Job Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Job Title: Gallery Guide
Institution: Preservation Long Island
About the Institution:
Headquartered in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, Preservation Long Island’s mission is to celebrate and preserve Long Island’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage through advocacy, education, and stewardship of historic sites and collections. Working to raise awareness, appreciation, and support for the celebration of a shared past, our program areas include interpreting historic sites; collecting art and material culture pertaining to Long Island history; creating publications and exhibits; and providing direct support and technical assistance to individuals and groups engaged in local preservation efforts.
Job Description:
Duration: March 15–December 2024
Reports to: Asst. Director for Operations & Programs
Position
Preservation Long Island is seeking enthusiastic Gallery Guides to join our team for the upcoming exhibition season. In addition to our permanent collection, this year’s exhibitions include Voices and Votes: Democracy in America (March 22– May 3) and The Art of Edward Lange (tentatively August 15–December). Guides will play a crucial role in enhancing theses exhibitions by engaging directly with visitors in the gallery.
Responsibilities:
- Undergo training on exhibition content and guide responsibilities (paid)
- Open and close the gallery for visitor hours
- Greet and manage visitors
- Collect admissions and book sales
- Enhance the visitor experience by providing relevant information about the exhibition, highlighting key artifacts, artworks, historical context, and general information about Preservation Long Island and its programs
- Be informed about exhibition themes, content, and historical content to answer visitor questions accurately
- Maintain gallery safety and tidiness
Qualifications
- Reliable, organized, and outgoing
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to engage with diverse audiences and adapt communication styles accordingly
- Ability to handle money, credit card processing, and a basic security system.
- An interest in history and/or the decorative arts as well as previous guide/docent and/or customer service experience are a plus.
Terms
This is a part-time seasonal position (March 15th through December 2024) with a commitment of two days per week. The weekly schedule for Voices and Votes is 10 am to 4:30 pm, Thursdays - Sundays. Guides are expected to coordinate coverage with their fellow Gallery Guide and their supervisor in the event of absence. This schedule is subject to change at the close of this exhibition.
Preservation Long Island recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce. We are committed to providing equal opportunity in employment to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
This Position is: In-Person
Position Type: Part-Time/Seasonal
Salary range: $18.00/hour
Benefits: None
How to Apply: Interested applicants should email a resume or list of experience to Elizabeth Abrams at eabrams@preservationlongisland.org
Job Closing Date: 3/5/2024
