Gallery Interpreter, Part-Time Job at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis in I

OVERVIEW

The Gallery Interpreter, as part of the Interpretation team, works part-time to assist with delivering experiences within the galleries. The Interpreter provides immersive and interactive experiences for children and families, researching and performing informal interactions, tours, costumed characters, and storytelling while assisting with gallery maintenance. The Interpreter works in designated galleries and is cross‑trained across other museum galleries.

The Children’s Museum DEAI Commitment

The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provides exceptional service and experiences to the visitors and guests of the museum.
• Maintains general knowledge of all museum galleries and in‑depth knowledge of interpretation programs for designated galleries.
• Interacts positively with visitors, responds to questions and concerns, resolves visitor concerns quickly and tactfully, and provides first aid and assistance to lost children.
• Stays visible and approachable in designated galleries, adhering to museum policies and procedures.
• Facilitates programs primarily in designated gallery spaces, maintaining a high level of content knowledge for quality experiences.
• Completes training in museum interpretation standards and attends all gallery trainings for changing exhibits.
• Prepares presentations for designated interpretation programs by researching content, memorizing scripts, and honing presentation techniques.
• Prepares gallery spaces daily, maintaining a safe and inviting atmosphere, greets visitors, performs daily care and cleaning of exhibits, completes checklists, reports maintenance and safety concerns, and sets up/takes down props and furniture for rehearsals and performances.
• Presents programs and interacts with visitors between 6–7 hours per day, including set‑up and take‑down, audience gathering, and post‑performance discussion.
• Maintains cleanliness of costumes and uniforms and notifies Supervisor/Lead or Operations Manager of larger needs; maintains daily audience attendance records.
• Engages visitors to help them understand gallery concepts and content, implementing educational interpretive experiences to achieve exhibit goals and objectives.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Strong presentation and customer service skills with experience working with children and youth in formal and informal environments.
• Theater experience preferred.
• Must work a flexible weekday, weekend, evening and some holiday schedule, including 1–2 evenings per month covering special events; the museum is open 6–7 days per week.
• Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment that values diversity and is child‑centric.
• Interacts with visitors and co‑workers in a supportive, positive, and friendly manner.
• Maintains behavior patterns acceptable to co‑workers and the general museum culture.

Ada Requirements

• Required to review log sheets, keep track of visitors and materials in gallery.
• Must be able to view activities and exhibit components, observe gallery space, and frequently use computers.
• Must be able to engage in heavy verbal, electronic and public presentation communication as well as present ideas and information to large audiences.
• Must be able to manipulate activities, clean and maintain exhibit spaces and use dexterity.
• Must be able to traverse and navigate the museum building and campus adeptly several times daily.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit for extended periods, bend, kneel, climb and reach; able to lift 45 pounds; tolerant to dust in the environment.