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Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association
Job Opportunities

Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association Visitor Center Opportunities for Volunteers

Be a part of the second largest industry in Baltimore!

BACVA MISSION STATEMENT:

The Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (BACVA), a membership-based organization, is the official destination development and marketing leader for Greater Baltimore, responsible for generating incremental economic benefits to the community through the attraction of convention and leisure visits.

VISITOR CENTER DESCRIPTION:

The Baltimore Visitor Center, located at 401 Light Street on the Inner Harbor's west shore, provides a one-stop location for out-of-town visitors and local residents to obtain tourist information, purchase tickets to attractions, and make hotel and restaurant reservations. Our overall goal is to ensure a positive visitor experience by providing the most detailed information, the ultimate customer service and a warm welcome to our guests.

With continuous development, education and training, we position ourselves as the number one source of information and service in the Baltimore area. In doing so, we play a major role in developing the image of Baltimore and making it one of the most desired travel destinations in the country which in turn creates direct economic impact for our members and the city of Baltimore.

THE ROLE OF BACVA VOLUNTEERS:

This is a volunteer "marketing/sales" position. Volunteers promote BACVA members (attractions, events, accommodations, restaurants, tours, etc.), BACVA and the city of Baltimore to leisure travelers, conventioneers, and groups as well as area residents. By asking appropriate questions, the volunteers determine visitor interests to determine recommendations. The volunteers promote the sale of tickets and work with paid staff to complete the sale. Volunteers are the front-line ambassadors and often the first person that a visitor or conventioneer meets when coming to Baltimore. Volunteers' actions have a direct economic impact on the Baltimore area.

• This position is open to all individuals who wish to assist in promoting Baltimore as a tourist destination. Volunteers who speak foreign languages would also be helpful.

• Volunteers need to commit to at least one year of service and work one four-hour shift per week in the visitor center. Shifts begin at 8:45 a.m.,10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

• It is expected that volunteers will be unavailable at times; however, volunteers need to be available on a consistent basis throughout the year. Volunteers who are consistently unavailable will be asked to resign from the program.

• The Visitor Center is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Typical Hours are:

  • November-March from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • April-October from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Expanded evening hours during the peak tourist season.

• Volunteers at the visitor center wear a BACVA designated uniform and nametag.

PERKS, BENEFITS, AND RECOGNITION:

• Be part of the second largest industry in Baltimore.

• Fun while meeting other people from around the U.S. and the world.

• Building friendships with other volunteers.

• Free parking available at a designated location. BACVA reimburses for MTA transportation.

• All volunteers receive shirts and/or sweaters and a name tag that are required to be worn as part of the uniform when volunteering or attending continuing education sessions.

• There are typically two recognition events annually, a holiday party in December and a volunteer recognition event in April.

• Volunteers are eligible for annual awards based upon performance and participation.

TRAINING:

• All volunteers must complete an initial four hour customer service training class beginning of service and regular refresher classes. Additional classroom training is required each year along with BACVA-sponsored tours of the area.

• All new volunteers are required to participate in training sessions that include orientation about BACVA, its mission and members, heritage and culture.

• New volunteers shadow an experienced volunteer information specialist as part of the training program.

  • All volunteers are expected to attend 80% of the monthly continuing education sessions that occur at various locations in the city.

  • There is one-on-one training with a seasoned volunteer and continuing education throughout the year.

  • All volunteers are required to participate in two BACVA organized familiarization (FAM) tours during the first six months in the program.

  • Fun and educational excursions to BACVA member attractions, restaurants, museums, and other venues which often include complimentary admissions. Volunteers learn about members first hand at these continuing education sessions.

  • Specialized Position Training.

REVIEW:

• Volunteers are provided feedback from the management team on a regular basis based on observation as well as reports from professional shoppers.

• Volunteers are reviewed for knowledge and performance on an annual basis in order to remain in the volunteer program. This is a combination of self-assessment and assessment by the appropriate manager.
  
  

Download Volunteer Application (PDF File) 11K. The application is in PDF format. To view this kind of file, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have access to Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can go to the Adobe website and download it for FREE!