Guides and Tours Specialist (School Group Focus)

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Guides and Tours Specialist (School Group Focus) 

Full-time (37.5 hours weekly, including Thursday evenings and weekends), non-exempt, union

Hourly rate: $32.92 - $33.66

Onsite

 

 

The Job

The Guides and Tours Specialist ensures an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all ages by training guides to offer tours and interactive experiences. This individual is responsible for enhancing and evaluating both the student and guide experience, fostering learning, and promoting the museum’s mission and exhibitions.

 

 

In this role, you will…

1. Guide Program Training and Development: In collaboration with the Senior Manager of Guides and Volunteers, assist in creating and delivering learning workshops for Guides, developing educational content for both in-person and self-guided museum tours, and establishing best practices and procedures for all tour programs. Supports the Guides office to ensure the delivery of high-quality tours that meet visitors' needs and help attract and retain volunteers in support of the Museum’s mission. This may include, but is not limited to:

· Assist with the ongoing implementation of the full Guide lifecycle program and processes including recruiting, onboarding, learning and development, coaching, evaluation and feedback, and off-boarding / honorary status. 

· Deliver and train Guides on guided and self-guided educational content that is tailored to school tour groups and diverse student learning styles. 

· Provide Guides with clear and accurate information about the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and cultural significance. 

· Works with Curatorial division staff to provide Guides with training necessary to stay current with gallery rotations, new accessions, and special exhibitions and ensure all programming and tours are aligned with museum goals, initiatives, and educational standards.

· Maintain designated office hours in the Guide lounge for questions and support, and lead quarterly school guide meetings.

· Train Guides on how to manage student group dynamics, keeping tours informative, engaging, and positively reflecting Mia's values.


2. Tours Content

· In consultation with the Senior Manager Guides and Volunteers and key stakeholders, create tour scripts, educational materials, and resources in print and/or digital formats that are adaptable to a variety of audiences and require minimal updates, ensuring consistency and sustainability across all school tours. 

· Provide Guides with current information about exhibits and collections, notifying them of any changes, ensuring accessibility and engagement.

· Lead dynamic and interactive tours for diverse school group audiences, provide back-up for the Guides and Tours Specialist I (Adults).

 

3. Guide Communications

· Interact positively and professionally with Guides, and respond to questions or address feedback in a timely and appropriate manner. 

· Adapt communications or presentations based on Guide needs.

· Foster positive relationships with Guides and Volunteers, ensuring all communication reflects the museum’s core values and mission. In addition, maintain a professional and positive view of the organization, employees, and strategic initiatives with Guides and Volunteers.

· Support Guide Newsletter with articles and messages on a quarterly basis and send weekly updates to Guides on changes to museum collections, resource materials, upcoming trainings and continuing education opportunities, office hours and other messaging from the division as needed.

· Design Tour Checklist for all Guides to use on tours to create a consistent experience and ensure key elements aren’t missed.

 

4. Guide Program Evaluations

· Shadow tours and provide real time feedback and coaching with Guides on a regular basis.

· Hold Guides accountable for meeting all facets of guide policies, procedures and tour program best practices, by consistently addressing any needs immediately in a productive, professional manner.

· Based on evaluation insights provided, identify opportunities for training and improvements.

 

5. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

 

 

Requirements:

Required:

· B.A. or B.S. degree in Art History, Education or related field

· Curriculum Development: Knowledge and ability to design engaging, age-appropriate, and interactive learning experiences.

· Facilitation Skills: Ability to guide discussions, activities, and learning experiences that encourage participation and critical thinking.

· Strong Communication Skills: Ability to write and deliver clear instructional materials, guides, and resources for Guides to meet tour group needs. 

· Ability to listen: able to adjust approach based on Guide and learner needs, questions, and feedback.

· Technology: proficient in Google Workspace with strong knowledge of project management software (preferably Asana), solid understanding of volunteer coordination software like Artifax or StaffSavvy, experience working with WordPress and video recording equipment, and knowledge of posting to YouTube private channels as needed. 

· Relationship Building: Ability to create positive, supportive relationships with Guides, colleagues, and visitors - fostering a welcoming learning environment.

· Empathy and Patience: Understanding and patience with diverse groups, adapting to different paces and comfort levels.

· Skills in managing group dynamics: ensures a positive and safe learning environment.

· Ability to handle conflicts or disruptions effectively and professionally.

· Data-informed decisions: ability to use analytical skills and insights from evaluations to modify content and provide coaching to Guides

· Excellent organizational skills: able to manage multiple calendars, schedules, and deadlines simultaneously with ability to prioritize tasks. Agile and able to work well under pressure with diverse audiences.

 

Preferred:

· Masters degree in Art History, Education or related field

· Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience or experience in museum education

 

 

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

 

 

Mia Benefits and Perks

Health and Wellness: Mia offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and vision coverage. We have a wellness and employee assistance program to support your overall wellbeing.

 

Financial Security: We provide financial peace of mind with a variety of options, including a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health expenses and a Dependent Care Account (DCA) for dependent care expenses.  Our 403(b) Retirement + Savings Plan includes a percentage of salary contribution from Mia after two years of employment (and minimum hours and age eligibility requirements are met).

 

Additional Perks: In addition to paid vacation, personal, sick days, enjoy a balanced work-life with a 37.5-hour work week and 11 paid holidays. 

 

Join Mia and enjoy a workplace that values your health, financial security, and personal development, all while contributing to a vibrant cultural institution.

 

 

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit.

 

 

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews. 

 

 

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

 

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

 

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

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