Docent, Muscarelle Museum of Art

Overview:

A docent is a teacher, serving the Museum and the community in the field of art education. The word “docent” is derived from the Latin word ‘docere,’ meaning ‘to teach.’ Docents are knowledgeable, enthusiastic people who act as liaisons between the Museum and the public.

Muscarelle Docents are trained volunteers dedicated to connecting with visitors through guided and shared gallery experiences focused on the study and appreciation of the visual arts. Muscarelle Docents are unpaid volunteers of the Museum and serve as the forward-facing representatives of the Muscarelle to the greater community at the discretion of the Muscarelle Director.

Your Role:

Docents contribute to the Muscarelle Museum of Art in several ways:

· Touring: Docents serve as public tour guides for all guests visiting the Museum. They inspire a love of art and help guests develop a greater understanding and appreciation of art. As ambassadors for the Muscarelle, docents interact with the public and provide excellent customer service to guests to ensure a positive visitor experience.

· Research: Docents develop their own 20- to 30-minute tour of Muscarelle exhibitions to present their tours. Docents will receive information on exhibitions from curatorial staff, and will have the opportunity to work with peer docents on crafting their own tour.

· Outreach: Docents give presentations at local schools and community organizations.

Qualifications / Skills:

· Proven and positive customer service experience.
· Excellent verbal/written communication and public presentation skills.
· Willingness and openness to work with other peer docents and receive feedback.
· Readiness to learn, practice, and apply various museum, education, and facilitation approaches.
· Curiosity in and passion for the arts, education, and the William & Mary and greater Williamsburg community.
· Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and age ranges.
· Willingness to collaborate with Muscarelle staff and fellow volunteers in shaping learning practices.
· Comfortable leading and managing groups of ten or more within gallery spaces.

Required Education / Experience:

· Successful completion of one-year Muscarelle Provisional Docent training program.
· Knowledge of general Museum practices and procedures, including customer-service techniques and etiquette.
· Proficiency in computer skills including Internet browsers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
· Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and provide a high level of customer service to a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.

Docent Expectations:

· Maintain annual membership in the Museum.
· Commit to a minimum of eighty (80) volunteer hours per fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
· Sign up for a minimum of eight public Museum tours each academic year.
· Regularly attend docent meetings and training sessions. Monthly meetings are held from 9–11am on the second Monday of each month, August–May. Training meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month from 9am–12pm.
· Abide by the general rules of access and conduct for all Muscarelle Museum of Art staff and volunteers.
· Knowledge of all Museum security and emergency procedures, including regular security training.
· Always show respect for other docents, Museum staff, and visitors.
· Be willing to study outside of regular training sessions.
· Other duties as assigned.

Something to Consider:

· Requires intermittent sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day, with constant interaction with the public and Museum staff.
· Use of technology including computers, QR codes, point-of-sale systems, or other visitor management tools.

How to Become a Docent:

· The Muscarelle announces openings for docent training classes, typically every other year.
· Admission to the docent program is by invitation only.
· Interested applicants complete a docent application and sign up for a 20-minute interview with the training committee.
· An information session is held prior to interviews so prospective applicants can learn more about the program.
· Accepted applicants become provisional docents.
· Provisional docents attend monthly training sessions and complete assigned readings and homework.
· Provisional docents present a 20-minute tour as their final assignment. The training committee grants a pass/fail grade in April.

Volunteer Perks:

· Annual William & Mary faculty/staff parking pass upon completion of required 80 service hours in the prior fiscal year.
· Invitations and early access to exclusive behind-the-scenes programs.
· Invitations to docent trips, workshops, and special programs.
· Invitations to spring and fall docent luncheons.
· Accumulate volunteer service hours toward incentives through the Muscarelle Volunteer Loyalty Program.
· Networking and engagement opportunities with a like-minded group of peers.