VISITOR INFORMATION VOLUNTEERS
Position Description
Visitor Information Volunteers create opportunities for visitors to engage with the museum's content in a meaningful way. Volunteers are stationed at the Welcome Desk and strategically throughout the museum to serve as a resource to visitors who require orientation and information. As part of the Office of Visitor and Guest Services, Visitor Information Volunteers greet and welcome visitors, encourage an exploration of the museum's exhibitions and daily program offerings, and provide information about surrounding attractions.
Applications accepted through January 31, 2023.
Please ensure you answer the below question "What are your objectives in seeking a volunteer position at the Smithsonian?" in detail.
Volunteer duties may include but are not limited to:
- Introducing and welcoming visitors to the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Responding to inquiries, comments, and feedback from diverse audiences clearly, courteously and effectively
- Providing information about the Smithsonian Institution, NMAAHC and its exhibitions and daily program offerings as well as surrounding attractions
- Using knowledge of museum content to guide visitor learning in the museum's public spaces
- Initiating and facilitating conversations and using objects to spark new questions and ideas from visitors in exhibitions
- Using available resources including computers, iPads, colleagues, and print resources to answer visitor questions or concerns
- Resolving most issues that arise from visitors or bring escalating problems to the attention of volunteer managers when appropriate/necessary
- Staffing exhibitions, public spaces and exterior museum areas as needed to engage the public in conversation and provide wayfinding assistance
- Understanding the Museum's crowd management protocols and queuing plans in order to direct visitors appropriately during periods of high visitation
- Assisting with the facilitation of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences to visitors All abilities are welcome, please let us know if you need accommodations at any point during this recruitment process.
Time Commitment
The monthly time commitment is two three-hour shifts (6hrs) each month. Continued volunteer service is subject to meeting this time commitment and maintaining performance in line with volunteer requirements.
Daily volunteer shifts are:
- 9:30AM-12:30PM
- 12-3PM
- 2:30PM-5:30PM
We are looking for volunteers with availability Monday through Friday. We are not looking for assistance on Saturday and Sunday.
Requirements
- We are currently looking for volunteers with availability Monday through Friday during our opening hours.
- All abilities are welcome, please let us know if you need accommodations at any point during this recruitment process.
- Background check is required
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Volunteers must attend and complete all training in order to be on-boarded as a volunteer
*Please note, we do not offer parking*
Necessary Skills and Qualifications
- Flexible and willing to problem solve and adapt to quickly changing situations
- Reliable and willing to meet requirements and expectations set by Museum staff
- An interest in African American History and Culture and an eagerness to learn something new every day
- Ability to utilize computers, iPads, and other technology to assist visitors
- Enthusiasm for working with the museum's diverse audiences
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills or customer services experience - must be able to make each visitor feel welcome, impart relevant museum content, and resolve problems
- Comfort and confidence speaking to groups of all sizes
- Ability to work with a team
- Foreign language or ASL skills are not required but a plus
Training
The training program will be comprised of three virtual sessions and one in-person session. Volunteers must attend and complete all required trainings in order to be on-boarded into the program.
