Gallery Ambassador, Part-Time, Seasonal

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Visitor Experience and Safety, the Gallery Ambassador is responsible for safeguarding the artworks on display in the galleries. Responsible for providing exceptional visitor experience, exemplary customer service, education, and exhibition interpretation.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Diligently patrolling the galleries to protect the works of art on display throughout the museum.
• Works as a key member of a visitor-centered and education-oriented staff to ensure museum visitors have a positive onsite experience by providing answers to frequently asked questions, and promoting and assisting with museum events, programs, and resources.
• Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude to promote the PMA (Portland Museum of Art) through responsive and accommodating in-person and call center service.
• Participates in regular trainings and workshops on topics including accessibility, anti-racism, customer service, exhibition content, visitor engagement strategies, interpretation, and inquiry-based conversation. Attends staff exhibition trainings, All-Staff meetings, and program planning meetings as able.
• Monitors visitors in museum areas to provide smooth flow of visitation, while keeping artwork and visitor safety as main priority.
• Reports any artwork incidents, visitor feedback, and gallery observations to supervisors. Promptly reports any hazardous conditions in the galleries.
• Enforces all museum guidelines and safety protocols in a friendly manner and proactively addresses visitor needs and concerns.
• Communicates consistently with visitors to ensure positive museum experience and serves as an advocate for visitors by assisting with use of museum educational resources.
• Contributes to regular educational gallery programming including tours and gallery talks.
• Promptly responds to emergency situations such as fire, evacuation, and medical emergencies.
• Goes above and beyond to ensure visitor satisfaction, promoting museum exhibitions, the PMA Store, the PMA Caf, and programming including PMA Films, tours, lectures, workshops, Winslow Homer Studio tours, and other special events or collaborations.
• Seamlessly transitions between assignments in galleries, PMA Store, admissions desk, and call center.
• Maintains museum standards of cleanliness by cleaning, organizing, and tidying public spaces daily. Performs routine clerical functions as assigned, such as marking prices on items for sale, and other routine tasks.
• Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or equivalent with one to three years of customer service and/or retail experience. Experience in one or more of the following areas is a strong advantage: education/teaching, hospitality, retail, or visitor/guest services.
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to assert oneself when needed to enforce policies and protect artwork.
• Provides exceptional customer service in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
• Ability to remain calm under stressful situations and identify and positively resolve visitor issues in the moment.
• Strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with coworkers and a variety of individuals contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to operate computers, tablets, phone systems, and assigned software.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to take initiative, exercise good judgment, and follow instructions.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Communicates and works effectively with staff, volunteers, and visitors; exercises tact and diplomacy at all times; and represents the museum in a positive and professional manner.
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Fosters relationships and builds philanthropy with patrons at the PMA, as defined by displaying behavior that welcomes all individuals contacted in the course of work. This may include answering questions, utilizing approachable body language such as smiling and making eye contact, thanking people for visiting the PMA, and other open and engaging behavior on a daily basis.
• Friendly, courteous, empathetic, and engaging presence with all museum visitors and staff, including those of all abilities, age, and backgrounds.
• Models exceptional customer service for all visitor locations, including gallery spaces.
• Supports programmatic initiatives related to PMAs multifaceted inclusivity and diversity action plan, designed to promote inclusiveness, prevent discrimination, and create an organization that challenges and changes practices that present barriers.
• Complies with all PMA safety rules and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• CPR certification preferred.
• Foreign language skills a plus.
• Adherence to PMA dress guidelines.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.
• Ability to work a set schedule during weekdays, weekends, and evenings, as well as some holiday hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in a museum setting and is working with the public and all that entails. Occasionally exposed to toxic fumes and loud noises.
Must be able to assist visitors with strollers and wheelchairs. Physically able to stand for extended periods of time, able to bend and/or stoop, climb, and lift to 25 lbs. to perform tasks that may be required in the course of museum operations. Work involves extended periods of standing and/or walking and may require lifting and moving heavy objects.
Uses and/or operates various security equipment and devices, including two-way radio, intercom system, camera system, keypads, safe, PA system, and alarm systems. May operate cash register, computer, and other office equipment.
POSITION DETAILS:

Effective Date: July 2023
Pay Basis: Hourly
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Seasonal
Union Position: No
Pay Grade: B