Smithsonian Ambassadors help visitors navigate the Smithsonian by meeting them where they are—outside roving the National Mall. The core mission of the Ambassador program is to make connections between visitors and the Smithsonian, promote Institutional initiatives and strive to make every visitor they meet have the best experience possible by being present, welcoming, thoughtful, and engaging.
Volunteer Duties
Smithsonian Ambassadors are stationed outdoors on the National Mall. With a mobile cart next to the statue of Joseph Henry as their home base, they alternate between roving the Mall and serving at the cart, to engage with visitors, answer questions, and orientate them to the Smithsonian. Being a Smithsonian Ambassador is a great opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic about working with the public and sharing their excitement for discovering the Smithsonian in an outdoor setting.
Location
Shifts for this opportunity will take place entirely outside on the National Mall, with the mobile cart serving as a home base.
Pre-shift briefings will be held at the Office of Visitor Services, located at:
Smithsonian S. Dillion Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20004
Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications
- Comfortable operating outdoors in all weather.
- Ability to rove for long periods of time.
- Ability to maneuver a mobile cart over uneven terrain along the National Mall, with accommodation available upon request.
- Flexibility and enthusiasm in an ever-changing environment.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Ability and desire to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, and with a wide variety of needs.
- Successfully work as part of a team and independently.
- Comfortable with using a smart phone and doing basic internet research.
- Effectively use Smithsonian technology to support visitor needs and volunteer administrative requirements (i.e. signing up for volunteer shifts, trainings, etc.).
- Be 18 years or older.
- Must clear a federal background check initiated through the Smithsonian.
Schedule Requirements
Smithsonian Ambassador candidates must be able to commit to the program for at least one season, which lasts from March 18 to November 29, 2025. Weekday volunteers are expected to serve at least 30 shifts per season, and weekend volunteers will be expected to serve at least 15 shifts per season. Shifts will be 3 hours long, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
Ambassadors are required to wear an assigned uniform while performing their duties. Ambassadors are expected to stay updated on current Smithsonian offerings and actively participate in program development. To that end, participation in continuing education and enrichment opportunities will be required as they are announced and scheduled.
Training
New Smithsonian Ambassadors are required to complete pre-training and attend all training sessions, which may take place both in-person and online. Training sessions include Smithsonian history and composition, volunteer resources, and visitor engagement. Returning Ambassadors are required to complete training at the beginning of each season.
For More Information
Visit our opportunities page to apply. Look for the opportunity called "Smithsonian Ambassador."
