Museum Teacher

Department: Interpretation
Status: Part-time / Overtime Eligible (Non-Exempt)
Work Schedule: Varies based on need; includes evening and weekend hours for public program coverage. Minimum of 10 programs per calendar year.
Travel: 0-1%

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens has over 13 acres of landscaped gardens and welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year who enjoy our art collection and our gardens. Hillwood is seeking a leader to have direct stewardship of historic garden rooms, maintain Hillwood’s visual identity through landscape design and maintenance and lead coordination across garden section managers, staff and volunteers.

About the Role:

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens seeks an engaging and enthusiastic Museum Teacher to support our dynamic public programs. In this role, you will welcome and orient visitors, facilitate interactive activities—including artmaking for families and adults—and assist with event logistics. Whether guiding guests through lectures, garden walks, film screenings, or family festivals, you will help create meaningful connections between visitors and Hillwood’s extraordinary collections, stories, and exhibitions.

If you are passionate about informal education, audience engagement, and bringing history and art to life, we invite you to join our team.

About Us:

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is deeply committed to fostering a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace where all voices are heard and where staff and visitors of all backgrounds can be inspired by the life of our founder Marjorie Merriweather Post.

As a private cultural institution, Hillwood offers stable, year-round employment independent of government funding cycles. Our commitment to preserving and enhancing our historic gardens continues regardless of government shutdowns or federal budget considerations.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate visitor engagement through warm welcomes, program orientation, and interactive activities at events such as lectures, festivals, and performances.

• Assist visitors in making connections between program activities and Hillwood’s collections, exhibitions, and history.

• Provide logistical support, including event setup, cleanup, and ensuring an organized and inviting space.

• Gather and report visitor feedback to support program evaluation and improvement.

• Work collaboratively with Interpretation, Visitor Services, Facilities, and Security teams to ensure a seamless guest experience.

• Support guest presenters and speakers during public programs.

• If opportunities arise, lead guided experiences for youth groups, including Girl Scouts and PK-12 students, using effective teaching techniques.

• Continuously expand knowledge of Hillwood’s collections, exhibitions, and audiences.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience in teaching or facilitating educational experiences, preferably in informal learning settings.

• Background in working with youth audiences is a plus.

• Willingness to learn and engage in basic art-making activities.

• Interest in Hillwood’s collections, history, and mission.

Skills & Abilities:

• A warm, engaging, and enthusiastic communicator.

• Ability to effectively manage large groups and provide excellent customer service.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.

• Comfortable using email and basic digital tools for communication.

• Commitment to inclusive and accessible programming.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This role requires standing for extended periods and moving across Hillwood’s campus, including outdoor spaces (rain or shine, except during severe weather).

• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds unassisted.

• Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

This position is compensated at $20.14/hour