Employment and Opportunities

The Danforth Art Museum is excited to offer Museum Ambassador positions for Framingham State University (FSU) students. Museum Ambassadors will provide a crucial service which advances our educational mission by conducting tours and providing educational programs for the general public (children, adults, and families).

The ideal candidate must demonstrate a genuine interest in art and be comfortable presenting dynamically to groups. A professional and positive attitude are essential. Museum Ambassadors provide a welcoming atmosphere with a sensitivity to our diverse community. Conversational Spanish and/or Portuguese skills will be considered an asset. Candidate should also demonstrate flexibility and willingness to learn and be willing to learn and follow a set of standards. Must be willing to commit to regular and weekend work.

This is a part-time, hourly position that reports to Katherine Tako-Girard, Learning & Engagement Coordinator. The position runs from October 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024 with potential for continued employment in successive academic semesters. The rate of pay is $15/hour and includes compensation for training in addition to service hours.

To apply, please find our listing on FSU’s Handshake portal. Applications are open now until September 22, 2023.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• • Complete a comprehensive training including introductory reading, participatory activities, and observations of museum staff.
  • Attend 2-3 supplementary trainings each semester for temporary exhibitions.
  • Act as the Museum host by welcoming groups and assisting with general questions and issues, and sharing these with museum staff.
  • Welcome group participants and conduct tours.
  • Be knowledgeable about Museum programs, exhibits, and events in order to be an effective ambassador during tours.
  • Maintain visibility, friendliness, and approachability at Museum Welcome Desk. Circulate throughout Museum, maintaining visibility and a friendly demeanor.
  • Provide at least 4 private group tours each semester.
  • Twice a month, provide tours to drop in visitors on a Saturday: Highlights Tour or Temporary Exhibition Tour.

Minimum Qualifications:

• • Team player with a professional, positive attitude, and the ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Experience or education in art, art history, history, public speaking/communications, education/teaching can be helpful, although not required.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
  • Reliable and dependable.
  • Must be enthusiastic, cheerful, and willing to learn.
  • Must be interested in working with people, especially school age students and senior citizens.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Background in one or more of the following areas: customer service, hospitality, storytelling, visual arts or STEAM.
  • Experience leading participatory experiences.
  • Fluency in (spoken) Spanish or Portuguese.

This year-round leadership program for teens provides valuable experience in educational functions at the Danforth Art School and the Danforth Art Museum.

Danforth Assistants serve the art school by helping with overall program facilitation during Summer Arts, our highly popular summer program for children, as well as school vacation week workshops and scheduled events which take place year-round. Assisting at the school includes working directly with children, providing support for teachers, preparation of materials and studio spaces, organization of supplies, and various administrative tasks. Danforth Assistants serve the museum by providing tours of the exhibitions to children during Summer Arts and providing support during public programming such as Drop Into Art and other events.

We typically welcome several Assistants back each year, which allows us to place roughly 15 new leaders every Spring.

Placement in the Danforth Assistantship Program provides many benefits upon successful participation in the program*. These include a modest stipend, one free class during the Fall, Winter or Spring sessions, valuable leadership experience, individualized mentorship and important references for college transcripts.

Danforth accepts applications from responsible, reliable, and energetic teens currently enrolled in or entering high school or college. Successful participation is considered to be:

• Attendance at a mandatory four-session training course taking place on Saturdays during the spring, which will provide the necessary training for summer programming and service in the museum
• Completing at least four weeks of service during Summer Arts
• Serving at three public events at the Danforth over the following year as well as 2 days during School Vacation Weeks in February or April
• Submitting an agreement which outlines understanding of expectations and a commitment to work on agreed upon dates

Applications are accepted until March 28, 2025.  All selected applicants will require an interview. Please email (preferred) this completed application, along with any other references and a current resume to kdeantonio@framingham.edu with the following word in the subject title: “Assistantship Application”. Or, mail to us, Danforth Art School, Attention: Kathy DeAntonio, PO Box 1901, 100 State Street, Framingham, MA 01701

Application for 2025

The Art School is seeking highly qualified teachers for our Children and Teen programs. We are especially looking for those with experience in elementary level and teachers who have availability on the weekends and during the summer. Faculty members at the Danforth have a strong body of personal artwork in addition to an expansive view of  how to teach art. Please apply here.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience teaching art to youth
• Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Art fields, Education or related fields
• Demonstrated evidence of artistic expertise

Additional Information:

• This is a part-time non-benefited, contract position, not to exceed 18 hours per week. The scheduled hours vary. The pay rate is $35 per hour.
• Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.
• Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
• Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.