The Octagon
1799 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC 20006
Details
- Position Status: Part-time, non-exempt
- Reports To: Senior Manager, The Octagon Museum and GCAD Programs and Exhibitions
- Schedule: Fridays-Saturdays, as-scheduled; some evening or weekday work possible
- Hourly Rate: $20
Function of the Position
The Architects Foundation seeks part-time Museum Interpreters to serve as weekend managers on duty at The Octagon, a 1799–1801 urban residence and museum in Washington, D.C. The position focuses on providing 45–60-minute guided tours of the historic site and managing front-line museum operations during open hours.
Museum Interpreters engage diverse audiences with the Federal-era history of the nation’s capital—exploring intersections of race, politics, and gender—while also emphasizing the built environment, architecture, and design, both past and present.
When not leading tours, Museum Interpreters serve as the on-site weekend manager, overseeing visitor services, site operations, and light administrative tasks, and assisting with public and special events as needed.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead 45–60-minute guided tours across three levels of The Octagon.
- Manage daily site operations, including opening and closing procedures.
- Oversee visitor services, ticketing, admissions tracking, and museum email communications.
- Compile and submit visitation and admissions reports.
- Provide welcoming customer service, wayfinding assistance, and museum information.
- Serve as an ambassador for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Global Campus of Architecture and Design.
- Monitor and report any facility, preservation, or collections concerns to Octagon Manager
- Assist with group tours, school programs, and special/public events as needed.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the reception area and museum exterior (e.g., restocking materials, light cleaning).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Desire to work in a historic/museum setting
- Obtained or in-progress: Bachelor’s degree in history, education, public history, political science, architecture, design, etc. Or equivalent professional experience
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Ability to climb up and down stairs repeatedly and to stand on feet for several hours at a time
- Must enjoy engaging and speaking with diverse public audiences, both youth and adults
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Flexibility, problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing needs
- Prior knowledge of American history, including 18th-19th century society, politics and law, war, gender, race and slavery preferred, or the willingness to learn
- Prior knowledge of architecture and design literacy, or the willingness to learn
- Experience giving public tours and/or public speaking, and experience operating a cash register/point-of-sale system preferred, or willingness to learn
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
About the Organization
About The Octagon
Designed by Architect of the U.S. Capitol, William Thornton, and constructed between 1799-1801 for Colonel John Tayloe III blocks from the White House, The Octagon House occupied this triangular lot as one of the first private urban residences in Washington, D.C. The Tayloe’s lived in the Federal style home until the mid-1850s; the AIA began renting The Octagon in 1898 as its headquarters and purchased the home in 1904. The AIA has been operating the house as a public museum since 1970, largely interpreting its early 19th century history as an elite home and its notable role in the War of 1812. Today, and moving forward, The Octagon stands to interpret both the built and political architecture of the new nation in the Federal period.
About the Architects Foundation
The Architects Foundation is the official philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). From our home at The Octagon, we demonstrate the cultural and societal impact of architecture and architects’ potential to create a just society; we invest in the next generation of the profession through our seven national scholarship programs; and utilize design thinking to help communities solve critical challenges through our Communities by Design (CxD) program. The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of designers and the communities they serve.
About the AIA Global Campus of Architecture and Design
Opening in 2026, the Global Campus for Architecture & Design is a modern cultural destination where visitors can experience how great design shapes a better world. Explore exhibits on architecture’s past, present, and future, see sustainable innovation firsthand, and enjoy coffee, culture, and creativity in the heart of D.C. In addition to the GCAD building which features state-of-the-art community and event spaces, Grace Street Coffee, and AIA Design Shop, the campus also champions the historic Octagon House (c. 1801) public museum.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and two references to amandaferrario@aia.org Position open until filled.
