Adjunct Tour Specialist, ASL

About the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About the Department

The department of Interpretation develops, advises on, and evaluates narratives and frameworks across our galleries and digital spaces, generating engagement, prompting discovery and exploration, and presenting new perspectives. Interpretation is an artwork – and audience-centered: we aim to illuminate the significance of artworks, ensure that our choices for presentation have a positive impact on visitors’ experiences, and create dialogue with visitors, inviting them to bring their whole selves to conversations in our galleries. We are committed to developing accessible interpretive approached and strategies that celebrate the uniqueness and importance of the Art Institute’s collection.

Position Summary

As part of the area of Gallery Activation within the department of Interpretation, the Part-time Adjunct Tour Specialist develops public and private gallery tours in American Sign Language (ASL), engaging audiences more closely with the museum and with art in our collections and exhibitions. They help shape socially relevant thematics and storylines, contribute to realizing these through in-gallery experiences, and integrate accessibility strategies throughout. This position requires onsite time commitment to lead and support tours and other programs as appropriate.

Tours and other programs are offered on an as needed basis only, and as the Adjunct Lecturer’s non-museum schedule allows. Adjunct Lecturers must lead at least 4 tours within every calendar year to remain active.

Responsibilities

• Plans and leads gallery tours in ASL on an as-needed basis. Tours are typically 45 minutes to 1 hour, though formats and compensation rates may vary.


• Independently researches the museum collection and exhibitions in order to develop and facilitate a variety of public gallery tours. Actively maintains knowledge of the permanent collection, exhibition artworks, and museum learning.


• Attends regular Adjunct Lecturer meetings with the full cohort, as well as professional development opportunities.


• Supports impact assessment, gathering participant input and data, as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED


• Minimum 2 years of experience using ASL in a teaching, educational, or interpretive setting.


• ASL fluency required.


• Previous experience teaching with works of art and general knowledge of art history.


• Experience working directly with the public leading tours in an art museum or gallery setting is highly desirable.


• Energy and enthusiasm for the mission of the museum and demonstrated commitment to advancing the museum’s values.


• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including ability to communicate with audiences of different backgrounds, levels of knowledge, and types of ability.


• Highly collaborative. Ability to function effectively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Walking within museum for tours with groups.


• Periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.


• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.


• Occasionally handles art.

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring Range: $125-$425

This position is not benefits eligible.

• Job Classification: Special Services


• Grade Level: N/A

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Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at  [email protected].