Federal Work Study - Visitor Experience Ambassador

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Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) - The Museum of the African Diaspora celebrates Black cultures, ignites challenging conversations, and inspires learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora. The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is a San Francisco based nonprofit organization that was conceived as a cornerstone of the economic and cultural revitalization of the city’s downtown area. MoAD brings people of all ages and ethnicities together to explore and appreciate the culture, history and art of people of African descent within the United States and throughout the world. MoAD invites everyone to engage in the cultural expression of the African Diaspora through contemporary art.

The Visitor Experience Ambassador plays a key role by supporting the daily responsibilities of the Museum's admissions desk and retail operations, and staffing the front desk, serving as the initial welcome for all visitors. This position interfaces with the public and ensures that the general appearance of all work and lobby areas is well maintained. They serve as an ambassador for MoAD, proactively providing visitors with information about exhibitions, programs, and memberships, and setting the foundation for visiting the museum space. This position includes shifts at both the front desk and in the galleries.

The Visitor Experience Department offers valuable opportunities for training and hands- on experience in multiple aspects of museum work, including art interpretation, public engagement, merchandising, sales, bookstore operations, and customer service. This position serves as an ambassador to MoAD, actively providing visitors with information about exhibitions, programs, and memberships, as needed.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated with experience in customer service and/or retail, strong communication skills, and desire to learn and be an active member of a fast-paced public-facing department. Interest or experience with book/museum store operations, gallery attendant, and/or knowledge of the African Diaspora is a plus.
 

Responsibilities:

Front of House Admissions and Retail

• Staff admissions desk, providing a confident and attentive presence for staff and visitors.
• Promote museum membership.
• Ensure quality service, effective merchandising, and a positive visitor experience
• Maintain visual appearance of bookstore through regular cleaning, organization, and visual merchandising; ensure integrity of inventory.
• Be present as core in-house staffing at both private and public events as scheduled.
• Be informed of upcoming public events and communicate details to guests.

Gallery Presence and Interpretation

• Monitor visitor behavior to ensure the safety of the artwork.
• Politely and clearly inform visitors not to touch artwork or use flash photography, when applicable.
• Remain vigilant and alert to ensure that museum policies are respectfully enforced.
• Report any suspicious activity, maintenance needs, or security concerns to the appropriate staff.
• Greet all visitors with a positive and open-minded attitude.
• Provide basic information about MoAD’s exhibitions, programs, and mission.
• Communicate artwork themes and artist perspectives in a respectful, inclusive, and culturally aware manner.
• Offer guidance to help visitors navigate the galleries and answer questions related to the artwork and exhibitions.
• Stand and move throughout gallery spaces for extended periods.
• Stay stationed in assigned areas while maintaining visibility and attentiveness.
• Create a welcoming environment for all guests, including people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service, proven experience with positive public interaction, and sales experience.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: African Diaspora literature, museum operations, contemporary visual arts, publishing, and/or bookstore operations.
• Effective written and oral communications skills; able to write and speak clearly, and present information to a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Word, Excel and email, and the capacity to quickly learn and master new systems.
• Enthusiasm for contemporary art and the mission of MoAD.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; must be comfortable speaking about art with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in customer service, hospitality, museum, or cultural institution role required.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.
• Cash handling experience preferred.

Location:

685 Mission Street, San Francisco, 94105

Pay Rate : 

$22.00 per hour

Application Deadline:

September 28, 2026.

Work Schedule:

Up to 20 hours per week*
Includes some weekend hours and the ability to work when school is not in session is preferred.

Federal Work Study schedules can work up to 20 hours per week*

*Federal Work Study - work schedules MUST NOT conflict with the student's class schedule.

Length of Employment: The student's starting term at the Academy of Art University through graduation.

Academy of Art University offers part-time employees paid sick leave.

Academy of Art University is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will be considered regardless of age, Aids or HIV positive status, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition or genetic characteristics, race or national origin, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender or sexual orientation, name change, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other status protected by federal, state, local or other law. Academy of Art University will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Equal access to the hiring process, services, and employment is available to all persons. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected].