Gallery Guide - Part Time

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Duke University’s Nasher Museum seeks a Gallery Guide to lead engaging tours and foster inclusive, inquiry-based learning experiences for diverse audiences.

You’ll use Visual Thinking Strategies to encourage discussion, manage groups up to 15 visitors, and stay informed about current exhibitions. The role supports the museum’s educational mission and Duke’s commitment to accessibility.

Qualifications

• General educational background equivalent to a high school education; college degree preferred.
• Six months of experience in a position involving public contact to acquire skills for engaging tour audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging tours of the Nasher Museum of Art and special exhibitions for K-12 school groups, adult visitors, and public audiences.
• Facilitate meaningful conversations about art using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), inquiry-based learning techniques, and open-ended questioning.
• Create welcoming and inclusive experiences that encourage participation, curiosity, and exploration.
• Manage groups of up to 15 visitors while maintaining safety and adhering to museum policies.

Skills

Public speaking

Group leadership

Communication

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma

College degree preferred

Job description

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, curiosity, and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As a Gallery Guide at the Nasher Museum of Art, you'll play an important role in creating meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Through thoughtful conversation, active engagement, and a passion for learning, you'll help connect our community with art in ways that inspire discovery, creativity, and dialogue. Whether working with K-12 students, educators, community groups, or museum visitors, you'll contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is valued and every perspective matters.

Be Bold.

As a Gallery Guide, you'll serve as a facilitator of learning and exploration rather than a traditional lecturer. Using inquiry-based teaching methods and Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), you'll encourage visitors to engage deeply with works of art, ask thoughtful questions, and share their observations and interpretations. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy connecting with people, fostering discussions, and making contemporary art accessible to diverse audiences. Through your interactions, you'll help create memorable museum experiences while supporting the educational mission of the Nasher Museum of Art.

What You’ll Do

• Lead engaging tours of the Nasher Museum of Art and special exhibitions for K-12 school groups, adult visitors, and public audiences.
• Facilitate meaningful conversations about art using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), inquiry-based learning techniques, and open-ended questioning.
• Create welcoming and inclusive experiences that encourage participation, curiosity, and exploration.
• Manage groups of up to 15 visitors while maintaining a safe environment and ensuring adherence to museum policies and procedures.
• Help protect visitors, artwork, and museum spaces through effective group management and attention to safety.
• Continuously expand your knowledge of artists, exhibitions, and artworks to engage audiences of varying ages and backgrounds.
• Participate in training sessions and professional development opportunities provided by the museum's education team.
• Review exhibition materials, catalogs, interpretive content, and other educational resources to prepare for tours.
• Represent the Nasher Museum and Duke University with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education: Work requires a general educational background normally equivalent to a high school education. College degree preferred

Experience: Work requires six months of experience in a position involving public contact to acquire skills necessary to effectively interact with tour audiences. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Other Skills

• Experience leading groups, facilitating discussions, teaching, mentoring, or presenting in formal or informal learning environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage audiences and adapt communication styles to meet diverse learning needs.
• Interest in visual arts, museums, education, or public engagement.
• Ability to learn new information quickly and present it effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills and a positive, customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule averaging 2-10 hours per week.
• Daily access to email for scheduling and communications.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 90 minutes) and assist with moving tour materials and visitor stools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in visual arts, art history, museum studies, education, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree or coursework in an arts or education-related discipline.
• Strong interest in contemporary art and museum education.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.

Key Competencies

• Facilitation and group engagement
• Inquiry-based teaching and learning
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Relationship building
• Cultural awareness and inclusion
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Enthusiasm for lifelong learning

Why Duke

• Make a meaningful impact on visitors’ experiences with art and culture.
• Develop facilitation, teaching, and public engagement skills.
• Work alongside museum professionals and educators committed to lifelong learning.
• Engage with world-class exhibitions and contemporary artists.
• Contribute to an inclusive environment that values curiosity, dialogue, and diverse perspectives.
• Be part of one of the nation’s leading universities and cultural institutions.

Choose Duke.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $25.06. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).