Metro Art Docent Council Coordinator

Metro Art Docent Council Coordinator

Metro Art is seeking an experienced, energetic Docent Council
Coordinator with a passion for the arts and desire to help people learn
about Metro's expanding transit system and its art collection.

Metro commissions artists to incorporate art into a wide array of
transportation projects throughout Los Angeles County. From bus stops to
rail stations, streetscapes to bus interiors, construction fences to
poetry, art creates a sense of place and engages transit riders. The
Docent Council leads art tours for over 4,000 people a year, all free of
charge. Docents train with Metro Art staff, visit artists' studios, and
give tours of the transit system, imparting unique insights regarding
the history of the artworks, the artists who created them, and the
processes that made them a reality.

In recent years, the Docent Council has grown to approximately 20
volunteers who have introduced well over 28,000 people to the art in the
Metro Rail system, and the demand continues to rise as word spreads.
Over 80% of tour participants are first time transit users. Multiple
tours are given each month and the response is overwhelmingly positive.
We are pleased to report that 98% of the survey cards submitted by those
who have taken a tour have rated the tours "excellent." This award
winning program is unique in the transportation industry and is the only
transit related docent program in the nation.

General responsibilities

* Book tours, coordinate tour dates with docents, keep master
calendar of tours, arrange back-up and replacement docents.
* Act as a liaison between Metro Art staff and the Docent Council
members.
* Support Docent Council as necessary, attend and participate at
Docent Council meetings, develop and oversee Ad Hoc Committee(s) as
necessary (ex: To review, update and analyze existing policies or
procedures; to develop training programs; to develop field trip
itineraries; etc.)
* Expand the membership of the Docent Council. Handle docent
recruitment, selection, training and evaluation.
* Arrange for all docents to receive badges, bathroom DLX keys,
safety vests, parking stamps, safety training, and Metro required
materials. Inform docents of annual touring obligations. Maintain
information regarding docent contact info and vacation dates.
* Set calendar dates for Executive Committee Meetings and
Trainings. Propose itineraries for field trips, including visits to
artists' studios.
* Oversee the development of tour scripts by the Docent Council
members for approval by Metro Art.
* Work with volunteers to assemble/mail Tour Confirmation Packets.
* Meet regularly with Docent Council members .
* Be available to discuss problems, ideas, and suggestions brought
by individual council members and/or Metro staff.
* Meet with individuals or agencies outside Metro when the request
for such a meeting is appropriate.
* Develop and approve correspondence sent out in the name of the
council (after review with Metro Art department).
* Answer correspondence/requests for information regarding tours.
* Update monthly reports & tour statistics.
* Assemble and distribute tour survey responses, press clippings,
etc.
* Arrange for purchase of any necessary equipment
* Represent the Docent Council at Metro Art staff meetings as
required.
* Coordinate updates to metro.net and other information sources.

Expectations and Qualifications

* Comfortable with public speaking, excellent communication skills
* Experience with volunteer groups
* Have an upbeat and professional demeanor
* Strong interest in the arts
* Demonstrate an excellent work ethic
* Familiarity with office equipment and administrative procedures

Hours

* Up to 20 hours per week
* The Docent Council Coordinator is expected to spend
approximately 12 hours per week at the Metro Art offices in Downtown Los
Angeles.

Compensation

* Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
* Services are provided as an independent contractor and do not
include medical, dental or pension benefits.

To Apply

* Provide letter of interest and current resume to:

Zipporah Lax Yamamoto

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)

Mail Stop 99-19-4

Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

Email: yamamotoz@metro.net

* The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to a
personal interview at Metro Headquarters.

Deadline

* The position is open until filled.
* Anticipated start date is July 1, 2008.

Questions

For more information visit metro.net/art or contact:

Zipporah Lax Yamamoto

Senior Public Arts Officer

yamamotoz@metro.net

213-922-2721

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]