully advance its mission. The Director will work closely with the Vice President for Education Strategy and Civic Engagement as well as cross-functional teams across the Division and the Foundation to identify new opportunities, develop project plans, and manage partnerships to achieve the Foundation's strategic objectives, particularly as related to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The Director leads the history.org initiative, the nation’s marquis educational project for the 250th, providing teachers and students with top-quality history and civic learning resources from trusted institutions on one dynamic digital platform. Through this project, the Director will be a leader in improving history and civic education across the country while also strengthening the museum education field through collaboration and innovation.
Essential Functions:
- Provide visionary and actionable leadership on strategic projects for Colonial Williamsburg Education Strategy and Civic Engagement. Work closely with the Vice President as a thought partner.
- Build and maintain relationships with peer institutions across sectors to advance Colonial Williamsburg’s leadership and convening role, including cultural institutions, civic education and civic engagement organizations, colleges and universities, media developers and EdTech companies, government agencies and more.
- With an innovation mindset, lead the history.org initiative, a top priority project for Colonial Williamsburg and for the history and civic education field:
- Develop and execute a master project plan and schedule, including phased development, testing, and roll out.
- Further cultivate and lead partner organizations, defining the partnership models and ensuring ongoing buy-in and collaboration to maximize collective impact.
- Develop and execute a content strategy that integrates history and civics and prioritizes responsiveness, relevance, inclusion, accuracy, and rigor.
- Work closely with and manage web developers and media partners to build the industry-leading site for history and civics teachers.
- Create and embed teacher professional development and supports across the project, including on the site and through in-person and virtual workshops.
- Develop and author content/resources as appropriate.
- Serve as lead editor on all materials, resources, and interfaces on the site.
- Provide skillful project management internally and externally.
- Oversee ongoing marketing and outreach.
- Work in partnership with the Colonial Williamsburg Innovation Studios and the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute to create new digital educational media products for teachers and students that can be deployed on history.org and elsewhere.
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives and partnerships that support Colonial Williamsburg’s national leadership for the 250th. Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the Foundation to ensure alignment of strategic projects with the Foundation's mission and goals.
- Engage advisors and create advisory groups to support to strategic initiatives, including history.org and civic engagement projects.
- Represent Colonial Williamsburg in relevant professional associations and consortia, including the Educating for American Democracy network, RevEd, and others. Participate in professional conferences and meetings.
- In partnership with the Vice President and Development, support all fundraising efforts for strategic partnerships and special projects, including liaising with donors and prospects, writing or reviewing grant proposals and reports, and presenting on funding opportunities at internal and external meetings.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Required and Preferred Education and Experience:
Required:
- Minimum 10 years’ experience working in teacher education, preferably in a cultural institution context.
- Master’s degree in education, history, or a related field.
- Experience developing digital curricular resources for teachers, preferably in social studies.
- Expertise in educational technology and instructional design
- Deep knowledge of the American education system, including social studies curriculum and instruction
- Deep knowledge of museum education pedagogy, including object-based inquiry
- Preferred: PhD in Education, Public History, History, or a related field. Classroom social studies teaching experience.
Qualifications:
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Deep knowledge of and experience with change management. Passion for history, education, and promoting cultural values. An innovative thinker who embraces new ideas and is eager to leverage technology improve work and work products. A self-starter with a commitment to excellence who takes initiative within parameters to advance the mission and motivates others to do the same.
Salary : $84,200 - $107,000
