Temporary Talking Tours Educator bei Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles

 Overview:

Established in 1979, we are the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles. We are dedicated and committed to the collection, presentation, and interpretation of art created after 1940. We have a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions. We provide leadership in the field by identifying and presenting the most significant and challenging art of our time, actively supporting the creation of new work and seeking artists from diverse backgrounds. With two distinct venues in Los Angeles—MOCA Grand Avenue, and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA—and Michael Heizer’s seminal artwork Double Negative (1969-70) in the Nevada desert, we engage audiences through an ambitious program of exhibitions, educational programs, and publishing. 

Under the direction of the Director of Education and mentored by the Lead Talking Tours Educator, the Temporary Talking Tours Educator researches, develops, and conducts dialogue-based tours for diverse museum visitors to MONUMENTS, on view at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA from October 2025 through April 2026. When not touring, the Educator will circulate throughout the galleries to address visitor questions about the exhibition and assist gallery and front-of-house staff in addressing visitor questions. Other responsibilities may include contributing research to an internal resource website, and/or recording audio for a visitor-facing digital guide, as time permits and circumstances demand.

Essential Functions:

• Research, develop, and conduct tours for general visitors and diverse groups including donors, museum colleagues, and community organizations in MONUMENTS.
• Assist with the implementation of tours given by staff and invited guests for MONUMENTS.
• Contribute research to an internal resource website, and/or record audio for a visitor-facing digital guide, as time permits and circumstances demand.
• Observe and assess interpretive opportunities for visitors by walking the gallery floor regularly. 
• Participate in training on dialogic strategies for teaching and conflict resolution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Previous teaching experience, particularly with adult and intergenerational learners; and/or gallery interpretation experience in a museum setting.
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary art and art practices. Interest in American history, particularly in causes and impacts of the Civil War.
• Familiarity and comfort with inquiry-based, learner-centered teaching methods. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong conversational ability.
• Ability to assess learning styles and adjust language, tone, and content for different audiences and situations.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet public demand for tours.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move around and give hour-long tours around the museum; use hands to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and demonstrate effective communication skills. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Accommodations will be made as needed.

Hourly Wage: $24.50

Union status: This position is not covered by MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, hairstyle, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices. Details of our equal employment opportunity policies are further explained in Anti-Discrimination & Harassment. 

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position; they do not purport to describe all functions of the position. Employees may be assigned other duties and the essential functions of the position may change or be changed as necessary.