Lead Engagement Guide

University of California, Irvine•Costa Mesa, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Engagement Guide plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the museum while ensuring an exceptional experience for every visitor. Under the guidance of the Director of Learning and Engagement this position is responsible for managing staff postings, coordinating break schedules, and facilitating smooth rotations between gallery and desk positions. The role also involves relaying daily updates to staff to maintain consistent public messaging and collaborating with appropriate departments as needed to support seamless operations. This position serves as a welcoming ambassador for the museum, greeting and orienting visitors at the front desk and in galleries, facilitating meaningful conversations around current and upcoming artists and exhibitions, and highlighting museum programs, tours, and special events.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, active listening, critical thinking.
The ability to multi-task and good time management and organization skills.
Interpersonal and work leadership skills and experience to provide guidance to other non-exempt personnel.
Knowledge and experience of hospitality and customer services best practices and strong interpersonal skills to ensure every visitor has a positive, welcoming, and memorable experience.
Interest and knowledge of art, art history and/or museum collections and exhibitions
High school diploma or equivalent experience
2-3 Years experience.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Must be able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with museum policies, ticketing/POS systems, and daily operational workflows to keep the visitor experience running smoothly and efficiently.
Experience in calmly resolving visitor complaints, staff conflicts, and unexpected operational challenges with professionalism and sound judgment.
Knowledge of emergency procedures, ADA accessibility standards, and cultural competency to create a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors and staff.
Undergraduate degree in art, history, or a related field

Responsibilities

Managing staff postings
Coordinating break schedules
Facilitating smooth rotations between gallery and desk positions
Relaying daily updates to staff to maintain consistent public messaging
Collaborating with appropriate departments as needed to support seamless operations
Greeting and orienting visitors at the front desk and in galleries
Facilitating meaningful conversations around current and upcoming artists and exhibitions
Highlighting museum programs, tours, and special events