Gallery Guide - Part Time

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

8d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

As a Gallery Guide at the Nasher Museum of Art, you'll play an important role in creating meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Through thoughtful conversation, active engagement, and a passion for learning, you'll help connect our community with art in ways that inspire discovery, creativity, and dialogue. Whether working with K-12 students, educators, community groups, or museum visitors, you'll contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is valued and every perspective matters. As a Gallery Guide, you'll serve as a facilitator of learning and exploration rather than a traditional lecturer. Using inquiry-based teaching methods and Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), you'll encourage visitors to engage deeply with works of art, ask thoughtful questions, and share their observations and interpretations. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy connecting with people, fostering discussions, and making contemporary art accessible to diverse audiences. Through your interactions, you'll help create memorable museum experiences while supporting the educational mission of the Nasher Museum of Art.

Requirements

Work requires a general educational background normally equivalent to a high school education.
Work requires six months of experience in a position involving public contact to acquire skills necessary to effectively interact with tour audiences.
Experience leading groups, facilitating discussions, teaching, mentoring, or presenting in formal or informal learning environments.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to engage audiences and adapt communication styles to meet diverse learning needs.
Interest in visual arts, museums, education, or public engagement.
Ability to learn new information quickly and present it effectively to a variety of audiences.
Strong collaboration skills and a positive, customer-focused mindset.
Ability to work a flexible schedule averaging 2-10 hours per week.
Daily access to email for scheduling and communications.
Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 90 minutes) and assist with moving tour materials and visitor stools.

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred
Background in visual arts, art history, museum studies, education, or a related field.
Bachelor's degree or coursework in an arts or education-related discipline.
Strong interest in contemporary art and museum education.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Lead engaging tours of the Nasher Museum of Art and special exhibitions for K-12 school groups, adult visitors, and public audiences.
Facilitate meaningful conversations about art using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), inquiry-based learning techniques, and open-ended questioning.
Create welcoming and inclusive experiences that encourage participation, curiosity, and exploration.
Manage groups of up to 15 visitors while maintaining a safe environment and ensuring adherence to museum policies and procedures.
Help protect visitors, artwork, and museum spaces through effective group management and attention to safety.
Continuously expand your knowledge of artists, exhibitions, and artworks to engage audiences of varying ages and backgrounds.
Participate in training sessions and professional development opportunities provided by the museum's education team.
Review exhibition materials, catalogs, interpretive content, and other educational resources to prepare for tours.
Represent the Nasher Museum and Duke University with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence.