Visitor Services Associate (Chesterwood)

CHESTERWOOD

Chesterwood is the summer estate of Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), famed sculptor of the Minute Man for Concord, MA, and the seated Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Chesterwood is located in idyllic Stockbridge, MA with multiple buildings set within 122 acres. The site includes French’s Studio, the recently restored Colonial Revival Residence, and the gardens and woodland walks that he designed. The Barn Gallery houses a permanent exhibition exploring French’s life and highlighting iconic works while the Residence and Woodshed Galleries house seasonal exhibitions. Guided tours and educational programs highlight French’s life and artistic achievements while contemporary art is advanced through special exhibitions, such as the annual outdoor sculpture show, and artist residencies. Chesterwood also presents a robust performance series (ArtsAlive!) and events/programs for children.

SCHEDULE & PAY

We are hiring for a Visitor Services Associate to work Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. While the primary role is in visitor services, there will be other opportunities for marketing and events assistance outside of these hours, and into the months when Chesterwood is closed for the right individual.

Chesterwood is open to the public May 15 – October 31, Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays). The VSA shift runs from 9:30am to ~5:15pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break). Each VSA is scheduled to work at least one full day per week and may be asked to fill in shifts on other days as needed.

The hourly rate is $20/hr. and our expectation is that persons in this role will work between 8-24 hours per week.

DUTIES

• Provide an exceptional experience for all visitors.
  • Greet guests and outline visit options given day of week, time of day and specific date.
  • Convey the mission of Chesterwood and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, sharing current initiatives and upcoming programs and events.
  • Answer phone and assist callers.
  • Respond to emails and voicemails.
• Open and close Admissions, the Museum Shop and the Barn Gallery.
  • Each morning, prepare the cash register.
  • Each evening, balance the cash register and provide summary details to accompany deposits.
  • Ensure all areas are clean and tidy.
• Restock Museum Shop merchandise as needed.
• Assist in monitoring collections security (buildings, objects and grounds) and visitor safety, responding calmly and professionally to emergencies and promptly notifying supervisors of incidents or unsafe conditions.
• Assist with other site-related, marketing and event activities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to operate cash register and use systems to complete visitor transactions in a professional and timely manner.
• Effective and engaging interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with ability to speak and read English fluently.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including culturally diverse audiences, patrons, and guests.
• Problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Experience in retail establishments and the hospitality field preferred.
• Previous experience at a cultural institution is a plus.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.
• Minimum physical requirements include but are not limited to: Ability to stand or be active for periods up to 6 hours; lift book or merchandise boxes; walk over uneven terrain; climb stairs.
• BA/BA in process or equivalent work experience in retail, in hospitality or at a cultural institution.

BENEFITS

• Free Admission to ArtsAlive! events
• Complimentary admission passes
• Paid training
• Employee discount at Gift Shop