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Employment Opportunities
We are the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, located in Niagara Falls, New York, and it is our mission to share the historic roles of the people of Niagara Falls in facilitating freedom for the oppressed, and we invite you to connect with our stories.
The Center is currently hiring (one) Visitor Experience Specialist. To apply, please submit a current resume/CV and cover letter addressed to the Heritage Center Director, Ally Spongr at ally@discoverniagara.org. The application period opened August 3, 2018 and the position will be open until filled.
Visitor Experience Specialist (Part-Time; 20 – 30 hours/week)
Background:
The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center uncovers the wealth of places and stories associated with the Underground Railroad found within the City of Niagara Falls, New York and surrounding region. The Heritage Center preserves the historic role of the people of Niagara Falls in facilitating freedom for the oppressed. The places and stories associated with this network of freedom seekers, free African Americans, and abolitionists evoke powerful themes in American history and celebrate the bravery of the men and women who risked their own lives to achieve the most basic rights of liberty. The mission of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is to reveal authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls and to inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery and to take action toward an equitable society.
Summary:
The Visitor Experience team is the public face of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Team members greet and orient guests, and provide meaningful learning opportunities for the Center’s visitors through interpretive techniques, including facilitated dialogue. With a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging public programs, services and events, we expand each visitor’s understanding of, and appreciation for, the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls and the enduring impact of slavery in the United States.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Working creatively with the entire Visitor Experience team, function as a historical interpreter by providing guests with accurate, interesting, and pertinent historical information about the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls in an engaging, timely, and articulate manner.
- Engage visitors in facilitated dialogue regarding the enduring impact of slavery in modern America.
- Answer visitor questions and tailor delivery techniques to maximize impact whenever possible. Follow departmental interpretive strategies in order to effectively integrate your interpretation into the total guest learning experience.
- Successfully complete training in interpretive techniques, including facilitated dialogue.
- Create a positive learning environment for visitors of all ages and backgrounds by being hospitable, approachable, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
- Assist with retail management, social media, program development, special tours, public programs, and other projects as needed.
- Manage the reception of visitors, school and other groups, admissions, telephone and administrative reception, orientation materials, and merchandise sales.
- Set expectations and make suggestions for the visitor’s experience related to the visitor’s itinerary and agenda.
- Facilitate and direct visitor inquiries to the appropriate staff person to ensure exceptional service.
- Assist with oversight of the reception area.
- Receive and process admission and sales payments and reports.
- Record visitation data; provide daily visitation and accounting reports.
- Assist with the daily opening, closing, retail components, and security of the Heritage Center.
- Assist with the implementation of emergency procedures when necessary to ensure safety for our guests, colleagues, historic structure, exhibits, and collections.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must work well with a diverse audience and have a demonstrated interest in black history and culture. Applicants are encouraged to highlight prior experience working with diverse communities and cultures.
- Applicants who possess or are pursuing a degree in a related field including, but not limited to, African-American studies, history, museum studies, art, public history, political science, marketing, or business are preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required.
- Must be responsible, flexible, punctual, and able to work well under pressure.
- Ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team is mandatory.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to stand/walk for long periods on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of conditions.
- Must work frequent weekends, evenings, and holidays.
The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We align with the American Alliance of Museums’ position that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in all aspects of museum structure and programming are vital to the future viability, relevance, and sustainability of museums.
Qualified candidates may submit a resume or c.v. and cover letter to Ally Spongr, Director and Curator, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission, Inc.: ally@discoverniagara.org.
Internships
The Center offers year-round internships and volunteer opportunities. The Center currently has 5 internships available. Select internships are offered in partnership with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (discoverniagara.org). To apply, please submit a current resume/CV, cover letter, and internship preferred, to the Heritage Center Director, Ally Spongr at ally@discoverniagara.org.
Archival Digitization Internship
