Student Job — Virtual Explainers Program

Virtual Explainers at the National Air and Space Museum inspire life-long learners around the globe by connecting them to our iconic artifacts and sharing inspiring stories about innovation, science, and technology. 

The Explainers Program is seeking college students of all backgrounds and majors to help our virtual visitors better understand STEM concepts through interactive digital programs. Virtual Explainers will work remotely throughout the school year and summer. 

We are seeking candidates with the flexibility to provide, at a minimum, a 12-month commitment to the program. 

Explainer Duties

Virtual Explainers engage audiences through interactive virtual demonstrations on topics such as phases of the moon, constellations, and how to find planets in the night sky. Our dynamic portfolio of virtual visitor experiences includes a digital planetarium show and a story time program for kindergarten through 2nd grade participants.  Virtual Explainers also assist with developing new virtual programs. 
 

Explainers may be scheduled for remote shifts seven days a week, but most programs will occur Monday through Fri between 9 AM and 4 PM ET. Candidates must be available for some shifts during these times. Hours will be flexible according to your academic schedule.  

Requirements:

To be a Virtual Explainer, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Currently be enrolled in a degree-granting program
  • Maintain a 2.7 GPA
  • Provide availability for a minimum of two shifts per week. Shifts are three hours long, either morning (9 AM -12 PM ET), afternoon (12 PM - 3 PM ET), and Evening (3 PM - 6 PM ET), Monday through Friday.  
  • Be able to commit to, at minimum, 12-months of work with the program
  • Be able to engage diverse audiences in a virtual classroom setting
  • Have good written and oral communication skills
  • Have consistent access to a robust internet connection, quiet work environment, reliable computer, webcam, and microphone
  • Be willing to attend ongoing virtual trainings and proactively engage in self-study on topics related to aeronautics and space science
  • Be a United States citizen with a photo ID, a naturalized citizen with proper documentation, or a non-citizen with proper INS authorization to work in the United States 

Qualifications

  • Public speaking experience and/or teaching experience
  • Proven dynamic virtual presence
  • Interest in STEM or science communication
  • Experienced and enthusiastic about working with children
  • Strong tech skills and digital troubleshooting ability
  • Applicants from all majors accepted
  • Applicants from all geographic areas accepted, dependent on the availability to work shifts between 9 AM and 6 PM ET 

Application Procedure:

To be considered for a position as a Virtual Explainer, you must submit the following items:

  • A completed application form, email us for an application form
  • A current resume
  • A college or graduate transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted) or college class schedule with high school transcript, if applying as a freshman
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A two-minute video to serve as your “statement of purpose”— Why do you want to be a Virtual Explainer? How will you contribute to the program and how will this position assist you in your career and/or educational goals? 

An interview may be scheduled after the application package has been received and reviewed.  

Apply Now

Please Note: Incomplete application packages will not be processed or considered.

Applications for the Explainers Program can be accessed and submitted via the Smithsonian’s Trust Jobs site. Please read on for our annual application and interview schedule.

Applicant and Interview Schedule

  • Applications open May 15 through June 15
  • Interviews scheduled June 15 through June 30
  • Tentative start dates selected for fall

For additional information or to submit recommendations separately, email the Explainers Program coordinators. 

The Explainers Program is made possible by the generous support of RTX .