careers
guest experience associate
what we value
Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where all children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.
the role
National Children’s Museum is a world-class institution that aims to spark children’s imaginations and encourage them to dream. Steps off the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs. As Guest Experience Associate, you will help realize this vision for hundreds of thousands of guests each year.
A critical member of the Museum team, the Guest Experience Associate will focus on the admissions area of the Museum. The role of the Guest Experience Associate is to make the Museum come to life and run efficiently, ensuring the Museum is a welcome, exciting, and accessible space for all.
what you’ll do
visitor engagement & guest experience
- Model warm, inclusive, and engaging guest service by actively interacting with children and families throughout the Museum to inspire curiosity, play, and learning;
- Welcome and assist visitors at the admissions desk; scanning tickets, operating POS and CRM systems, orienting guests to the space, and answering questions;
- Provide clear, friendly information while fostering a welcoming environment where all families feel valued and supported in their exploration of the Museum;
- Explain and sell memberships, ensuring an understanding of all membership levels and requirements;
- Respond promptly and professionally to guest concerns, lost children, accidents, and customer-service issues, following Museum protocols;
- Accelerate guest concerns, as needed.
exhibit, facility, & operations support
- Perform opening and closing procedures and assist with exhibit startup and shutdown;
- Maintain clean, safe, and well-stocked exhibit and public areas throughout the day, resetting spaces and restocking materials, as needed;
- Report maintenance or safety concerns promptly and support guest and staff safety by following established protocols;
- Assist with guest flow in high-traffic times, including field trips, family programs, and special events;
- Use the current CRM (HelpScout) to respond to general inquiries;
- Ensure the gift shop is fully stocked and organized. Restock and request inventory, as necessary;
- Liaise with the cafe for operational support; and
- Provide support for cross-departmental activities such as birthday parties, field trips, and Museum events onsite and offsite.
team participation & continuous learning
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and ongoing professional development;
- Remain knowledgeable about Museum exhibits, programs, policies, and guest engagement strategies; and
- Welcome additional responsibilities as needed to support smooth Museum operations and ensure a joyful visitor experience.
important experiences + traits for this role
- Comfortable working with children and their caregivers;
- Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and guests;
- Previous experience with young children and their families in recreational settings or experience in retail, sales, or customer service required;
- Demonstrate patience, professional demeanor, and even temper in stressful and changing situations;
- Ability to communicate and interact with children, adults, and large groups in a fast-paced, high-volume environment;
- Ability to observe and learn from visitor feedback and behavior;
- High school diploma or equivalent experience;
- Fluency in a second language, a plus; and
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
physical demands + working environment
- Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; lift up to 40 lbs.; and interact with children and adults, including a three-story climber and slide;
- Occasional outdoor work;
- Fast-paced, highly sensory environment with frequent interaction with children and families;
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship;
- Reliable punctuality and attendance required; and
- Availability on weekends, occasional evenings, and holidays.
details
hours + location
National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Part-time position up to 32 hours per week. Working special events, evenings, and holidays will be necessary. Minimum number of hours/shifts per week are required.
compensation
$18.50/hour This position receives sick time based on the District of Columbia requirements. This position does not include health insurance.
to apply
To indicate interest, please send resume and cover letter to hr@nationalchildrensmuseum.org with the subject line: “Guest Experience Associate”.
The National Children’s Museum is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, personal appearance, sexual orientation, political affiliation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, marital status or any other category protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment at NCM, including, but not limited to recruitment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and development, access to facilities, discipline, separation of employment and other terms and conditions of employment.