Become a Program Instructor

The Program Instructor prepares and leads daily program components. They will hop on and off buses throughout the day, coordinating the movement of a large group of students on all program activities in the Washington, D.C. area and other program locations.

Candidates will be asked to teach a short lesson as part of the interview process.

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in political science, history, education, social science or related field)
• Authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer
• Demonstrated passion for working with diverse students in grades 6-12
• Interest in current public policy issues, history, politics, government and experiential education

The Program Instructor schedule is not a standard nine-to-five work week.

• Each week mirrors the program schedule to which an Instructor is assigned, generally a 55-hour week.
• Program schedules typically run from 8am through 10pm most days, and programs usually start late afternoon on Sundays and run through Thursday night.
• Most programs are based in Washington, D.C. but there are opportunities to travel to New York City, Florida, Texas and other historic sites.

Beyond the initial contract, there is room for growth at the Foundation.

• We are currently hiring for a contract period of January 2, 2020 – July 31, 2020.
• Benefits include medical, dental and life insurance with low cost premiums.
• Free parking and/or mass transit subsidy is available and all program meals are provided.
• 120 hours of paid pre-program training in our curriculum, methodology and programing followed by on-going professional development that sets up Program Instructors for success.
• The opportunity to earn a free graduate credit upon completion of the contract with an accompanying research paper is available.

If you are excited about the prospect of becoming a Program Instructor, we welcome you to apply and explore how you can be part of an amazing network of Program Instructors who have led more than 900,000 students over 45 years through a once-in-a-lifetime Close Up experience.

To apply, submit an email to jobs@closeup.org explaining why you’d make a great Program Instructor and attach your résumé. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted. Employment offers are contingent upon receipt of proof of undergraduate degree and a favorable criminal background check.