Company Overview | Close Up Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit, nonpartisan civic education organization. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and empower young people to exercise their rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. Leading the way in civic education since 1971, we believe that a strong democracy requires active and informed participation by all citizens regardless of community, socioeconomic level, and academic standing. For over 50 years, we have fulfilled this mission by working with more than 20,000 students and teachers annually through travel programs, professional development for educators, and classroom resources designed to empower young people for a lifetime of active citizenship.
Position Overview | The teacher program specialist (TPS) delivers professional development electives for secondary school teachers traveling to Washington, D.C., with their students. This includes leading site visits to historic landmarks, museums, and national parks, and sharing background information and instructional strategies for connecting those sites to current events. The TPS also serves in various nonacademic but customer-facing roles throughout the program week to provide an excellent customer experience.
A successful TPS conducts historical interpretation, leads discussion groups, is an engaging storyteller, and works well with diverse communities of adults. Candidates should be passionate about U.S. history—particularly the colonial and Civil War eras—and have in-depth knowledge of the greater Washington area.
This full-time position has a non-traditional work schedule, with evening and weekend hours required. Out-of-town day trips to Williamsburg, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and/or other locations within a 2.5-hour drive of the Washington may take place on a weekly basis.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Welcome and greet teachers and students upon their arrival to Washington. Assist with hotel registration and check-in. Answer logistical and programmatic questions and advise student groups how best to spend free time in Washington.
- Conduct a teacher orientation and serve as the primary point of contact for teachers and adult participants throughout their program week. Act as a liaison between teachers and staff implementing Close Up’s student program.
- Conduct professional development for teachers by delivering presentations and facilitating discussion about colonial sites, Civil War battlefields, and historic homes, and relating them to Close Up’s overall civic mission.
- In collaboration with staff, help create new site-based electives for Teacher Program.
- Provide teachers and students with program-related customer service support as needed.
- Conduct administrative duties related to program implementation and provide office support.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- At least one (1) year of experience with traditional and/or non-traditional teaching
- At least one (1) year of experience delivering face-to-face customer service
- Willingness and ability to work evenings/weekends as required and travel outside the greater Washington area on a weekly basis
- Knowledge of social networking and Microsoft Office applications
- Demonstrated passion for U.S. history, particularly the colonial and Civil War eras
- In-depth knowledge of the greater Washington area
- Authorization to work in the United States for any employer
Required Skills and Attributes
- Ability to work under pressure and time constraints as part of a close-knit team.
- Ability to deliver excellent customer service to both students and adults on program.
- Superior organizational and communication skills.
- A friendly, collegial demeanor when interacting with colleagues, participants, and vendors
- Must be in good physical shape and feel comfortable walking long distances, climbing stairs, walking backwards, standing and talking on moving buses, and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. While performing this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.
To apply, please upload a brief statement or cover letter describing why this position is the right fit for your skills and experience.
No phone calls or recruiters, please.
Close Up Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.