Specialist, Museum Engagement (Temporary, Part Time)

Specialist, Museum Engagement

(Temporary/PT)

Cincinnati Museum Center

Reports to: Manager, Museum Engagement

Department: Museum Engagement

FLSA Status: PT, Non-Exempt

$15.00 per hour

Temporary- January 2026 through April 2026 to include the Featured Exhibition: Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.

Four full days of availability, including evenings and at least one weekend day required

Position Overview:

Have you ever wanted to work in a historic building that holds multiple museums? Cincinnati Museum Center may be the place for you! Here at Cincinnati Museum Center, we have a talented team of Museum Engagement staff who are the front-facing team across the gallery spaces in The Children’s Museum, Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and Featured Exhibitions. The Museum Engagement Specialists work with guests of all ages, especially those in early childhood (ages 0-8) to help them and their families learn and explore together. They ensure guests have an enriching, educational and safe experience through engaging with guests, interpreting exhibits and objects, and facilitating learning through play.

We welcome candidates with a wide range of experience and backgrounds. While prior knowledge in local history, natural history, science or early education is a plus, we are looking for someone who is eager to learn about a variety of topics. We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• A passion for culture, natural history, and science.
• Proven experience engaging diverse audiences, including children, youth, and families.
• Facilitation of discovery and play with families and guests in all museum spaces.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to foster inclusivity and positive experiences for visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
  
  
  

We encourage you to apply if you are committed to making education engaging and accessible and eager to inspire others with the wonders of our world. We especially desire engaging teammates who enjoy interacting with small and large groups of people from a variety of racial, cultural, ethnic, gender, and generational backgrounds with sensitivity and active listening. If you are someone with a passion for our museums, working with children, public speaking, and excellent communication skills, this is the job for you!

During this temporary position you will be particularly involved with our Featured Exhibition, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.*

This powerful and educational exhibit contains sensitive subject matter that can be emotional and challenging.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Fulfill floor operations duties, including gallery interpretation and programming, coverage across all gallery spaces and opening/closing responsibilities.
• 5-15% of time: Fulfill cross-training duties including greeting guests and welcoming them to the building and taking tickets at museum or exhibit entrances.
• Represent Cincinnati Museum Center by welcoming and engaging guests through effectively sharing credible information. Ensure that guests have a safe and memorable visit.
• Work collaboratively with other Cincinnati Museum Center team members, adult and youth volunteers, and interns to create a cohesive and comprehensive visitor experience for Cincinnati Museum Center guests.
• Assist with training for new staff and volunteers through being shadowed while on the museum floor and when delivering programs
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Training or experience in Early Childhood or Elementary Education (ages 0 – 11) or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in presenting programs, teaching, performing or customer service is a plus.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Passion for working with guests, especially young children
• Self-motivated and proactive; curious and able to learn new information quickly.
• Ability to remain calm and react in a balanced manner in times of stress.
• Ability to speak and interact with large and small groups of people from a variety of racial, cultural, ethnic, gender, and generational backgrounds with sensitivity and active listening.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently and collaboratively, and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced museum environment.
• Ability to understand and address sensitive topics with a sense of compassion and inquisitiveness and feel comfortable answering questions about all aspects of featured exhibits.
• Ability to handle difficult guest interactions, including guests who may have a customer service issue, who may wish to disturb the experience of others, or who may have an emotional reaction to the exhibit.
  
  
  

Please be aware of the following scheduling requirements:

• The successful candidate must have a flexible schedule, including:
• Weekends
• Select evenings
• Peak periods
• A minimum commitment of four (4) days per week is required, which must include at least one weekend day.
• Peak periods of activity include:
• Thanksgiving and Holiday Seasons
• Spring Break
• Applicants should be prepared to accommodate these scheduling needs to ensure optimal guest experiences during our busiest times.
  
  

Additional Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Must have reliable transportation.
• Some days will be fast-paced and may be mentally and physically demanding.
• Must be able to stand or walk for long periods.
• Majority of time is spent on the museum floor facilitating educational programs, interpreting exhibits and providing excellent customer service moments to a variety of guests.
• Occasional time is spent in a typical office environment with periods of intermittent sitting and standing, keyboard usage, occasional bending, stooping, lifting, and typing.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) a plus.
• Please, note there are areas of low and special effect exhibit lighting in some gallery spaces.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; to use arms, hands, and fingers to handle or reach. The employee must occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs throughout the day. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Cincinnati Museum Center values diversity and inclusivity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What To Expect In Our Interview Process

• Initial conversation: A 15-20-minute telephone conversation with a hiring manager to discuss your interest in the role and CMC and how you can make an impact in this role and the organization.
• First interview: A 45-60 minute in-person interview with the hiring manager(s). This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align within the team and CMC’s needs and a tour of the Children’s Museum.
  
  
  

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and other checks depending on the role.

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Cincinnati's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At CMC, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: CMC promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and other institutions to provide student resources and to underscore our dedication to research and accessibility.
  
  
  

What are the benefits of working at Cincinnati Museum Center:

• You would be part of so many meaningful experiences, inspiration, and lasting memories for many, many guests. You would enjoy free membership for you and your family for a year. Even, complimentary tickets to featured exhibits and Omimax films. Of course, free parking would apply, and even discounts for food and beverages as well as discounts at the gift shop!
  
  
  

Cincinnati Museum Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.

Our website is: https://www.cincymuseum.org/jobs