What are the responsibilities and job description for the American Indian Initiative Interpreter position at CW Talent?
Who We Are
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 18th-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 88 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, 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 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
Represent American Indian peoples of the 18th and 21st century in interpretive programming throughout the museum. Interact with guests in a variety of settings and create informative, dynamic, and inspiring experiences that spark insight and understanding of our past and present to fulfill the mission of Colonial Williamsburg, "That the Future May Learn From the Past".
Essential Functions:
- Depict how American Indian peoples participated in the Williamsburg community in the 18th century with historical integrity and stewardship
- Regularly and actively engage with guests at their own level to make subject matter relevant
- Research and analyze primary and secondary sources to gain an extensive, in-depth knowledge and understanding of the American Indian communities and people being represented, and well-rounded context of 18th century Williamsburg and American history
- Create and present pro-active, thematic interpretations that are rooted in historical research and relevant to a modern, diverse audience
- Represent the American Indian Initiative for purposes of community outreach
- Develop, practice, and refine traditional skills associated with American Indian activity and utilize them in engaging interpretations with guests
- Contribute as an active member of an ensemble to create dynamic, inspiring, educational experiences for guests and a healthy and positive work environment for staff
- Work collaboratively with the entire staff of Colonial Williamsburg to create an exceptional and seamless experience that gives guests the sense of 18th century Williamsburg and inspires them to be thoughtful and active participants in their own communities
- Perform with positivity, flexibility, and resiliency in a changing work environment
Education and Experience:
Required: Community affiliation with an American Indian or Indigenous nation, tribe, band, pueblo, Rancheria, or urban Indian Center. Combination of education and experience comparable to three years of experience in historical interpretation, teaching, language revitalization, or cultural content gained through community membership in an American Indian or Indigenous nation, tribe, band, pueblo, Rancheria, or urban Indian Center.
Preferred: Training or experience in museum interpretation, storytelling, or customer/guest relations. Traditional American Indian lifeways skills.
Qualifications:
- Cultural competency with modern and historical American Indian subject matter
- Ability to synthesize cultural or community information (i.e. linguistics or indigenous skills) with historic information, and organize and present information verbally to diverse audiences
- Ability to present information on sensitive issues
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
- Ability to provide excellent guest service
- Ability to engage with diverse tribal groups while representing Colonial Williamsburg and the American Indian Initiative
- Ability to work independently and take initiative within guidelines and procedures and also take direction and notes when given
- Ability to think critically regarding storytelling and educating, and continually improving performance
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays
