Welcome Ambassador, Houghton Library, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted September 14, 2026

Job Description:

The Welcome Ambassador greets and orients researchers, students, faculty, and visitors to Houghton Library and its reading room, exhibition galleries, classrooms, and program spaces. They serve as the initial point of contact for the library and create and contribute to an inclusive and positive environment for members of the Harvard community and the general public. The Welcome Ambassador plays a critical role in promoting Houghton Library and connecting its collections of archives, manuscripts, rare books, and other materials to a diverse and multi-faceted group of library users and visitors. They focus on the patron and visitor experience to ensure that all visitors enjoy a positive encounter with the library.

The Welcome Ambassador is responsible for prioritizing the patron and visitor experience to give all people coming to the building an exceptional encounter with Houghton Library. They should have a strong sense of hospitality, enjoy working with the public, and possess a sincere interest in libraries. They must exhibit an outgoing nature, flexibility, and good judgment, and be able to resolve customer issues independently.

Position Duties:

Create a warm and welcoming presence for Library researchers and visitors. Actively greet the researchers and visitors and provide information, wayfinding, and an orientation to Houghton Library.
In coordination with the Public Services Division and Scholarly and Public Programs Department, share information with researchers and the public about Houghton Library mission, exhibitions, collections, programming, events, services, and classes.
Answer routine and general inquiries about Houghton’s collections, mission, and history, as well as questions about Harvard Yard and Harvard Square, including amenities, dining, and transit.
In coordination with the Head of Teaching and Learning and other Houghton staff, welcome students and faculty to the library for classes and manage the flow of students to classrooms.
Understand and communicate library policies and procedures to visitors and researchers, including security, safety, coat/bag check, rules regarding food and drink, and reading room protocols.
Receive visitors and staff arriving at the library for appointments with Houghton staff and direct accordingly.
Confirm all digital and analog public signage is up-to-date, accurate, and functioning properly.
Alert the Houghton Security Office of any security concerns, including self-observed issues and reported visitor concerns.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

High school graduate or equivalent, preferably with some formal training beyond high school, such as two years of college coursework or an Associate’s degree.
One year of related experience – education beyond high school may count toward experience

Preferred Qualifications:

A commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population, including international researchers and visitors, and visitors of all ages.
Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of experience and education
One or more years of customer service experience
Ability to engage with visitors in a professional and courteous manner
Team-oriented disposition with strong customer service skills.
Interest in libraries, museums, and/or other cultural institutions.
Ability to multitask during periods of high volume
Excellent oral communication
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work collegially and creatively within and across organizations
Knowledge of general office applications. MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and Google Suite
Working speaking knowledge of a language other than English including, but not limited to Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish

Hours & Compensation:

The salary for this position is $19.00 per hour with a schedule of Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

How To Apply:

To apply for this position, submit your resume via the job board linked here.
Contact with questions – [email protected]

Start date: September 21, 2026
End date: December 18, 2026