Tour Associate

Eames Institute•Richmond, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world. With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today. About the Role The Tour Associate plays a key front-facing role in providing an engaging, educational, and welcoming experience for Eames Institute visitors. This position involves leading public and private tours, supporting school and group visits, and assisting with onsite and offsite events and programming. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, comfortable with public speaking, and enthusiastic about art, architecture and/or design.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous experience in customer service, education, museums, or hospitality.
Comfortable with public speaking and interacting with diverse groups.
Dependable, punctual, and professional in appearance and attitude.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
Frequent walking, standing, and moving throughout galleries, exhibition spaces, and storage areas.
Ability to handle, move, and position fragile and valuable artifacts with care; may involve lifting items up to 50 pounds.
Occasional climbing of ladders or use of lifts to access or install exhibits.
Regular use of hands and fingers for detailed work, including artifact examination, documentation, and handling delicate materials.
Extended periods of computer work for research, collections management, and administrative duties.
Visual acuity required for close inspection of artifacts and reading fine print on labels or documents.
May require occasional travel for exhibition planning, conferences, or collection acquisition.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Multilingual or fluent in a second language.
Knowledge of museum subject matter (e.g., art history, science, local history).
Experience using audio/visual equipment or event support tools.

Responsibilities

Leading guided tours for public visitors, groups and special guests at our Richmond location and at events and programming in San Francisco.
Welcoming tour guests, including checking them in, showing them to the restroom, offering them water, taking their coats, etc.
Providing accurate and clear information on tours, the tour experience, tour logistics and tour retail.
Greeting and assisting visitors in a friendly and courteous manner.
Delivering engaging and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
Preparing the retail, gallery and warehouse spaces ahead of tours.
Processing retail transactions using Shopify, restocking merchandise, ensuring all displays are tidy and well-organized.
Monitoring inventory levels and update the inventory in Shopify as needed.
Assist in the execution of public programs, community events and private functions.
Help with event logistics, including setup, registration, guest services, and cleanup.
Collaborate with event and programming staff to ensure smooth operations during events.
Occasionally serve as event attendant.