Visitor Experience Associate

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary: The Visitor Experience Associate strives to foster a welcoming and engaging environment to ensure guests of all backgrounds and abilities can make personal connections to history. This position is often the first people visitors meet and have the important responsibility as the face of the institution to engage with, and help visitors access all that the Missouri Historical Society has to offer. The goal of each associate is to create a meaningful experience that encourages repeat visits and membership support.

Scheduled shifts may vary weekly depending on the Museum's programs, private rentals, and events. This position has a Wednesday – Sunday schedule and includes some evenings.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Visitor Engagement and Accessibility

• Work individually and as a team to foster a welcoming and engaging environment so all guests can make personal connections to history.
• Proactively interact with guests at many points during their visit not only at the entrance and exit of the museum but throughout the entire building during their exploration.
• Facilitate engagement opportunities with visitors that deepen their relationship with MHS exhibits and collections.
• Stay current on all exhibitions, events and programs at MHM to help visitors with wayfinding through the Museum and Forest Park.
• Answer visitors' questions and concerns in a friendly and professional manner.
• Follow best practices in accessibility and be familiar with and utilize MHS accessible features to ensure that visitors of all backgrounds and abilities can enjoy our facilities and exhibits.
• Assist inter-departmental staff in facilitating our signature events and programs by helping with traffic flow, activities, communicating with other staff to ensure safety of visitors and proper use of facilities, and other duties as assigned.

Brand and Membership Promotion

• Engage visitors in learning more about MHS through active conversation about who we are, what we do, who we serve and the benefits of membership and support of MHS
• Use online platforms for a variety of duties including selling and renewing memberships; selling admission to ticketed programs; registering visitors for events and e-Newsletters.
• Invite guests to visit our café, Museum shop, and other MHS sites.
• Ensure that institutional information displayed on the floor is current.

Other Duties

• Assist security and collections staff in keeping artifacts safe by helping visitors understand our gallery guidelines.
• Facilitate opening and closing procedures to ensure the safety of museum spaces, artifacts, and visitors.
• Help in developing new engagement opportunities for visitors.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years' experience working with the public.
• An adaptable, engaging, and welcoming presence with a customer-centered mind-set.
• Flexible schedule allowing for weekend and evenings hours.
• Experience working in a cultural institution or attraction is preferred.

Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative to build relationships and engage members of the public.
• Demonstrated ability to handle high stress situations with the public. Anticipate and address problems with professionalism and empathy.
• Demonstrated ability to inclusively work with diverse audiences including making accessible accommodations for people with disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong and efficient communication skills in-person, email, and over the phone.
• Ability to comfortably use window-based computers, tablets and laptop devices; Proficiencies in MS Office Suite including Outlook, Word and Excel.
  • Understanding and ability to operate web-based museum ticketing software such as Altru.
• Experiences working in a fast-paced, environment in which schedules and details are often changing.
• Experiences promoting an organization's brand, mission, membership, programs, and/or products is a plus.
• Multi-lingual capabilities are a plus.
• Familiarity with local history and St. Louis-area attractions are a plus.

This position requires extended periods of standing and/or being out from behind a desk to engage and speak with visitors.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for Visitor Experience Associate Jobs at Missouri History Museum