Urgent Museum Notice

Volunteer Opportunities

A medium light-skinned young adult smiles while listening to another adult speak a few seats over from her in a full auditorium.
Our dedicated corps of well-trained volunteers is one of the museum’s most valuable resources.

Volunteers help the museum champion women through the arts by interacting with visitors, serving as welcoming and passionate representatives of the institution, and assisting NMWA staff.

Note: We are not recruiting new Volunteers at this time, but check back regularly for updates and future opportunities

Become a Department Volunteer

Department Volunteers hold weekday or weekend assignments. Time commitments vary depending on the demands of the particular department and position. To be considered, read the open position descriptions and submit an application.

Photo credit: Margot Schulman

Become a Visitor Experience Volunteer

Visitor Experience Volunteers (VEVs) welcome and orient visitors to the museum by providing information about its history, collection, and special exhibitions. VEVs may also assist with NMWA’s education and public programs and train to facilitate daily Conversation Pieces.

VEVs commit to at least two years. They fulfill 100 service hours during weekdays or 50 service hours during weekends annually. These volunteers work a regular, assigned shift (once during the week or on alternating weekends) lasting 2.75–3.75 hours.

Serving as a VEV is a prerequisite for training as a docent.

  • Greet visitors and orient them to the building, current exhibitions, programs, and services, including the Museum Shop and the Mezzanine Café
  • Answer questions about the history of the museum and building, as well as the collection and exhibitions
  • Ensure the Information Desk is fully stocked with museum publications and distribute this literature to interested visitors
  • Display a strong interest in customer service, a welcoming demeanor, and the ability to foster meaningful connections with visitors
  • Have experience working with diverse groups and personalities, including children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities
  • Possess exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Speak English fluently; bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply
  • Are always well-prepared, flexible, adaptable, dependable, and punctual
  • Are able to work in a dynamic environment with visitors of all ages and abilities, museum staff, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds
Photo credit: Alicia Gregory, NMWA

Become a Docent

Docents facilitate high-quality, visitor-centered collection and exhibition tours, as well as drop-in Conversation Pieces, for adult, school, and youth groups.

Docents commit to an initial six-month training and at least two years of service.

Serving as a Visitor Experience Volunteer is a prerequisite for becoming a docent.

Photo credit: Kevin Allen

Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers enjoy rewarding experiences welcoming, guiding, and assisting visitors, as well as collegial interaction with staff members and colleagues. In addition, they receive: