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Docent Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

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Docent information

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$5

$19

$25

How much do docent jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for docent in Detroit, MI is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a docent?

Docents are trained volunteers or staff members who serve as guides and educators at museums, zoos, historical sites, and other cultural institutions. They lead tours, answer visitor questions, and provide interpretive information about exhibits or collections. Docents play a key role in enhancing the visitor experience by making learning engaging and accessible. Their responsibilities may also include developing educational materials and participating in outreach programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a docent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Docent, you need strong subject-matter expertise, excellent public speaking skills, and typically a background in education, history, or the arts. Familiarity with audio-visual equipment and visitor management systems is often required for effective presentations and group coordination. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help docents engage diverse audiences and foster memorable learning experiences. These skills ensure that visitors receive accurate information and an engaging, educational experience tailored to their interests.

How does a docent typically collaborate with other museum staff to enhance visitor experiences?

Docents often work closely with curators, educators, and visitor services teams to ensure that tours and educational programs are engaging and accurate. They attend regular training sessions to stay updated on new exhibits and interpretive techniques, and may participate in planning meetings to coordinate special events or group visits. This collaboration helps create a cohesive visitor experience, as docents share insights from guest interactions that can inform exhibit updates and educational materials.

What is the difference between Docent vs Tour Guide?

AspectDocentTour Guide
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but knowledge of subject matterMay require licensing or certification depending on location
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, educational institutionsTourist attractions, historical sites, city tours
Employer & IndustryEducational and cultural institutionsTravel and tourism industry
Common Search & ComparisonEducational, museum-based rolesTravel, sightseeing roles

While both Docents and Tour Guides engage with the public and provide educational information, Docents typically work within museums or galleries focusing on specific exhibits and may not require formal certification. Tour Guides usually lead groups at tourist sites, often needing licensing or certification, and work in the travel and tourism industry. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right role based on your interests and qualifications.

Do docents make money?

Docents are typically volunteer guides at museums, galleries, or cultural sites and usually do not receive pay. However, some institutions may offer stipends, hourly wages, or part-time compensation for experienced or specialized roles. Payment varies depending on the organization and location.

How long does it take to train as a docent?

Training to become a docent typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the organization and the complexity of the exhibits or topics. The process often includes attending training sessions, studying materials, and sometimes completing assessments or shadowing experienced docents.

What do you need to be a docent?

To be a docent, you typically need strong communication skills, a passion for education and the subject matter, and often some prior knowledge or experience related to the museum, gallery, or institution. Many organizations require volunteers to complete training sessions and may prefer candidates who are personable, reliable, and able to engage visitors effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Docent jobs in Detroit, MI?

For Docent jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Docent jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Docent jobs in Detroit, MI are:

Docent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Docent job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,959 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Curator, African American Art and Art of the African Diaspora

Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit, MI • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, research, and present the DIA's collection of African American Art and Art of the African Diaspora.

  • Coordinate projects, exhibitions, and public programs related to the collection.

  • Propose, review, and collaborate on acquisitions, loans, and deaccessions with relevant departments.

Job description

Curator, African American Art and Art of the African Diaspora

Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, July 31, 2026 at 4:00 AM

JOB TITLE: Curator, African American Art and Art of the African DiasporaDEPARTMENT: Curatorial

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director, Art, Education, and Programs

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Partial

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Deputy Director, Art, Education, and Programs, the Curator, African American Art and Art of the African Diaspora will develop, expand, research, publish, and present the DIA’s collection of African American Art and the Art of the African Diaspora. The curator explores the historic and contemporary representations of people of African descent; proposes acquisitions and conducts collection review; makes studio and gallery visits; coordinates projects, installations, and commissions; devises public programs and executes exhibitions; and cultivates donors and gifts for the collection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Create, maintain, and update physical and digital departmental records in accordance with the DIA’s archival and data standards.
  • Field and respond to inquiries about the collection from scholars and the public.
  • Conceive, support, research, and coordinate exhibitions in partnership with the Interpretation, Conservation, and Exhibitions departments.
  • Research and document objects, including provenance, and archival research.
  • Contribute to the strategic vision for the DIA’s collecting and exhibition of African American Art and Art of the African Diaspora.
  • Identify, propose, and review significant acquisitions with the Deputy Director for purchase, gift, or bequest.
  • Collaborate with Curator, African American Art on acquisitions, review of loan requests and deaccessions.
  • Collaborate with museum conservators and registrars to care for the permanent collection and objects on long-term loans.
  • Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, and international artists, collectors, and dealers.
  • Prepare general and scholarly publications on the collection and exhibitions.
  • Partner effectively with the division of Learning and Audience Engagement to develop didactic materials for the permanent galleries and exhibitions.
  • Support the development of educational materials for K–12.
  • Participate in the training of gallery teachers and Docent Committee.
  • Support the Development Department’s efforts to cultivate existing and prospective patrons and to identify, apply for, and report on grant-funded activities.
  • Originate and participate in public programs.
  • Travel, on occasion, as a museum courier, as well as for research and conferences.
  • Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in art history or related field from an accredited college or university required. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in art history or related field preferred. Minimum of seven (7) years of working experience in a museum, non-collecting institutions, or university. Additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrated record of research and scholarship in area of collection expertise.
  • Previous experience with archival, object-based, and provenance research.
  • Experience with collections database software, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience partnering on interpretation/education for gallery, re-installation, and exhibitions projects.
  • Demonstrated accomplishments in publication of exhibitions and collections or object-based research.
  • Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
  • Ability to make creative, effective, and timely decisions aligned with organizational mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.
  • Demonstrated ability to speak publicly, including presenting or sharing information in a clear, effective, and engaging manner suited to the audience.
  • Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing.
  • Experience with development and grant projects preferred.
  • Experience with developing and tracking budgets for projects and assuring adherence to approved budgets preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience with conservation treatment practices.
  • Demonstrated experience planning gallery and/or collection re-installations.
  • Proven experience organizing exhibitions.
  • Demonstrated experience with loan requests preferred.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on-going projects tomeet deadlines and goals.
  • Must possess a demonstrated understanding of ethical business conduct and professional practices including maintenance and protection of confidential and sensitive information.
  • Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours as needed.
  • Ability to travel nationally and internationally as needed.
  • Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
  • Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
  • Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive, and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.

This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job . It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate .

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America

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