Opportunities

(Contract)

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) seeks a creative, engaging independent tour guide to design and lead private, in-gallery tours for diverse audiences. The guide will provide a focused look at the Museum’s current exhibitions, while also underlining MAD’s attention to skilled makers whose cross-disciplinary practices frequently span craft, art, and design. The ideal candidate will have experience with teaching and/or public speaking, a great sense of humor and genuine interest in meeting new people, excellent presentation skills, and a strong background in the history of craft and/or design. 

This is a temporary contract position that pays $150 per tour, dependent on demand for private bookings. The position will support the Museum’s Marketing, Communications, and Group Sales teams and reports to the Visitor Experience Manager.

Private tour bookings are determined according to incoming requests, so in this role the guide will be expected to be available at least three days between Tuesday-Friday, with some flexibility on the weekends.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead inquiry-based exhibition tours for diverse audiences.
• Conduct independent research as well as incorporate Museum’s educational materials into the tour.
• Communicate with the Visitor Experience Manager and Group Tours Coordinators regularly to determine availability and confirm dates and times for private tour bookings.
• Attend all (paid) training sessions provided by the Curatorial department on the exhibition.
• Submit invoices biweekly in a timely fashion. 

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong foundation of best practices for gallery teaching. Availability to lead ~45 minute private tours during the week, Tuesday-Friday, with occasional weekend tours.
• Interest in and scholarly and/or curatorial knowledge of contemporary craft and/or design.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Visitor Engagement, Marketing & Communications, and Curatorial Department’s staff.
• Ability to receive and implement feedback.   
• Promptly respond to email and phone communication with Visitor Experience Manager and Group Tours Coordinators.
• Ability to adhere to schedules, deadlines, and administrative guidelines. 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in a public-speaking role (educator, tour guide, teacher assistant, etc.) in an art museum or other educational setting.
• Ability to research, develop, and present an engaging and informative tour experience for a wide range of visitors, with varying degrees of information about the subject matter (novice to knowledgeable).  
• BA or higher in education, art, art history, museum education, visual arts, or a related field.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields and presents the work of artists, designers, and artisans who apply the highest level of ingenuity and skill. MAD provides an opportunity for its employees to enrich and develop their love of art, craft and design while contributing their specific skills, expertise, and talents. www.madmuseum.org.