Senior Guide

Job Overview

Reporting directly to the VIP and Guest Relations Manager, the Senior Guide is pivotal in crafting an exceptional visitor experience at the Foundation. This role involves leading insightful guided tours, overseeing junior guides, and coordinating closely with the Guest Relations team to successfully execute events and manage visitor interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage diverse visitor groups, including VIPs, official delegations, art professionals, schools, media personnel, and general visitors, adapting approach based on group type.
• Conduct guided tours across current exhibitions, providing detailed interpretation on artworks and responding to visitor inquiries.
• Handle preparatory and follow-up duties related to tours, such as conducting research, adhering to itineraries, preparing welcome materials, and collecting feedback to evaluate tours.
• Supervise and operate information centers and desks at all venues, managing ticket bookings, directing visitors, and addressing questions.
• Welcome visitors on arrival and communicate essential information about the Foundation and its current programmes and exhibitions.
• Address and resolve visitor complaints promptly, aiming to de-escalate issues and find suitable solutions.
• Ensure visitor comfort and safety throughout their experience at the Foundation.
• Compile and submit visitor feedback reports to management through the direct manager.
• Assist in event organization, including tasks like welcoming guests, ticketing, scanning, seating arrangements, and headcounts.
• Support the Guest Relations team by greeting attendees and connecting them with senior personnel during official events.
• Collaborate on event logistics such as guest flow management, seating plans, and guest lists for private functions.
• Maintain accurate records of visitor data and contribute to database development in partnership with Guest Relations.
• Mentor new guides and interns by sharing knowledge about exhibitions, tour procedures, and teamwork expectations.
• Facilitate ongoing staff development to uphold high team performance standards.
• Perform assigned administrative and office tasks.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned by senior management.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Culture, Tourism, Hospitality, or a closely related discipline.
• Between four to six years of experience in guiding, visitor services, or educational roles within museums or galleries.
• Proven experience in supervising or mentoring junior team members.

Skills and Attributes

• Outstanding verbal communication and public speaking capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of art and cultural topics.
• Fluent in Arabic and English; proficiency in additional languages is advantageous.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship skills.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Excellent organizational aptitude and ability to multitask effectively.
• Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Competent with Microsoft Office software.