Volunteer Engagement & Guest Services Assistant (PT)

Description

Foundation Summary

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is a leading philanthropic institution investing more than $75 million annually in Chicagoland, with a focus on improving economic opportunities on Chicago’s South and West Sides. The Foundation is named for its donor, Colonel Robert R. McCormick. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick’s estate, which today provides educational and recreational opportunities in Chicago’s western suburbs.

Position Summary

We are seeking an energetic and engaged Guest Services & Volunteer Assistant to join our team at Cantigny, providing an exceptional experience for visitors, volunteers, and community partners. In this role, you will assist guests with events, attractions, programs, and park information while supporting daily kiosk operations, volunteer coordination, retail activities, and event logistics across multiple park locations. Responsibilities include managing volunteer communications and scheduling, maintaining the Galaxy database, organizing outreach efforts and partnership communications to support programs and events, and assisting with vendor and event coordination. This position plays an important role in ensuring smooth daily operations and creating a welcoming, memorable experience for all guests and volunteers.

Essential Functions

Guest Services & Kiosk Operations

• Greet and assist visitors in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Provide park information, directions, event details, and visitor assistance.
• Process registrations, ticket sales, memberships, and merchandise purchases.
• Support daily kiosk operations across multiple buildings.
• Maintain brochures, displays, and public-facing areas.
• Assist with opening/closing procedures and basic operational support.
• Respond to visitor concerns and escalate issues as needed.

Volunteer Support

• Assist with volunteer application review, onboarding, scheduling, and communications.
• Coordinate volunteer interviews and background check processes.
• Maintain volunteer records and scheduling in the Galaxy database.
• Support volunteer check-ins, training, meetings, and event logistics.
• Assist with volunteer newsletters, community outreach, and partnership communications.
• Organize outreach efforts and partnership communications to support programs and events.
• Assist lead volunteer recruitment efforts through community outreach, partnerships, presentations, volunteer fairs, and relationship-building initiatives to maintain and grow Cantigny's volunteer program.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, service groups, and local partners to increase volunteer engagement and awareness of opportunities at Cantigny.
• Coordinate volunteer recognition and engagement initiatives to promote retention and strengthen the volunteer experience.
• Assist in developing recruitment campaigns and communication strategies to attract new volunteers.
• Represent Cantigny at community events and outreach opportunities to promote volunteer involvement.

Retail & Event Support

• Assist with merchandise setup, stocking, and seasonal retail support.
• Support event setup, vendor coordination, check-ins, and day-of logistics.
• Process vendor applications and assist with event communications and payments.
• Help prepare reports, materials, and operational supplies as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional customer service standards.
• Fill in for the Visitor Center and Volunteer Manager in their absence
• Follow all safety procedures and required training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Education: High School Diploma

Experience: 1 year customer service experience required, experience in Visitor Services at cultural institutions or in the tourism industry preferred.

Skills:

• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish, strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse groups of visitors.
• Strong customer service skills and a genuine passion for providing exceptional visitor experiences.
• Knowledge of the park's layout, events, and attractions is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours based on the park's event schedule.
• Maintain a professional and presentable appearance.
• Display high proficiency in computer technology.
• Must be self-directed, organized, patient, creative and energetic with excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Must become trained in First Aid, C.P.R., Automated External Defibrillator and Praesidium Safety and maintain valid certification.

Working Conditions

This is an ongoing seasonal position which requires working evenings and weekends. Work is performed in Cantigny buildings and on Cantigny grounds in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cantigny and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.