Museum Volunteer

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Learning and Community Collaboration Administrator, Volunteers at the PMA play a vital role in engaging visitors with the museum and its collections and exhibitions. Volunteers help the museum through a service position by leading drop-in public tours, guided adult tours for special interest groups, and assisting with community and outreach programs. This group of individuals serve as ambassadors for the museum by reinforcing the museum's mission as a vital cultural center. An art background is not required, but individuals are expected to share excitement and enthusiasm about art.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare for and facilitate drop-in guided tours and privately scheduled visits.
• Participate in curator-led tours and tall‹s to learn more about special exhibitions and new works on view.
• Participate as Ask Me volunteers by signing up for shifts, maintaining visibility in the galleries, and interacting with visitors. This includes events like Art in Bloom, Third Thursdays, Exhibition openings, and Family Days.
• Represent PMA at select off-site community events by helping to manage a table of PMA resources and activities for participants of all ages.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and skills in facilitation of conversation.
• Flexible, friendly and outgoing personality.
• Commitment to volunteer public service and to working with diverse populations.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for art, including contemporary art and architecture.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for all areas of the Portland Museum of Art's collection, mission, goals, and programs.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Friendly, courteous, empathetic, and engaging presence with all museum visitors and staff, including those of all abilities, age, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Fosters relationships and builds support with patrons at the PMA by displaying behavior that welcomes all individuals contacted in the course of work.
• Communicates and works effectively with staff, volunteers, and visitors; represents the museum in a positive and professional manner.
• Models exceptional customer service for all visitor locations, including gallery spaces.
• Complies with all PMA safety rules and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Contribute a minimum of 12 volunteer shifts per year.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical ability to guide groups through the museum on foot or with mobility aids; audible and clear speaking voice; adequate or corrected hearing to allow interaction with the public. Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The PMA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our museum. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, status as a whistleblower, marital status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maine Human Rights Act, it is the policy of PMA to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact PMA's Human Resources at 207-699-4072 or masanza@portlandmuseum.org.

All requirements and shifts are considered to be essential, unless otherwise indicated.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.