Lead Interpreter, Special Exhibits

Job Details

Description

OVERVIEW:

The Lead Interpreter, Special Exhibits (SPX) works to develop and implement world class interpretation programs, providing the highest quality immersive and interactive experiences for children and families for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The incumbent researches, creates and performs a full range of interpretive programs including informal interactions, tours, costumed characters, storytelling, and dramatic presentations in the Special Exhibits galleries. The lead personally sets an example for others through the study and delivery of interpretation while employing appropriate techniques for fostering family learning.

The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plays an integral role in the establishment of interpretive programs in the special and temporary exhibit galleries, exemplifying the best performance standards in the field of museum theatre and interpretation.
• Presents/performs programs consistent with Museum’s standards and vision of family learning; interacts directly with visitors each day including facilitated programs, informal interactions and special presentations.
• Prepares for the presentation of specifically designated interpretation programs by researching subject matter, memorizing scripts and talking points, and honing presentation techniques and skills. Maintains a dynamic and flexible approach to programming, making daily or hourly adjustments to ensure that established gallery standards are always met.
• Engages visitors to deliver dynamic concepts, content, service and instruction. Implements educational interpretive experiences in all assigned galleries to achieve the goals and objectives of the experiences; conveys and reinforces the main messages and exhibit concepts to visitors.
• Provides excellent customer service. Knows and adheres to museum policies and procedures. Interacts positively with visitors and respond to questions and concerns. Resolves visitor problems quickly and tactfully. Remains visible and approachable in designated galleries at most times.
• Assists in the training of staff and interns.
• With the Supervisor assesses volunteer needs, participates in the selection and on-boarding procedures, and serves in a supervisory capacity leading volunteers in interpretive techniques for educational experiences with the SPX galleries.
• Assists in the evaluation of staff and audience response to presentations, maintains daily audience attendance records; assist with logistics and organizational readiness for related programming.
• Acts as a point person for supplies and maintenance in assigned galleries. Submits signage requests, publication copy, and evaluation forms for approval. Completes checklists and reports all maintenance and safety concerns at appropriate staff.
• Remains cross-trained in all required gallery spaces and in others, as needed, in order to be well-rounded and knowledgeable.
• Assists in maintaining schedules for gallery programming and staff, attends interpretation team meetings, serves as point person for volunteers and staff, and appropriately delegates tasks and responsibilities. Adheres to open communication across the department in order to share relevant information on an ongoing basis.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, theater, education or a related field, preferred.
• Theater, education, or related interpretation or performance experience, preferably working with children and families. Relevant work experience in working with diverse audiences. Knowledge of family learning as it applies to a museum setting.
• Aptitude for public speaking, interpersonal communications, and dynamic presentation skills.
• Must be able to consistently providing accurate and engaging interpretation to our visitors.
• Knowledge of education theories and learning styles.
• Requires appreciation for life-long learning and museum education.
• Must be willing and able to work well individually and as a member of our team of dedicated educators.
• Requires exemplary organizational, problem solving and negotiation skills.
• Must be willing to work a flexible weekday, weekend, evening and holiday schedule, including 2-3 evenings per month covering special events.
  
  

Ada Requirements

• Must be able to observe gallery space, view activities and exhibit components, and use computers.
• Must be able to communicate face-to-face and through telephone conversations with staff, youth and public. Must be able to project voice when presenting.
• Must have dexterity for keyboarding, manipulating activities, general office work and program facilitation.
• Must be able to stand, walk and sit for extended periods; bend, kneel, climb and reach. Requires ability to lift 40 pounds. Must be able to tolerate dust in the environment.