Learning Guide I (On-Call)

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms—from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person. That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people). We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland, PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

About the role

The Learning Guide I role at the Portland Art Museum facilitates experiences for K-12 students during class visits. They create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all ages feel a sense of belonging and know their voices are valued. Learning Guide I engages groups of 8–12 students in close looking, discussion, and activities with 3–5 artworks for one hour. These participant-driven experiences foster curiosity, exploration, self-reflection, and open-ended inquiry (and fun!).

Learning Guide I participates in 25 hours of training before they begin working with students and receives ongoing training throughout the year. Training focuses on facilitation techniques, group management strategies, and learning about the artwork on view in both permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. Through their training and experience in this program, Guides develop skills in facilitation and leadership, critical thinking, visual analysis, working with youth, and working in a nonprofit arts and culture organization. They collaborate with each other and Learning Department staff in a supportive cohort that includes students from multiple universities, including Reed, Lewis and Clark, and Portland State. College and graduate students of all concentrations and majors are encouraged to apply. No studio art, art history, or museum experience required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate discussion and interaction with art with small groups of K-12 students in the galleries.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and visitors.
• Collaborate with the Head of Youth and Educator Programs, other educators, and PAM staff to deliver and continuously improve the K-12 class visit program.
• Embrace ongoing learning and a culture of respectful feedback and growth.
• Learn about the permanent collection and special exhibitions at the Portland Art Museum through training and materials provided and through independent research.
• Facilitate activities and gallery conversations during youth and educator programs and Museum free days, when available.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in either a college or a graduate program is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience working with youth is helpful, but not required.
• Proficiency in Spanish or other language in addition to English is appreciated, but not required.
• Strong interest in working with youth of all ages and developing collaborative leadership skills.
• Strong interest in art, in how people connect with art, and in how people connect with each other through art.
• Friendly, creative, and open to learning new skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to commit to a schedule.
• Ability to check email while off site and use Google Drive, Docs, Meet, and Calendar.

Schedule

• Wednesday and Friday 9:30am–1:30pm on-site plus 2 hours remote/flexible weekly for research and planning (10 hours per week).

Job conditions & physical activities

• Frequently communicating with staff and visitors.
• Frequently move around the Museum, which will include stairs.
• Occasional computer and phone use.
• Occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 10–15 lbs.

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

Pay

The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade A ($16.80 minimum – $17.31 midpoint – $17.81 maximum), based on experience.

Benefits

• Accrued sick time.
• Employee discounts.

This role is non-exempt/hourly and on-call.