GENERAL SUMMARY Under the general supervision of a Manager of the Museum Experience and Safety team, the Gallery Ambassador is responsible for an exceptional visitor experience by providing exemplary customer service, education, and exhibition interpretation while safeguarding the Portland Museum of Art (PMA). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:• 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 through responsive and accommodating in-person and call center service.• Supports the PMA’s strategic goal to advance a culture of inclusivity and diversity.• 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 Café, 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.• Supports the PMA’s strategic goal to advance a culture of inclusivity and diversity.• Fosters relationships and builds philanthropy with patrons at the PMA, as defined by displaying behavior that welcomes all individuals contacted during work hours.• Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.• Complies with all PMA safety rules and procedures.• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.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:• Friendly, courteous, empathetic, and engaging presence with all museum visitors and staff, including those of all abilities, age, and backgrounds.• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff, volunteers, and visitors; to always exercise tact and diplomacy and to represent the museum in a positive and professional manner.• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.• Ability to assert oneself when needed in order 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.• CPR certification preferred. • Foreign language skills a plus.WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:• Must be able to assist visitors with strollers and wheelchairs. • Physically able to stand for long periods of time, able to bend and/or stoop, climb, and lift up to 25 lbs. to perform tasks that may be required in the course of museum operations.• Adherence to PMA dress guidelines.• Ability to work a set schedule during weekdays, weekends, and evenings, as well as some holiday hours.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. Work involves extended periods of standing and/or walking and may require lifting and moving of 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.

TERMS:

The Gallery Ambassador position is a full-time, full-benefits, hourly, non-exempt, employment-at-will position.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS:

The PMA requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted in accordance with CDC guidelines. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster status is required.

TO APPLY:Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job applications will be accepted electronically only and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.