Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at Joslyn!

Joslyn Art Museum — a non-profit, cultural and educational environment — provides a variety of experiences for someone interested in volunteering. The Museum offers several options, diverse in program type and commitment level. Many volunteer opportunities present the chance to enrich your enjoyment of the visual arts as well as increase your knowledge of the museum world. In addition, you will make new friends and receive many intangible rewards while performing a valuable service to Joslyn Art Museum.

Joslyn Art Museum expects that long-term volunteers will become members and will receive the following in addition to regular benefits of membership:

Recognition in Joslyn's annual report
An additional 10% discount in the Hitchcock Museum Shop and Café Durham (for a total discount of 20%) on days of assigned volunteer shifts
A complimentary beverage during assigned volunteer shifts
Reciprocal membership in nearly 200 museums in North America, Canada, and Mexico

Requirements:

19 years of age or older
An outgoing and friendly personality
Ability to stand for moderate duration
Commitment to a regular schedule
Complete volunteer application; Click here for printable application

Mail completed application to the address at the bottom of the form, ATTN: Outreach Coordinator; or drop completed form off at a Joslyn Art Museum entrance desk; or click here to e-mail the Outreach Coordinator about sending your application electronically.

Volunteer Hours:
Varies based on type of volunteer work. Most shifts are monthly and 2–4 hours.

Training:
Training varies according to the program. Orientation will be provided by your staff contact, and you will be paired with an experienced volunteer if needed. Typically, training is on-the-job and hands-on. A staff member is always available if you have any questions.

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Joslyn's Hitchcock Museum Shop
Joslyn Information Assistant (JIA)
Membership Department
Joslyn's Abrahams Library
Joslyn's Witherspoon Concert Hall Usher - Full
Scott EdTech Gallery

Click here for information on Joslyn Art Museum's volunteer docent program.

Joslyn's Hitchcock Museum Shop
Joslyn's Hitchcock Museum Shop features a wide array of unique merchandise for adults and children. Responsibilities include cash handling skills, simple computer skills or the willingness to learn, interest in talking to a variety of Museum guests, and desire to learn more about Joslyn's collections and special exhibitions.

Expected commitment is at least two 3–hour shifts per month. Volunteers are needed during all public hours and for special events when the shop is open.

Joslyn Information Assistant (JIA)
Joslyn Information Assistants (JIAs) help at the Visitor Services Center or for special programs. Responsibilities include greeting visitors, providing directions within the Museum, handing out printed material, and answering general questions. Most importantly, JIAs create a warm, inviting environment for our visitors, enhancing their experience at Joslyn Art Museum.

You will be provided written schedules, and updated information on upcoming events and exhibitions, including the opportunity to learn more about the Museum and its activities.

Expected commitment is once a month on a Saturdays (10 am–1 pm or 1–3 pm) or Sundays (noon–3 pm). Weekday or evening opportunities are occasionally available.

Membership Volunteer
The Membership Department meets the needs of members, donors, and promotes membership in the Museum and throughout the community.

Membership Volunteer Areas Include:

Membership Table: greeting visitors, providing information, and taking membership applications and payment
Office Work: stuffing envelopes, filing, and data entry
Evening Events: greeting visitors, providing information, and taking membership applications and payment

Expected commitment is one shift per month on a Saturday (10 am–1 pm or 1–3 pm) or Sunday (noon–3 pm). Weekday hours are between 8 am and 4 pm in the membership office or, for special events, at the membership table in the atrium. Volunteers are occasionally needed for special evening events.

Library Volunteer
Joslyn's library meets the needs of staff, scholars, students, and the general public. Volunteers are responsible for opening and closing the library, helping visitors locate books, and providing general information. Volunteering in the library includes a variety of assignments, such as maintaining special files, computer work, or special projects.

No experience necessary, but familiarity with online catalogs and good customer service skills are a plus. A desire to promote the library resources and assist patrons is required. Training includes orientation with the librarian, followed by pairing with an experienced volunteer.

Expected commitment is one 3– or 4–hour shift per month during regular Library hours, Tuesday, 10 am–2 pm, and Saturday, 10 am–4pm.

Joslyn's Witherspoon Concert Hall Usher - FULL
Joslyn Ushers are ambassadors for programs in Joslyn's Witherspoon Concert Hall. The Museum frequently presents programs for its members and the general public as well as offers the Witherspoon Concert Hall to area organizations and promoters as a rental facility. Joslyn Ushers provide quality service and help create a positive experience for patrons at these concert hall events.

Duties include handing out concert programs, guiding people to their seats, and helping with directions. You must have the ability to move quickly and safely up and down stairs and to stand for periods of time.

Scott EdTech Gallery Volunteer
The Scott EdTech Gallery provides educational resources for visitors, including Art Packs for families, audio and gallery guides, books and computers. Volunteers are responsible for opening and closing the gallery, and they assist with maintaining and distributing the educational resources, as well as keeping the gallery neat and user friendly.

Good customer service and computer skills are helpful, as well as either a background in art history/education or an interest in both.

Training will be during the shift with the Education Coordinator of Outreach, Tours and Visitor Resources.

Expected commitment is one shift per month, either on Saturday from 9:45 am-1 pm or Sunday from 11:45 am to 2 pm.

Become a Joslyn Docent!
Joslyn Art Museum is seeking new Docents, specially trained volunteers who conduct tours of the permanent collection and special exhibitions for children and adults.

The two-year Docent preparation program begins September 14 and continues on Mondays throughout the school year. The program provides a foundation in the history of art, information related to Joslyn Art Museum's collections and special exhibitions, and training in touring techniques. Classes include lectures, discussion, gallery exploration, and independent study. While a background in art history, education, studio arts, or humanities is helpful, the most important requirements are a desire to learn about art and a commitment to share that knowledge with the public. In addition to comprehensive training, docents enjoy a variety of other benefits such as

Continuing education for all Docents, including walkthroughs of special exhibitions with Curators; presentations, workshops, and demonstrations by guest lecturers and staff; opportunities to visit regional cultural institutions and museums
20% employee discount in the Hitchcock Museum Shop on all non-sale items
Annual Docent Appreciation Luncheon
20% discount on purchases made at Café Durham
An enriching, rewarding environment of comradeship, learning, and fun!

For details or an application, please call Joslyn's Deputy Director of Museum Collections and Programs, at (402) 342-3300 ext. 270, or Associate Curator of Education, Adult and Special Program at (402) 661-3862, or visit our website at www.joslyn.org. A printable application is available by clicking here.

Qualified candidates are interviewed and chosen based on their prospective ability to communicate information about art knowledgeably and enthusiastically. Docents must be Joslyn members. Application deadline is August 17, 2009.

To volunteer or with questions, email volunteer@joslyn.org or call (402) 661-3823.