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Volunteer Docent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE

CORE Volunteers

Reno, NV

A VIP (Very Important Person) is a volunteer or docent who is brought on as part of the Great Basin Institute (GBI) Galena Creek Visitor Center team, on temporary or semi-permanent assignment and may ...

Great Basin institute

CORE Volunteers

Reno, NV · On-site

A VIP (Very Important Person) is a volunteer or docent who is brought on as part of the Great Basin Institute (GBI) Galena Creek Visitor Center team, on temporary or semi-permanent assignment and may ...

CMA

Group Tour Coordinator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$20/hr

Ability to communicate tactfully with visitors, colleagues, docents, volunteers, and community ... Attend docent advisory board meetings and docent trainings as needed. * Collect and process group ...

AURA

Kitt Peak Visitor Center Evening Guide

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17.97/hr

This position reports to the KPVC Guide & Docent Coordinator. While most work is performed at Kitt ... Ability to work enthusiastically, cooperatively, and patiently with all guests, volunteers and ...

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Volunteer Docent information

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How much do volunteer docent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer docent in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between a volunteer and a docent?

A volunteer docent is a trained individual who provides guided tours and educational information at a museum, gallery, or similar institution. While all docents are volunteers, not all volunteers are docents; volunteers may perform various roles without specific training or responsibilities related to guiding or education.

What are some common challenges Volunteer Docents face when engaging visitors, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteer Docents often encounter diverse audiences with varying levels of interest and background knowledge, which can make it challenging to keep everyone engaged. Adapting presentation styles, fostering interactive discussions, and being responsive to visitor questions are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, staying current with exhibit information and participating in ongoing training can help docents feel confident and better prepared. Support from museum staff and peer docents also contributes to a positive, collaborative environment.

Can docents be paid?

Volunteer docents are typically unpaid, as the role is based on volunteering to educate and assist visitors. However, some organizations may offer stipends, honorariums, or other forms of compensation for certain duties or training. It is important to check the specific organization's policies regarding paid opportunities for docents.

How do I become a NICU cuddler?

To become a NICU cuddler, you typically need to volunteer through a hospital or neonatal unit that offers cuddling programs. Requirements often include completing a volunteer application, undergoing a background check, and attending an orientation or training session focused on infant care and safety protocols.

What does a volunteer docent do?

A volunteer docent provides guided tours and educational information about a museum, historic site, or cultural institution. They engage visitors, answer questions, and help enhance the visitor experience, often requiring knowledge of the site's exhibits and good communication skills.

What are volunteer docents?

Volunteer docents are individuals who donate their time to guide and educate visitors at museums, galleries, historical sites, zoos, or similar institutions. They provide tours, answer questions, and share insights to enhance the visitor experience. Docents often receive specialized training about the institution's exhibits or collections, and they play a key role in connecting the public with art, history, science, or nature. Their work is typically unpaid, but it is highly valued and integral to many educational programs.

What is the difference between Volunteer Docent vs Museum Educator?

AspectVolunteer DocentMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often no formal certification neededTypically requires a degree in education, history, or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentVolunteers in museums, galleries, or historical sites; often part-time and flexibleFull-time or part-time roles within museums or educational institutions; more structured
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, historical societies, cultural institutionsMuseums, science centers, educational organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in museumsSeeking professional educational roles in museums

Volunteer Docents typically assist visitors by providing tours and information without formal teaching credentials, often volunteering part-time. Museum Educators usually have formal education backgrounds and develop educational programs, working in more structured roles. Both roles serve educational purposes but differ in credentials, responsibilities, and employment structure.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Docent, you need a solid understanding of the institution's subject matter, strong public speaking abilities, and a passion for education, often supported by initial training from the organization. Familiarity with visitor management systems, audio-visual equipment, and basic digital presentation tools is also valuable. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help docents engage diverse audiences and foster a welcoming environment. These competencies are crucial for effectively educating visitors, enhancing their experience, and supporting the institution's mission.
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Docent jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Docent job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Docent jobs? The most popular types of Docent jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Docent jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Docent jobs include:
Volunteer Docent jobs near you
Manager of Gallery Learning

Manager of Gallery Learning

Seattle Art Museum

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Manager of Gallery Learning will manage the docent program, including recruitment, training, protocols, and evaluation. In consultation with the School & Educator team, design school tour study guides, gallery materials, and other resources for students and educators. Serve as a museum-wide resource for best practices in object-based learning and in-gallery facilitation, and support other Education initiatives as needed.
ABOUT SAM
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job-it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage SAM's school and adult-touring docents, including recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation, ensuring welcoming and engaging in-gallery facilitation on all tours. Regularly assess docent needs for audience-specific guidance and provide individualized coaching to support pedagogical development
  • Research, design, maintain, and evaluate equity-centered materials for K-12 school tours, adult public tours, and other in-gallery learning experiences and resources, including study guides, visual aids, teaching objects, and self-guided materials; update these resources in accordance with exhibition changes and audience needs
  • Manage the administration of the docent program: lead the annual touring assignment process, design year-long docent schedules for training, lead seasonal training sessions with support from department colleagues and external contractors, support the Docent Executive Committee, and work with the Volunteer Programs Manager to align with museum-wide policies and procedures
  • With the School & Educators team, develop and implement best practices for docent procedures, operations, and communication with key school tour stakeholders, including teaching artists, educators, and frontline staff
  • Serve as a resource for staff and volunteers across the museum in object-based learning and in-gallery facilitation
  • Oversee publication of gallery learning resources, institutional calendars, and protocols for docents and other collaborators across email, web, in-person, and other communication channels
  • Be available to support school tour and art workshop facilitation as needed
  • Reflect on K-12 programs and adult tours using visitor surveys, interviews, or other evaluation methods
  • Support department efforts as needed for other audiences including families, teens and general audiences
  • Ensure institutional protocols and procedures are followed in reserving dates and spaces, requesting tech and A/V support, and other cross-departmental functions
  • Track docent program expenditures and revenue and process payments with finance as needed. Manage docent budget and advise on annual department budgeting cycle
  • Create regular reports (both qualitative and quantitative) to support grants and department information sharing
  • Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM's work

WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in education, curriculum & instruction, art education, art history, related field, or equivalent experience
  • Four years of experience in the museum or related field
  • Knowledge of informal learning strategies and museum education and experience with intergenerational learning, K-12 Education, and informal education
  • Commitment to access, equity, and inclusion in approach to content creation and audience engagement
  • Knowledge of volunteer management and working with or managing intergenerational volunteers
  • Ability to build positive working relationships within as well as outside of organization with strong orientation to teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
  • Professional verbal and written communication, with an ability to tailor communications according to audience
  • Successfully assess priorities and work well within deadlines
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, internet based research, experience with Slack and Asana a plus, OR willingness to learn Asana and Slack quickly
  • Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with docent and volunteer programs
  • Experience with accessibility and/or multilingual learning opportunities
  • Experience leading trainings for adult learners

FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Associate Director of Education
Work Location: Seattle Art Museum - Downtown Location
BENEFITS
Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM's 403b retirement plan.
Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.
Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.
ACCOMODATION
The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.
SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic
Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!
$69,300 - $84,700 a year

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