Tour & Education Associate

Tour & Education Associate

Department: Education

Reports to: Tour Manager

Part Time (Up to 28 hours a week and works at least 3 days a week)

Position Description

Ford House Tour and Education Associates are responsible for leading tours of the estate’s historic Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Grounds while overseeing the safety of visitors and the security of our historic buildings and their collections. They are also responsible for answering visitor questions, helping to maintain the general cleanliness of historic buildings, and communicating with Visitor Services and Security staff as needed. They will be required to work with tour related technologies, assist with educational and community programs as needed (including school field trips), and participate in ongoing training.

Tour & Education Associates must be available a minimum of 25 hours a week and must be available to work 3 days a week (not including Mondays). One of these days must be a Saturday or a Sunday. Nights, weekends, and some holidays are required based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Learn multiple guided tours with support from management and lead all guided tours of the estate.
• Staff the estate’s historic buildings. Accurately perform opening and closing procedures and assigned housekeeping duties for these buildings.
• Oversee the safety of visitors and the security of our historic buildings and their collections.
• Communicate with visitors, and provide accurate information about the collections, estate, Ford family, and various events, programs, tours, and exhibitions happening throughout the year.
• Assist with educational and community programs, such as school programs and field trips, art workshops, fitness and teen programs, festivals, and fill in where needed.
• Act as an ambassador and promote Ford House’s mission and values during each visitor interaction.
• Model the organization’s visitor experience standards when engaging with visitors.
• Provide explanation, interpretation, and ensure visitors adhere to Ford House guidelines and policies, including assisting visitors with checking bags, coats, and umbrellas, and provide visitors with strollers and wheelchairs as needed.
• Assist management and security in the safety and well-being of guests in the event of an emergency.
• Participate in regular training and workshops and commit to ongoing prof essional development.
• Maintain confidentiality of museum information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Requirements

• An interest in history and museums.
• Confidence and skill in public speaking and storytelling.
• Ability to master significant amounts of information and translate that information into coherent and engaging narratives.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Flexible and capable of improvisation.
• Demonstrate cultural competency.
• Demonstrate computer and digital technology competencies.
• Welcome and incorporate constructive feedback.
• Embody our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) mission in all interactions.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

Key Characteristics/Traits

• Positive and outgoing personality.
• Enjoy public speaking and presentations.
• Responsible, reliable, and able to use good judgment.
• Friendly, empathetic, and engaging presence with all visitors and staff, including those of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.
• The flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations.

Qualifications/Education

• Minimum H.S. Diploma/GED and relevant work experience required.
• Minimum of one year of customer service experience required.
• Bachelor’s or college courses in art history, education, museum studies, anthropology and/or history preferred.

Other Job Requirements

• Successful completion of background check.
• Must attend all training and educational sessions and commit to ongoing professional development.
• Must wear required uniform. A uniform shirt and nametag will be provided. Appropriate pants and shoes must be provided by the employee.
• Physically able to stand and walk through the rooms of the House and Grounds for long periods of time, able to use a computer, able to bend and/or stoop, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs. to perform tasks that may be required in the course of museum operation.
• Ability to stay calm and help manage emergencies according to Ford House protocols, and complete CPR training and recertification.

Please no phone calls.

Ford House is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person