Campus internEXP - Student Historical Interpreter and Assistant Coordinator for Events

 **If you are interested in applying for this position, you will need to view the information session for the Campus internEXP program to qualify. Please register for that information session here. Once you have viewed the session and responded to the survey, you will gain access to apply within 2 business days.**

The Student Historical Interpreter and Assistant Coordinator for Events works with the Program Director for Solitude/Fraction at Virginia Tech and is a part of the Office for Inclusion and Diversity. Solitude is the oldest building on campus once owned by the Prestons and the project site includes the Fraction House that was the dwelling for families enslaved by the Preston family. Solitude-Fraction is a "tri-racial zone" with programming and exhibits that explore the intersection of indigenous, enslaved, and settler lives, and the founding of Virginia Tech history. The student gains experience in communication, meeting and exceeding client expectations, while developing and presenting programs and exhibits. This position helps students develop their career path while working with others to fine tune their knowledge through experiential learning.

·        This paid internship ($12.00/hour) runs the academic fall semester of 2023 and spring semester 2024.

·        The intern will meet with the director daily in the beginning of the internship then weekly to discuss function, activities, and learning opportunities.

·        The hours are 10 to 16 hours a week not to exceed 64 hours in a four-week period.

·        The intern will provide a basic weekly schedule, but the job may require some flexibility depending on events and availability of the intern. Weekend work hours will be required.

·        The position is an on-site in-person position at the Solitude/Fraction site on the Blacksburg campus of VA Tech. 

·        Dress is Casual most days, but business casual may be requested for meetings and events.

Student Historical Interpreters and Assistant Coordinators for Events are required to give professional presentations to the public and help set up the exhibit, reception, and training areas in and around Solitude/Fraction.

·        Must have excellent public communication skills

·        Must share information that is factual

·        Must learn various presentations and be familiar with, and able to speak knowledgably about each of the historic houses and exhibit areas contained within

·        Must demonstrate positive and friendly interactions with adults and children

·        Will provide presentations from a specific site area (point of duty presentations) or participate in taking groups throughout the whole exhibit like a tour guide

·        Demonstrate a willingness to study and learn about the local history and help develop exhibits

·        Will be expected to help set up the rooms for various functions

·        Perform a variety of general office activities including helping develop a social media presence and using the computers to run the exhibit areas open to public viewing.

·        Perform other task as requested by management

 

 

·        Must be able to work as a cohesive unit with others

·        Must be able to learn historical information and be able to communicate that information to the visitors to Solitude and Fraction

·        Must be able to take direction and be open to evaluation

·        Should have an upbeat, can-do attitude and a positive outlook and a willingness to learn

·        Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

·        Must be able to stand for six hours at a time

·        Must be able to participate in periodic physical labor

 

 

·        Experience in museum work, historical interpretation, or event planning.

 

 

Strong Communication skills, assisting with event planning, attention to detail, ability to work independently while also able to collaborate with a team, willingness to contribute new ideas, being adaptable, professional, and embodies the spirit of Ut Prosim

The Student Historical Interpreter and Assistant Coordinator for Events will work with their direct supervisor the Program Director of Solitude, the members of the Diversity Education Team for the Office for Inclusion and Diversity, and the many professionals from across campus and within the community who will contact Solitude for programing, presentations, and receptions.

The Student Historical Interpreter and Assistant Coordinator for Events will benefit from professional development opportunities in an office setting by getting hands on experience with communication, event coordination, meeting and greeting influential people, and having an opportunity to work in an environment where finish results will be documented and quantified.