museum operations associate (part-time)
National Children’s Museum is a world-class institution dedicated to sparking children’s imaginations and encouraging them to dream big. Located steps off the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through playful science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs. As an Operations Associate, you will help realize this vision for hundreds of thousands of in-person and virtual visitors who engage with the Museum each year.
what you’ll do
As an Operations Associate, reporting to the Operations Coordinators, you will be a critical member of the team. You will help the Museum run more efficiently by interacting with our guests; supporting Museum programs and events; helping to resolve ticketing and other operations challenges; and making the Museum a welcoming, exciting, and accessible space for all guests.
Promote a welcoming environment by engaging with children and families to maximize learning and enjoyment in the Museum;
Provide excellent customer service and a fun experience for all guests;
Provide guests with information regarding Museum exhibits, special events, birthday parties, and ticketing information;
Help organize and maintain the gift shop, including restocking and selling items;
Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and trainings;
Operate Museum software after receiving training;
Perform Museum opening and closing procedures as assigned on a daily basis;
Support educators as needed during field trips, family programs, and special events and assist with crowd control;
Adhere to Museum policies and procedures; and
Welcome other tasks and responsibilities as needed to ensure the Museum’s success.
what we believe are important experiences + traits for this role
Comfortable working with children and their caregivers;
Previous experience with young children and their families in recreational settings or experience in retail, sales, or customer service preferred;
Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and guests;
Exhibit patience, professional demeanor, and even temper in stressful and changing situations;
Ability to communicate and interact with children, adults, and large groups in a fast-paced, high-volume environment;
Ability to observe and learn from visitor feedback and behavior;
High school diploma or equivalent experience;
Fluency in a second language, a plus; and
Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
physical demands + working environment
Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods, move up to 50 lbs., and interact with children and adults in our exhibits, including a three-story climber and slide;
Occasional work outdoors;
Fast-paced, highly sensory, stimulating work environment due to constant noise and interaction with other staff and visitors, which includes children;
Punctuality and attendance required;
Availability on weekends, evenings, and holidays; and
Uniform/dress code (masks are optional for visitors and staff).
location
National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
hours
Part-time position. The workweek for this position is Wednesday-Monday. The position offers up to 32 hours per week. Schedule to be determined with supervisor based on availability and Museum needs. Working special events, evenings and holidays will be necessary at times.
compensation
$18.50/hour
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Museum Operations Associate.“
what we value
Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where all children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.