Position Details
Title: | Engagement Associate, Visitor Operations – Seasonal
Location: | Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J.
Reports to: | Director, Community Engagement, Programs and Partnerships
Status: | Part time, seasonal, non-exempt
How to Apply: | Click here to apply. Please submit a résumé. The priority application deadline for this position is April 24. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND
Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change.
As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)
POSITION
As a member of the Community Engagement team, the Engagement Associate supports the safe, efficient and welcoming operation of the Duke Farms campus. This seasonal, front-line role primarily focuses on visitor operations by maintaining a visible presence across the property, assisting visitors, providing directions, supporting overall site functionality and monitoring activity across campus. The role works in close coordination with Safety and Security, serving as an on-the-ground liaison to support communication, awareness and timely response to visitor needs and concerns.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as a roving presence across campus, providing directions, answering visitor questions and supporting wayfinding.
- Act as a first point of contact for visitor inquiries, offering clear, accurate and helpful information.
- Support visitor operations by answering phone calls, assisting with bike rentals and membership, and providing general wayfinding.
- Monitor visitor activity and communicate observations, concerns or incidents to Safety and Security staff.
- Collaborate with Safety and Security staff to ensure the safety of visitors, following established safety protocols and reporting and escalating concerns as required.
- Assist in maintaining safe and welcoming public spaces, including trails, orientation areas and high-traffic locations.
- Support transportation of visitors and guests across campus, including assisting with shuttle operations or driving as needed.
- Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Customer service experience.
- Ability to engage positively with visitors and community members, providing assistance and information with a welcoming demeanor and efficiently handling inquiries and issues professionally.
- Strong oral and written communication skills for providing clear orientation and general information.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a solution-focused approach.
- Willingness to use technology, including generative AI, to drive efficiency.
- Ability to support execution of events that may involve physical activities like setting up, moving equipment, carrying items up to 50 pounds, or moving extensively around the site.
- Ability to traverse the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property as well as travel to other locations indoors, outdoors and under various weather conditions.
- Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
- Valid driver’s license.
We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Anticipated starting hourly rate is $17.50.
- 15% employer contribution to your 401(k).
- A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.