Newport Historical Society | $17/hour
Position Overview:
The Newport Historical Society is seeking a dynamic and personable Public Engagement Associate to serve as the welcoming face of the Colony House, one of Newport’s most iconic historic landmarks. This part-time position is ideal for someone who thrives on meaningful interactions, has a strong interest in history, and enjoys creating memorable experiences for visitors.
As a steward of this 18th-century building, the Associate will be responsible for ensuring a smooth and engaging visitor experience—providing access, assisting with self-guided tour ticketing, staffing a small pop-up shop, and keeping a watchful eye on the safety and security of the space.
Schedule:
- Flexible part-time hours available, open to individuals interested in working 1–3 days per week
- Shifts typically run between 9:45 AM and 4:15 PM
- Some holidays are required for this position (daytime hours). This position is in-person/on-site at the Colony House in Newport, RI.
Key Responsibilities:
- Open and close the Colony House following established security protocols
- Greet visitors and serve as the first point of contact, offering a warm and informative welcome
- Assist visitors with purchasing tickets for the self-guided QR code tour
- Monitor the building and ensure visitor safety and the security of the site; report concerns or issues to designated contacts as needed
- Staff a pop-up retail station, promoting and selling select merchandise from the Museum Shop
- Answer visitor questions and share knowledge about the Colony House and Newport’s rich history
- Troubleshoot basic tech issues related to ticketing or QR code tours
- Represent the Newport Historical Society with professionalism, enthusiasm, and approachability
- Perform other duties as assigned to support daily site operations
Qualifications:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-first mindset.
- Tech-savvy and comfortable using mobile devices, digital ticketing platforms, and point-of-sale systems.
- Ability to work independently with confidence and sound judgment.
- Reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented.
- Interest in Newport’s history; prior experience in museums, cultural sites, or visitor services is a plus.
- Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods and navigate stairs. Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds.
- Learning and understanding the procedures of the Newport Historical Society.
- Well-groomed appearance and compliance with the NHS dress and personal appearance policies.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Matt Lanni, Manager of Visitor Experience, at mlanni@newporthistory.org.
