Museum Experience Specialist

**Our Story**:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect, and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

**General Purpose**:
Brings stories to life in a dynamic, thought-provoking way, under the supervision of the Heads of Content and Experience and in collaboration with community partners. Assists with researching, developing, and presenting relevant, inclusive, innovative, and visitor-centred museum experiences for diverse audiences that support and further the values of the Region of Waterloo.

**Duties/Responsibilities**:

- Assists in cultivating and promoting a respectful, harmonious environment for learning and discovery that inspires curiosity, exploration, dialogue, and trust; encourages and enables a diverse population of museum visitors to explore meaningful connections between past, present and future; and fosters a loyal museum visitor base. Assists in creating dynamic community conversations and deconstructing history to better reflect our community.
- Supports the Heads of Content and Experience in the development of programs, events, and hands-on experiences, to connect objects and stories stewarded by the museums to contemporary issues in the community, in line with the museum’s interpretive plan.
- Seeks out and connects with community members, under the supervision of the Heads of Content and Experience, to broaden the perspectives reflected in museum content and programming.
- Assists in nurturing existing partnerships, and supports the development of new affiliations with organizations and individuals that are representative of our community, to ensure museum experiences are inclusive and effectively reflect the diverse voices and perspectives of the community.
- Explores, researches, and engages new stories about museum collections, sites, and spaces, collaboratively with co-workers and under the direction of the Heads of Content and Experience.
- Presents programs to school students, community organizations, and the public, on and off-site, under the guidance of the Education Coordinator. Assists with program bookings and summer camp programming and delivery, as required.
- Provides exceptional customer service and informs supervisor of issues that require immediate attention or follow-up.
- Provide timely, meaningful feedback to the supervisor to assist with evaluating programs and methodologies, based on objectives set out at the program design stage.
- Supports museum strategic planning, and as part of a cross-functional team, supports the development of exhibits and associated programs. Acts as a Museums ambassador, including occasional contact with the media.
- Supports guest services, as required (e.g., greets/orients groups, processes payments, answers phones).
- Assists with and/or performs daily opening and closing of site(s); event/program preparation, set up and clean up; purchasing materials/supplies; basic housekeeping and security (as required); and the care and custody of the program materials, artifacts, and costumes.
- Refers complex and unusual issues to the supervisor for guidance and direction.
- Performs related duties as assigned.

**Knowledge, Skills & Abilities**:

- Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year degree/diploma in a related field (such as but not limited to history, art, theatre), plus 2 years of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
- Skill and experience developing and delivering public programs and/or events in a museum or similar setting.
- Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation.
- Communication and presentation skills to convey information so it is meaningful to audiences, build rapport and establish trust with audiences, customers, and co-workers; provide guidance and support to students and volunteers; exchange information and collaborate with co-workers; and participate as an effective team member.
- Experience working with and developing relationships with diverse community members. Familiarity with principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a broad understanding of how they impact museum work.
- Ability to read, research, and interpret reports and resource materials. Ability to prepare clear, concise program materials and reports.
- Familiarity with and ability to learn traditional trades, domestic crafts and activities, gardening