Guest Services Associate

Description Cantigny The Robert R. McCormick Foundation strives to advance opportunities and the quality of life for the residents of Chicagoland to learn, grow and thrive. Through strategic grantmaking, the Foundation invests to improve educational and economic achievement for youth, adults, their families, and neighborhoods. In addition, the Foundation continues Colonel McCormick’s commitment to offer exceptional opportunities for learning and recreation at Cantigny in Wheaton, Illinois. The Foundation was established in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. His home, the 500-acre Cantigny estate, now welcomes about 400,000 visitors annually from surrounding communities, Illinois, and the nation to enjoy Cantigny’s exceptional gardens and parkland, the historic McCormick House, the First Infantry Division military museum and play at the Cantigny Golf Club, our highly rated public golf facility. The Foundation has made significant investments over the past decade to enhance all these special venues for the public and special events. Learn more at mccormickfoundation.org, cantigny.org, fdmuseum.org, and cantignygolf.com. Position Summary We are seeking an energetic and engaged guest services associate to join our team and provide an exceptional experience for our visitors at Cantigny. You will play a crucial role welcoming visitors, answering questions, and helping them complete purchases and navigate our grounds and facilities. Your primary responsibility will be to assist visitors by providing accurate and helpful information and ensuring their visit is enjoyable and memorable. Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred, but not mandatory, for this role. Essential Functions · Greet visitors and provide a warm welcome, ensuring a positive first impression across our three kiosk locations. · Represent Cantigny in a professional, positive, and helpful manner. · Assist visitors in navigating the park, providing directions to events, gift shops, activities, and facilities. · Answer visitor inquiries regarding event schedules, locations, ticket prices, and general park information. · Accept and process all in-person and phone registrations for all but not limited to; educational classes, special events, admission/parking tickets, photo permits, membership sales. · Promote amenities, including the museum, golf course, gardens, and other attractions. · Maintain a thorough understanding of all park events, exhibits, promotions, and services. · Stay up to date with any changes in park operations, schedules, or closures and communicate them to visitors. · Handle visitor feedback and complaints professionally and efficiently, escalating issues as necessary. · Collaborate with staff to ensure a seamless visitor experience and effective teamwork. · Ensure public-facing facilities and displays are clean, organized, and attractive, including information desks, brochures, and maps. · Assist with opening and closing procedures and maintain general building operational knowledge to include tasks such as turning on lights, unlocking doors, and checking facilities (bathrooms, exhibit spaces, etc.) · Ensure visitor compliance with Cantigny guidelines, including responsible behavior at events and in exhibitions, elevating concerns as appropriate. · Respond to incidents and report to the appropriate department. · Performs 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