Gallery Interpreter

Are you passionate about culture, the arts, natural history, and science? Do you enjoy storytelling and engaging with diverse audiences? **Join our team as a Gallery Interpreter at Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and enhance the visitor experience by providing interactive and educational engagement within the galleries and general spaces.**

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Gallery Interpreters at ROM are key to making the collections accessible and enjoyable for all visitors. Wearing distinctive red lab coats and vests, Gallery Interpreters use touchable objects, either real or reproductions, to facilitate question-and-answer sessions that connect objects to broader historical, cultural, and scientific themes. These interactions help visitors of all backgrounds gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Museum’s offerings.

Passionate about storytelling, Gallery Interpreters excel in communication, quickly building rapport with visitors, asking and answering questions, and sparking curiosity. They ensure a welcoming environment and participate in ongoing self-development to stay updated on collections, new exhibitions, and interpretive techniques.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Conduct interactive question-and-answer sessions with visitors using touchable objects to provide deeper insights into the collections.
- Use storytelling techniques to connect objects with broader historical, cultural, and scientific themes and objects on permanent display.
- Engage with a diverse audience, adapting interpretive techniques to suit different ages and backgrounds.
- Assist visitors in locating galleries, exhibitions, amenities, and facilities within ROM.
- Respond to visitor questions about Museum collections, exhibitions, events, and Membership programs, or direct them to ROM staff.
- Represent ROM with professionalism and enthusiasm, serving as a positive ambassador for the Museum and its mission.
- Safely handle and manage touchable objects, ensuring their preservation and proper use during interactive sessions.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Passion for culture, the arts, natural history, science, and museum-related topics.
- Prior experience in education, public speaking, or leading tours is advantageous.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Ability to use storytelling and question-and-answer techniques to make information engaging.
- Excellent oral communication skills, particularly in public speaking.
- Friendly and approachable demeanor, with a commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a small team with other Gallery Interpreters.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new information and procedures.
- Must be at least 18 years old and obtain a valid ROM membership before volunteer training begins.
- Must commit to a minimum of two years, with a minimum requirement of 18 shifts per year (shifts are 45 minutes long).

**TRAINING PROGRAM**:

- ** DMV Training Program**: Includes a 6-month provisional term, orientation session, and required workshops and educational programs.
- ** Gallery Interpreter Training Program**: Six sessions on Saturdays between November 2 and December 7, 2024, covering museum navigation, storytelling techniques, handling touchable objects, and more. You are required to learn the “story” of two touchable objects and related objects on display to complete your training.

**TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT**

**START DATE**:November 2, 2024
**OPEN DATE**:September 3, 2024
**CLOSE DATE**:September 20, 2024
**STATUS**:Volunteer
**GROUP**:Department of Museum Volunteers (DMV)
**LOCATION (onsite)**:Toronto, ON

**Diversity Statement**

**Accessibility Statement**
ROM is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.

**Additional Information**

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