Volunteer Opportunity at the National Museum of African Art

Interested in Volunteering at the National Museum of African Art? The Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the collection, conservation, study, and exhibition of Africa's arts across time and media. The Museum's collection of over 13,000 artworks from the tenth century to the present includes a variety of media from across the continent, spanning 54 countries, as well as a world-renowned photographic archive and library. The Museum has a continuing program of collection acquisitions, scholarly research, and public programs that seek to be relevant, innovative, and exciting for our global audiences. Apply to be a Smithsonian Visitor Information Specialist as part of the Information Desk Program! As a Visitor Information Specialist Volunteer , you will engage with visitors and inspire them to plan memorable and exciting experiences at the Museum. Volunteers provide a warm welcome and useful information to our visitors about exhibitions, public programs, services, and more. If you're looking for a volunteer role that allows you to meet people from around the world, learn about new and exciting things happening at the Museum, and be at the center of the action, this position is for you! Qualifications Dynamic and friendly individuals 18 years or older who have a desire to talk with visitors and share their enthusiasm for the Smithsonian and all that it has to offer. We are also looking for people who: show excellent customer service skills are approachable and outgoing enjoy working with diverse people have strong computer skills be cleared in a federal background check + foreign-language skills are a plus Applicants must be able to volunteer for a minimum of one year, either once a week or once every other weekend. Regular shifts are 3hrs and 45min long, scheduled from 9:30AM-1:15PM or from 12:45PM to 4:30PM. Shift scheduling will be arranged individually upon acceptance into the program. Training The training program consists of: at-home reading assignments two-day orientation to the Smithsonian and the position additional on-the-job training specific to the museum placement Training with the Office of Visitor Services for the next class of Visitor Information Specialists will take place: Friday, September 18 Saturday, September 19 Friday, September 25 Saturday, September 26 Volunteers must attend one of these OVS training weekends. Mandatory National Museum of African Art training will take place on Sunday September 27 1-3pm. Placement Process Complete an online application Interview with an Office of Visitor Services staff member to ensure mutual fit Receive tentative placement and initiate a background check Attend and complete online and in-person training Start volunteering! Please visit https://vol.si.edu/pages/app/2SMDL8TNS1OA2VHQ?osched=AOS9I9VRTP5HP8JA to learn more and start the application process! Questions: Please contact OVS-VISServices@si.edu with any questions.