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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!

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (BACVA) is the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors.

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 every visitor has a great experience while in Baltimore.

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 Baltimore.

THE ROLE OF THE VISITOR CENTER VOLUNTEER:

This is a volunteer "marketing/sales" position. Volunteers promote BACVA members (attractions, events, accommodations, restaurants, tours, etc) and the city of Baltimore to leisure travelers, conventioneers, and groups as well as area residents. By engaging the visitor to determine interests, the volunteers provide unbiased recommendations that meet those interests.

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.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMTION

• 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 are asked commit to at least 1 year of service and work 1 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.

PERKS, BENEFITS, AND RECOGNITION

• Be part of the second largest industry in Baltimore.
• Have fun meeting other people from around the U.S. and the world.
• Build 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 nametag that are required to be worn as part of the uniform when volunteering or attending continuing education sessions.
• BACVA provides recognition events on an annual basis.
• Volunteers are eligible for service awards based upon performance and participation.

TRAINING:

• All volunteers must complete an initial 4 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.

• All volunteer candidates are required to become be certified as “Certified Tourism Ambassador” by participating in the training and certification program.  The program includes a pre-reading assignment.  The pre-reading consists of material about the value of tourism, economic impact, the role of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, history, geography, and tourist information about the Baltimore region.  The reading assignment is followed by a 4-hour class and an open-book test.  Candidates must become certified within 45 days of becoming a Visitor Center Volunteer.

• New volunteers shadow 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. These are 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.
  
• All volunteers are required to participate in BACVA organized familiarization (FAM) tours during the volunteer commitment.

PERFORMANCE 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 expected to receive a minimum 90% score on shoppers’ reports.  Volunteers need to keep abreast of happenings around the region to remain in the program.

After reviewing this information and completing the attached application, please fax or mail this application to the address below.  If there appears to be a good fit, you will be contacted for an interview.

After completing this application, please mail or fax it to:

Visitor Center Operations Manager
Baltimore Visitor Center
401 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone:  410-659-7319
FAX:    410-659-8381

Download Volunteer Application (PDF File)