Overview:
Completed in 1913, Grand Central Terminal became the country's busiest train station serving commuter and long distance rail lines and bringing development to midtown Manhattan. The New York Transit Museum (NYTM), together with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Metro-North Railroad, is planning a year-long series of exhibits, events and programs to commemorate the historic train station's Centennial, kicking off on February 1, 2013.
The centerpiece of the Centennial celebration will be the TransitMuseum's Grand by Design multimedia exhibition located in Grand Central's highly trafficked Vanderbilt Hall. The exhibition tells the dynamic story of this iconic building in nine sections. The exhibit will be free and open to the public, 7days/week from 8 am to 10pm. With an estimated 750,000 people passing through Grand Central daily, Grand by Design will be seen by millions of visitors during its six week run.
The TransitMuseum is seeking energetic, creative, articulate individuals to interact with the public in the exhibit, lead visitors on free mini-tours, and bring added value to the visitor experience within the exhibition. Docents are expected to quickly learn exhibit content, craft and master unique mini-tours based on provided materials, and lead tours in a charismatic fashion, providing a welcoming and friendly presence in this majestic space.
Hours: 11am-7pm daily, 4 hour shifts. Must commit to minimum of 4 shifts weekly
Start date: January 28, 2013. Commitment required through March 15, 2013
Responsibilities:
- Master historic material, develop a unique and creative mini-tour based on these materials, and lead animated tours of varying lengths through the Grand by Design exhibit
- Represent the TransitMuseum within the exhibit, interacting with visitors to optimize their experience and ensure their safety and the safety of objects on display
- Engage visitors of varying ages, from early childhood to adults, and enhance their understanding of the exhibition and Grand Central
- Attend training sessions prior to the exhibit opening (last week of January) to learn content of exhibition, tour talking points, and background on Grand Central
- Work closely with the Program Developer and other exhibit docents to problem-solve and maintain a high level of visitor satisfaction in Vanderbilt Hall during the run of the exhibition
Qualifications:
- Experience performing in front of a variety of audiences within museums, theater, performing arts or other creative communication settings
- Ability to quickly master content and develop tour material
- Stamina and mobility to stand and move about exhibition for long periods
- Outgoing, able to initiate dynamic learning-focused conversations and interaction
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, and ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
