Visitor Services Representative

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment –including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. HMSC is a partnership of public museums in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East (HMANE), the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI), and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (PMAE). To learn more about HMSC's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website https://hmsc.harvard.edu/ 

As members of the front-line staff at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, Visitor Services Representatives deliver the highest level of customer service to ensure that all museum visitors have a positive experience. This position involves welcoming visitors and groups, processing admissions payments, and conveying general museum information to the public in a professional manner. The position may also support admissions and retail transactions in the Shop at Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), and admissions at HMANE and CHSI, as part of the museums’ comprehensive staffing plan.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Greet visitors and provide assistance and information on an array of topics, including exhibits, directions, building amenities, membership, passes, programmatic offerings, and general Harvard and departmental information as appropriate. Direct incoming calls and respond to inquiries from the general information phone lines. Assist with processing school and commercial group visits using a computerized reservation system. Perform transactions on a computerized Point of Sale (POS) system. Assist with basic opening procedures of the museums, be familiar with daily memos and schedules, and restock print materials and merchandise. Assist with basic closing procedures, including daily accounting and reconciliation, maintaining the neatness of admissions areas, and securing the main entrance. Respond to public safety issues and emergencies as required; report any physical plant or operations issues to the appropriate staff. As part of the museums’ staffing plan, this role is expected to provide support across HMSC visitor services locations, including the Shop at HMNH, as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:  This in-person position is based in Cambridge, MA.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to routinely lift up to 30 lbs and climb stairs.
 

Basic Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• One year of experience in a public-facing role; education may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Retail experience is a plus
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, computer aptitude, punctuality, and a positive, team-oriented approach.
• Familiarity with operating a computerized cash register.
• Demonstrated proficiency in accomplishing multiple objectives in a fast-paced, high-volume atmosphere.
• Attention to data accuracy and adherence to established departmental policy and procedure.
• Interest in museums is helpful. 
• Additional language skills a plus. 
• Weekends and some holidays required. Note that the museums are open for business 357 days per year, and Visitor Services staff are considered essential employees, continuing to work throughout the year.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 22.5 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate:  New hires can anticipate a salary somewhere in the lower end of the salary range.  The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience. 
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
   

Other Information:

Schedule: 7.5 hours Tuesday-Thursday

FAS Human Resources will make all formal written offers. 

#LI-CK1

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 049. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.