Guest Services Representative

Gunston Hall is pleased to announce a part-time guest services position at an unparalleled historic site on scenic Mason Neck in Fairfax County, Virginia. We are seeking a candidate who is friendly, people-oriented, loves history, and is eager to share Gunston Hall’s story with visitors. Guest services staff divide their time between the visitor center and the mansion. Their responsibilities center around ensuring a positive and content-rich experience at Gunston Hall.

Specifically, guest services staff:

• project a positive image, serving as an ambassador for the museum;
• greet visitors, in a pleasant and welcoming manner;
• lead tours that are accurate and engaging for visitors of all ages;
• assist with the preparation for and implementation of public programs and special events;
• promote and relay accurate information about planned programs and events;
• monitor the museum exhibitions in the visitor center, period room installations in the mansion, and reproduction outbuildings;
• interact with visitors throughout their time on the property;
• answer telephones;
• schedule tours and special events;
• keep accurate records, including admissions records;
• reconcile cash and charge receipts;
• support other projects related to Gunston Hall’s educational mission.

The ideal candidate will be interested in history, solution-oriented, detail-oriented, able to adapt to changing circumstances, and committed to presenting Gunston Hall in the best possible light to teachers, students, program attendees, museum visitors, and other members of the general public.

This position reports to the Education Manager. It requires

• excellent customer service skills;
• responsibility and trustworthiness;
• knowledge of basic office procedures;
• ability to read and write the English language and to understand, follow, and give oral instructions;
• knowledge of computers, telephone systems, audio-visual equipment, and cash registers;
• ability to reconcile cash and credit card receipts;
• ability to maintain an electronic calendar in order to schedule events;
• exhibition of professional manner and dress at all times
• ability to multi-task;
• ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Both weekend and weekday shifts are available; applicants should expect to work two to three days a week, including at least one weekend day. This is an hourly (wage) position, earning $10.57 an hour. It does not have health insurance, retirement or paid leave.

To apply please send a letter of interest, resume, and Commonwealth of Virginia application* to Lacey Villiva, Education Manager, at lvilliva@gunstonhall.org.

Gunston Hall is an equal opportunity employer.

*To submit a Commonwealth of Virginia Job Application, please visit https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/. You will need to create an account, fill out a draft application, and email a copy of the application saved as a pdf.

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Director of Development

George Mason’s Gunston Hall, a National Historic Landmark located on scenic Mason Neck in Fairfax County, Virginia, is pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity for an entrepreneurial and action oriented leader to build a sustainable program of philanthropic giving.  We are seeking a passionate and innovative leader with the vision, energy, and ability to inspire, develop, and implement a vibrant and strategic program of institutional advancement.  In addition to building a robust annual fun, and in consultation with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, we have adopted a new 20-year master plan that calls for more than $60 million in capital projects.

The ideal candidate will possess a compelling vision for a dynamic program of philanthropy at a cultural organization, a passion for building and sustaining relationships, an enthusiastic commitment to cultivating and soliciting support, a dedicated commitment to exceptional service, a sincere desire to meet community needs, and a strong belief in the importance of ongoing personal and professional development.

Description of Duties

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a senior leadership position responsible for the design, planning, execution and evaluation of Gunston Hall’s development and membership programs.  Primary areas of emphasis include donor stewardship, developing fundraising campaigns, soliciting and closing major gifts, building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, managing department staff, cultivating an active portfolio of 50-75 prospects and donors, growing the membership program, managing fundraising events, and collecting and managing confidential information.

In line with organizational objectives, values, and standards of excellence, we are seeking an individual possessing the following:

• Demonstrated success designing and implementing solicitations, campaigns, and events resulting in major gifts and measurable financial results.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with diverse constituencies.
• Exceptional organizational and data management skills.
• Demonstrated and successful leadership in diverse and vibrant settings.
• A track record of developing and achieving goals, managing projects, implementing budgets and business plans, and meeting targeted deadlines.
• A commitment to pursuing entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives.
• Exemplary communication skills and a commitment to effective team-based communication.
• Experience creating, supporting, and sustaining environments in which a unified team works for organizational excellence.
• A positive attitude, energetic personality, motivational spirit, and creatively open mind.

Qualifications for this position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five years progressive experience and demonstrated success in fundraising are required.
• Experience within a cultural organization, museum, or historic site is preferred.
• Experience with public/private partnerships is preferred.
• Knowledge of George Mason, Gunston Hall, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and historic sites is desirable.
• Knowledge of prospect research software and donor database management preferred.
• Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and/or evenings as needed.
• Must be able to travel as needed.

This position is a full-time, salaried, and classified as exempt.  Compensation will be based on qualifications.  Performance will be evaluated based on the achievement of collaboratively determined team and personal goals specific to the requirements of the position.

The mission of Gunston Hall, the home of George Mason, is to stimulate the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights.  Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a National Historic Landmark, Gunston Hall was built by George Mason from 1755-1759.  Today, the site includes Gunston Hall; reconstructed outbuildings; a visitor center, museum, event facility, museum shop; and 550 acres of diverse landscape situated along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Review of candidate material will begin immediately.  Please email your application to Scott Stroh, Executive Director, at sstroh@gunstonhall.org.  The application should include a resume, salary requirements and a letter of interest addressed to Scott Stroh.

Hard copies of application packages may be mailed to:

Scott Stroh, Executive Director
George Mason’s Gunston Hall
10709 Gunston Rd
Mason Neck, VA 22079

Gunston Hall is an equal opportunity employer.