Island Ambassador

Island Ambassadors are the face of the Friends of Governors Island Visitor Services Operations. Our goal is to make Governors Island more welcoming and accessible for all visitors through excellent, informed service, and Island Ambassadors are integral in reaching visitors to Governors Island.

 

Position Description:

Island Ambassadors are expected to:

  • Serve as a friendly, helpful and informative resource for visitors around the Island
  • Answer visitors’ questions about the Island’s events and attractions
  • Provide free Island maps and directions to visitors to navigate around the Island
  • Help staff the Island’s Wel­come Cen­ter and Information Kiosk, including promoting and processing merchandise sales 
  • Collect visitor feedback, both informally in conversation and formally through visitor surveys
  • Encourage newsletter, membership, and volunteer signups to build our community of supporters
  • Support public programming, including Governors Island Arts, Pumpkin Point, and more as needed

This is an on-Island position. Island Ambassadors are stationed at various locations around Governors Island, primarily at ferry landings to greet visitors as they arrive. Shifts are half-day assignments, approximately 3.5 hours long, either in the morning or afternoon. Because visitorship is highest on weekends, Island Ambassador support is primarily needed on weekends. Weekday shifts may also be offered during the busy, summer season. Volunteers manage their schedule and sign up for open shifts in their volunteer profile.

Governors Island visitors represent every zip code in New York City, so this role is a great opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Engaging in conversations and providing for visitor needs can be a highly rewarding component to this position.

 

Volunteer Expectations

Island Ambassadors are expected to commit to at least 10 volunteer hours each month. This is equivalent to about 3 volunteer shifts each month. This regular commitment ensures we have the support to keep our Welcome Center and Information Kiosk open, and allows you the opportunity to have a more meaningful connection to the Island.

 

Successful Island Ambassador volunteers:

  • Engage visitors in positive, proactive ways
  • Understand the Island’s history and stay up-to-date on current programming
  • Know their way around the Island and can offer clear, correct directions between Island amenities
  • Love Governors Island and are eager to share their enthusiasm with visitors
  • Arrive to shifts as scheduled

It is important to note that this is a forward-facing position; volunteers should feel comfortable approaching people, sharing information, and engaging in conversations. As an ambassador for the Island, all volunteers are expected to show respect and hospitality to all visitors. This includes making people of all backgrounds feel welcome on the Island, using language that is appropriate and inclusive, and refraining from making judgments about individuals, communities, or groups.

Training
Prior to your first Island Ambassador shift, volunteers will receive training from Island staff to learn about the Island's history, art and culture programming, open space and recreation opportunities, and climate adaption work, as well as best practices for visitor services. In addition, staff, experienced volunteers, and printed resources are always available as you get started.

New volunteers are encouraged to review the Governors Island website on their own to learn more about the Island's history, current programming, and future vision. In addition, volunteers are encouraged to follow Governors Island on Instagram at @govisland and subscribe to the weekly Island newsletter, which highlights events for the public, to stay up to date on Island information.

Benefits
All Island Ambassador volunteers receive a free volunteer T-shirt and name tag at their first volunteer shift. This shift not only acts as your uniform, it allows you to board the Governors Island ferry for free. This applies to Trust for Governors Island-operated ferries and is not applicable to New York City Ferry.

If you have any questions about this position, please reach out to volunteer@friendsgi.org.