Smithsonian Docent Volunteer Coordinator/ Internal Student Hire Only

Position Title

Smithsonian Docent Volunteer Coordinator

Internal Student Position Only

Department

Library

Date

6/1/25

Reports To

Director of Library Services

Full-time/ Part-time

PT

Job Level

Senior Student Worker

FTE

Human Resources Use Only:

Exempt

Non-Exempt

I.  Job Summary

The Smithsonian Docent Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for managing the team of volunteer docents during the Smithsonian’s Human Origins exhibit at Luther Seminary. This role includes organizing and leading docent training sessions prior to the exhibit’s opening, supervising the docent team throughout the duration of the exhibit (August 15-November 16), and creating volunteer schedules to ensure consistent coverage whenever the exhibit is open to the public (Monday-Thursday: Noon-6:00; Friday: Noon-8:00). 

The Docent Volunteer Coordinator leads a team dedicated to hospitality and guest engagement, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere while maintaining a safe environment for both visitors and the exhibit.

The Volunteer Coordinator position will require some hours prior to the opening of the exhibit to help train and organize the docent volunteers.  During the run of the exhibit the position will be guaranteed 10 hours per week, with additional hours as necessary to cover empty shifts.  

This position is under the supervision of the Director of Library Services.  The rate of compensation will be $16 per hour.

II. Essential Functions

• Develops and Manages Volunteer Schedules:
  Creates and maintains a comprehensive shift schedule to ensure full docent coverage whenever the exhibit is open to the public. Steps in to cover shifts when volunteers are unavailable.
• Coordinates and Delivers Docent Training:
  Utilizes Smithsonian-provided materials to train volunteer docents, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and information to effectively assist visitors.
• Monitors Exhibit Environment:
  Helps oversee the exhibit space to ensure it remains clean, safe, and welcoming for all visitors. Promptly reports any issues or concerns to the appropriate personnel or department for resolution.

III. Qualifications

Required:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• • Manages schedules, coordinates multiple tasks, and ensures reliable coverage
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• • Communicates clearly, provides constructive feedback, and fosters a positive team environment
  • Understanding and commitment to Luther Seminary’s Welcome Statement and ABIDE framework in interactions with others
•  Comfortable working with the public
• • Confidence in addressing volunteer or visitor questions
•  Detail oriented
• • Helps ensure the exhibit space is maintained to high standards and that any issues are promptly addressed
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• • Responds effectively to unexpected challenges, such as last-minute schedule changes or visitor concerns

Preferred but not required:

• Previous experience in volunteer coordination or team leadership
• Passion for science, history, or human origins

IV. Physical Demands

• Ability to create work schedules, either by hand or using a computer
• Can move easily and perform light tasks that may require some lifting or moving of items when needed; no more than 10-15 lbs.
• Can sit or stand for longer periods of time as necessary

V. Work Environment

The exhibit will be in the narthex area outside the Chapel in the Olson Campus Center (OCC) of Luther Seminary; there will be a desk available for exhibit volunteers.  While the expectation is that the Coordinator and docents will make themselves available to the public whenever someone is visiting the exhibit, they are welcome to study or relax during their shift when the public is not present.