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Visitor Experience Assistant, Broad Discovery Center, Cambridge, MA

Posted March 11, 2024

Job Description

The Broad Discovery Center is an active, public educational space that showcases how researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and our partner institutions are seeking to understand and treat human disease. This flexible space, located in our 7,100-square-foot atrium lobby at 415 Main Street (Merkin Building) in the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, MA, hosts scientific meetings, internal events, and public programs in an appealing destination for Broad employees, visiting scientists, local residents, tour groups, high school and college students, patients participating in research, and more. 

We are currently seeking a Visitor Experience Assistant who will be the face of the Discovery Center. They will provide a welcoming and educational experience for all visitors, develop and institute new public-facing programs and activities, and collect and implement feedback to improve museum operations.

Position Summary

The Visitor Experience Assistants (VEA) will be responsible for providing an engaging experience to all visitors of the Broad Discovery Center. Reporting to the Senior Operations Specialist, Community Engagement, each VEA will be responsible for connecting guests with scientific exhibit content in an educational, inspiring, and fun way by providing compelling and personalized exhibit experiences throughout the museum. Each VEA will perform daily operational functions in support of the exhibits, wayfinding, and opening/closing of the Broad Discovery Center. 

This will be a highly visible position, and these individuals will be the initial point of contact for visitors of the Broad Discovery Center. VEAs will act as a museum ambassadors to enhance overall audience satisfaction. This would include interacting with visitors (students, educators, scientists, etc), institute employees (from science and administration), and consultants. Rach VEA will welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide information about events, education, exhibit content, museum hours, and programs.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Apply a combination of science content knowledge, educational best practices, and strong public speaking skills to engage and inspire our guests.
  • Proactively engage guests to participate in museum exhibits and programming to create personalized, guest-first experiences.
  • Lead discussions with guests by applying a conversational approach and using open-ended questions to teach science content and reach program goals.
  • Adapt guest engagement to reach diverse audiences of varying age, background, and knowledge levels.
  • Participate in team discussions and meetings to continually practice skills and improve programs.
  • Stay up-to-date on Broad’s scientific communications and achievements to incorporate into guest interactions.
  • Check on security and cleanliness of exhibit areas. Report anything out of place to the appropriate department.
  • Perform daily pre-opening checks. Make sure lights are on, and interactive media experiences are ready for visitors. Report equipment problems to relevant departments. Perform daily closing procedures. 
  • Perform regular inventory of museum printed materials, swag, and supplies, reordering as needed.
  • Greet visitors – welcome and acknowledge, provide an overview of the Broad Discovery Center, and answer questions.
  • Learn, develop, and lead group tours for a variety of audiences. Communicate with group contacts before and after tours.
  • Respond to general visitor inquiries as needed.
  • Regularly report on the number of visitors and summarize visitor feedback.
  • Help advance Broad Institute’s goals of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Education: Undergraduate level biology experience preferred
  • Experience:
    • 1-2 years’ related or relevant experience.
    • Prior formal or informal educational experience, science experience, customer service and/or outreach experience is preferred.
    • Experience working with the public and diverse audience groups is essential.
    • Basic technical skills are required for handling museum multimedia exhibits.
  • Skills and Abilities:
    • Curiosity and independent drive
    • Strong public speaking and conversational skills.
    • Ability to talk and engage guests for sustained periods either one-on-one or in large groups.
    • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
    • Knowledge of Spanish, Mandarin, ASL, or other commonly used visitor languages is a plus.
  • Behaviors:
    • Positive attitude, flexibility, and resilience required: strong love for working with people in a fun, fast-paced atmosphere.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This is a part-time, hourly position, maximum 19 hours/week, $25/hour
  • Selected candidates must be able to attend 2 weeks of training beginning July 15 (Monday-Wednesday, 9:30-3:30PM). 
  • Beginning August 1, work hours, which will be divided between the two VEAs, will shift to Monday 9:30-3:30PM (or Tuesday, when Monday is a holiday), Thursday-Saturday 9:30-5:30PM.
  • This is an on-site role at the Broad Discovery Center. Space is indoors, on the ground level, and ADA-compliant.
  • Must be available and willing to work some evenings for special events, or to provide coverage for other staff.
  • Work will largely take place on the museum floor while interacting with the public. This will require frequent moving, speaking, and listening.

The Broad Institute will not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

How To Apply:

Visit the workday page here to apply.

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