Indigenous Living History Site Coordinator

Title: Indigenous Living History Site Coordinator

State Role Title: Education Support Spec III

Hiring Range: $43,500

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Location: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Agency Website: jyfmuseums.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Living History and Interpretative Services Overview

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia offering programs and resources about early American history through its museums – Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Our outdoor living history sites and programs are supported by living history interpreters, who create engaging and immersive educational experiences using material culture and historical content to foster curiosity, empathy and understanding regarding the perspectives, cultures and experiences of Indigenous, African and European peoples. Our five sites include the re-created Paspahegh Town, James Fort, and the three ships- Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery at Jamestown Settlement, as well as an 18th Century Revolution Era Farm and Continental Army Encampment at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Our approach to living history interpretation is as educators in a 3rd person role, using a range of skill sets to present to a diverse public.

Paspahegh Town Site-

The Paspahegh were one of the 30-plus Algonquian-speaking tribal groups that belonged to the Powhatan paramount chiefdom. We have based our re-creation on archaeological findings at a nearby site along the James River, oral tradition from Virginia's state and federally recognized tribes, and descriptions and illustrations recorded by English colonists in the 17th century. Both non-Indigenous and Indigenous educators and advocates work together to ensure that the perspectives, experiences, history and culture of 17th century Virginia Indians is shared in a respectful and engaging manner. Using material culture, physical structures, historical content and a range of teaching methodologies, historical interpreters in period clothing share and demonstrate the traditions, craft skill, foodways and legacies of Powhatan culture. 

Job Duties

This position will coordinate daily programming and implement new programs and delivery techniques within the Paspahegh Town while leading a team of interpreters that work collaboratively to deliver a broad range of interpretive experiences and materials for intergenerational audiences with a focus on the experiences of Indigenous perspectives and cultures during the 17th century. This position works with staff to deliver interpretive experiences for audiences that can also successfully connect to the indoors museum galleries in alignment with JYF’s strategic priorities, focusing on the convergence of cultures and legacies from 17th and 18th century America.

Minimum Qualifications

• Skilled in presenting interpretive / education programs to diverse audiences.
• Ability to write, develop, implement, evaluate, and revise inquiry based and dialogic education programs.
• Experience with staff development, training, and team building.
• Demonstrated commitment to work productively and collaboratively with all levels of management and staff.
• Professional and positive attitude and demeanor 
• Willing to take initiative and solve problems creatively.
• Ability to create, relate and design programs for diverse audiences and staff (age, abilities, cultures, etc.)
• Proven strength in managing time, completing tasks, being proactive, accountable, and adaptable.
• Skilled at effectively dealing with competing demands on attention, changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent organizational abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
  

Additional Considerations

Experience and/or an understanding of Indigenous culture past or present, through education, advocacy, community or employment would be helpful in this position as we strive to best serve the history of Virginia Indians and the living culture today. 

Knowledge of museum education techniques and resources.

Teaching and historical research experience at a variety of levels is preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Lee Ann Shelhorse

Phone: 757-253-4553

Email: leeann.shelhorse@jyf.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.