Gallery Associate

Department: Education and Public Program | Reports to: Director, Education and Public Engagement | Job Type: Full-time – Regular | Workplace Location: Los Angeles – Academy Museum | Compensation: $20.00 per hour

About the Role

The Gallery Associate will take an active role in supporting the museum’s mission to provide an inclusive and accessible experience for local and global visitors. This position serves a dual role: acting as a key liaison between visitors and exhibitions while also providing security assistance within the galleries. Gallery Associates engage with visitors, encourage discussions about film and exhibitions, and ensure the safety of objects and visitors. This role requires training in museum education practices and security regulations, with paid participation in all required trainings. As frontline staff, Gallery Associates must maintain a friendly and professional attitude at all times, striving to make the museum welcoming and accessible for all visitors. This position is represented by a union.

Responsibilities

• Work well with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Champion the museum’s mission.
• Proactively engage with visitors in the galleries about the exhibitions.
• Invite and discuss visitors’ comments and questions about current exhibitions, the collection, the museum, and its history.
• Prepare for all exhibitions with thorough knowledge of curatorial content, museum education theory around inquiry-based teaching, and the work of various museum departments.
• Ensure the safety of objects in the museum in accordance with established security procedures, such as keeping visitors at prescribed distances from objects, monitoring visitor flow, and reporting incidents involving damage or touching of objects.
• Ensure the safety of visitors and staff, including assisting with evacuations during emergencies.
• Report problems, suspicious activity, and safety hazards to a supervisor.
• Secure various posts throughout the museum, including gallery spaces and other public areas as needed.
• Attend department meetings/huddles, read departmental memos, and remain aware of all policy updates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent certificate of completion.
• 1+ years’ experience working with the public (e.g., customer service, retail, teaching, museums, or other front-facing roles).
• A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• The drive and energy to play a key role in the success of the Museum.
• Flexible and highly adaptable; maintains a positive attitude when asked to shift priorities.
• Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment, and take initiative.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of film history, film objects, or film education is a plus but not required.
• Experience with security issues is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Frequently move about inside the gallery.
• Ability to be stationary 50% of the time while remaining alert.
• Ability to position self to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to move and transport at least 25 lbs.

Vaccination Requirement

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required, including any booster vaccinations as applicable. Exceptions may be made for medical and religious accommodations approved by the Office of People & Culture.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 15 days of PTO, plus company-paid holidays.
• Additional time off, including summer hours, winter hours, and a cultural floating holiday.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401k retirement plan with a company match.
• Clean Air Commuter Program.
• Employee Assistance Program through CompPsych Guidance Resources.
• Wellness benefits through Cigna Healthcare.
• Free access to 16,000+ online courses through LinkedIn Learning.
• Free Academy membership screenings.
• Free tickets and screenings at the Academy Museum.
• Employee discounts through LifeMart and Working Advantage.