Gallery Host

Job Description:

Position:	Gallery Host
Department:	Visitor Experience
Reports to:	Manager of Interpretation & Training
Job Classification:	Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Date Written:	May 4, 2023

 

Job Summary and Key Objectives:

The Gallery Host serves a key part of the Visitor Experience team which helps visitors appreciate and understand Telfair Museums’ architecture, collections, and exhibitions. Gallery Hosts are the primary contact for most visitors in the galleries and act as ambassadors for Telfair Museums. Gallery Hosts provide outstanding customer service and create a welcoming, safe, enjoyable, and informative visitor experience. They are expected to provide guests with information about Telfair’s current exhibitions, permanent collections, history, and programming. They assist in wayfinding throughout the Telfair camps and perform some safety and security functions. In this role, Gallery Hosts will interact with the public in the museum galleries and other public spaces. Gallery Hosts are responsible for undergoing training in four visitor-facing areas: visitor orientation, in-gallery experience, collection and exhibition content, and safety and security.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Enthusiastically engage guests of the museums and eagerly deliver excellent customer service and a positive visitor experience as well as enhancing the guest experience by initiating museum related, educational, and helpful interactions.
• Serve as a main point of contact for guests in the galleries and other public Museum spaces (Children’s Art Museum, theater, second and third floor atriums, etc.). Discuss artists and artwork with visitors, assist visitors with their museum experience, promote relevant programming, troubleshoot, and serve as a liaison to management if necessary.
• Promote museum programs and membership and encourage guests to visit all Telfair Museums’ locations, retail shops, and café.
• Learn provided materials about temporary exhibits, permanent collection, historical information, and programming and be able to competently and accurately share this information, through public speaking, to guests individually or in groups.
• Provide feedback on guest comments or escalate to leadership team when needed. • Verbally communicate with guests using a friendly and helpful tone and demeanor and use non-verbal communication skills such as positive body language (e.g., smiling, eye contact, good posture, etc.) to greet all guests and to encourage interactions.
• Work as a cohesive team with Front Desk Associates, Retail Shop Associates, Historical Interpreters, and Management in order to provide a warm, welcoming, and professional experience for visitors.
• Observe and report potential hazards, accidents, or injuries to guests and staff as required by safety and security protocol.
• Enforce security and safety procedures and protocols in galleries and all public spaces of the museum. Coordinate with security staff, as needed.
• Successfully complete all required ongoing training, including but not limited to: security training, audience engagement, collection training, and visitor orientation.
• Represent Telfair Museums’ brand through polished communication, personal appearance, and professionalism.
• Assist with events and programs as scheduled/needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Education:

• An interest in American History, art history, fine and decorative arts, and/or architectural history.
• Bachelor’s degree in history, the arts, or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in public speaking, lecturing, training, guided tours, or other related experience working with the public.
• Friendly, helpful and courteous; must be enthusiastic about art, history, and the education thereof.
• Ability to work with large groups independently and professionally.
• Ability to problem-solve.
• Flexibility in scheduling and assignments.
• Ability/willingness to work weekend and/or evening shifts.
• Desire to educate visitors about the historical significance of Telfair Museums and its current exhibitions.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb stairs.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Telfair Museums offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Please provide the following as part of your application:

Complete resume, references, and including salary expectations.
A cover letter addressing both your interest in Telfair Museums and your qualifications for this position.

Application:

Indicate “Gallery Host” on the subject line of the email or in the body of the cover letter.
Applications in electronic format preferred and accepted at hr@telfair.org.
Mailed applications: Telfair Museums, Attn: HR, PO Box 10081, Savannah, GA 31412.