FRONT OF HOUSE VOLUNTEER

Position Description

POSITION: Front of House Volunteer

REPORTS TO: Visitor Services and Volunteer Program Manager (VSVP Manager)

ROLE TYPE: Volunteer (unpaid)

ABOUT ACCA:

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art is an Australian flagship contemporary art space, and a

leading centre for the artistic and wider communities to participate in a critically engaged

contemporary art culture that encourages curiosity and transformation.

Established in Melbourne in 1983 and now situated in an iconic building in the Southbank arts

precinct, ACCA develops exhibitions exploring the ideas and work of significant artists from around

the world, commissions ambitious new works by local and international artists, and delivers a range

of curatorial, education and public programs including talks, lectures, symposia, performances,

screenings, music and events.

WHY VOLUNTEER AT ACCA:

Volunteering at ACCA is a great way to gain an understanding of the daily operations of a leading

public arts institution, build contacts and networks in the visual arts industry, learn about ACCA’s

artistic and public programs, and become part of the ACCA community.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:

ACCA’s Volunteer Program aims to provide participants with an overall understanding of gallery

operations, focusing principally upon front of house activities. We aim to ensure the experience of

volunteering at ACCA is positive, purposeful, engaging and mutually beneficial to all involved.

VOLUNTEER ROLE:

Under direction from the VSVP Manager, to assist across all aspects of ACCA’s daily front of house

operations, including customer service, reception duties, operating the bookshop, conducting visitor

surveys and basic administrative tasks, as well as helping with events and public programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supporting outstanding visitor experience for all ACCA guests

• Providing general assistance and accurate information to visitors as required (via telephone

and in-person inquiries) on ACCA, its history, exhibitions and programs

• Assisting with ACCA’s events and public programs, such as exhibition openings and artist

talks - duties may include greeting guests, bussing drinks, security assistance and other

aspects of preparation and pack up

• Assisting staff with administrative tasks as required

• Promoting the best interests of ACCA in all associated professional and public dealings

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Demonstrated commitment to and interest in contemporary visual culture

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to supporting a high level of visitor

experience, with proven sensitivity to the requirements of diverse audiences

• Well developed interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to operate independently and in a team environment

• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality

• Willingness to develop a good knowledge of ACCA, its culture, history, exhibitions and

programs

• Openness and flexibility to respond to the changing nature of the role, and willingness to

learn

• Capacity to offer an ongoing commitment of minimum one volunteer shift per fortnight

• Commitment to the Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers (document attached)

OTHER DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in a museum or gallery environment and/or previous experience in a

retail or customer service environment

• Relevant tertiary education

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: • ACCA is an equal opportunity employer

• Following the completion of training, successful applicants will be subject to a three-month

probationary period

• Training will be provided via an induction session and ongoing instruction during shifts

• A commitment of one shift per week for a minimum of six months is preferred

• Volunteers are asked not to use personal mobile phones or consume food during a shift

• For a shift four hours or shorter, volunteers do not get a scheduled break - should a

volunteer require a break during their shift, this is to be organised with the VSVP Manager

• Volunteers are entitled to one complimentary hot drink (coffee, hot chocolate, chai, tea)

from the ACCA Coffee Cart per shift

• To volunteer at ACCA you must be 18 years or older