Holodeck Host at MILKEN INSTITUTE

Washington, District of Columbia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

17 Jul, 26

Salary

25.0

Posted On

18 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Public speaking, Customer service, Technical troubleshooting, Performance, Hospitality, Immersive technology, Communication, Teamwork, Hardware operation, Software operation, Visitor engagement, Event support, Adaptability, Punctuality, Storytelling

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

About the Milken Institute The Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities. The Milken Institute’s events and programmatic activities, involve the exchange of ideas with leaders from around the world. The Institute hosts more than 200 events each year, with our annual flagship event, Global Conference, bringing together 4,500+ participants from around the world, featuring more than 900+ speakers throughout 200+ sessions over the course of the event. About the Milken Institute and the Center for Advancing the American Dream The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) at the Milken Institute is building its Visitor Experience team in its inaugural year. We are seeking Gallery Guides to bring the center to life and connect visitors with our new exhibition. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, the Milken Institute conducts research and analysis and convenes top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. The Institute is a non-partisan and nonprofit think tank renowned for convening people with talent and resources to address global challenges. Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), the newest center within the Institute, is catalyzing this work by building a new type of cultural center in the heart of Washington, DC. At MCAAD we celebrate the ideal of the American Dream and explore the ongoing challenges people face in pursuing opportunity, through exhibitions and programs. To accomplish this, we focus on four pillars of the American Dream: education, health, finance, and entrepreneurship. MCAAD’s physical home is a remarkable renovation of several 120-year-old historic bank buildings, including Riggs Bank, known as the “Bank of Presidents.” The Center’s main halls are in the National Register of Historic Places, and our stewardship of the property—along with adjacent buildings on 15th St NW—showcase and honor the history of these buildings while adapting them for use as a modern cultural center with immersive exhibition galleries. There is a state-of-the-art theater, events and lecture spaces, a Holodeck Experience, and a store. The six-building complex featuring nearly 300,000 square feet of space also includes a conference center, recording and broadcast studios, and the Washington, D.C., headquarters of five centers of the Milken Institute. About the Position WE are a dynamic, collaborative, and motivated team operating and invigorating the soaring halls of the Riggs Bank buildings as a place to imagine, explore, and expand the American Dream. YOU are a friendly professional with a knack for providing stellar visitor service. You like talking to all kinds of people and sharing what you know. You can follow a plan but are also flexible when circumstances shift. You’re communicative and like working on a team. Step into the spotlight as a Holodeck Experience Host at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, where immersive technology meets theatrical artistry. As the face of one of the museum’s most dynamic installations, you will guide visitors through an awe-inspiring immersive journey, ensure smooth show operation, provide technical support, and create memorable interactions that reflect the magic of a theme park performance. This role combines performance, hospitality, and tech fluency. It is ideal for someone who thrives in front of an audience and is excited to present state-of-the-art advanced experiences. Responsibilities Visitor Engagement * Welcome and orient visitors with a warm, charismatic presence * Narrate and perform within the Holodeck experience using scripted or improvised elements * Maintain a lively atmosphere while ensuring guests feel informed and comfortable * Anticipate visitor needs and provide proactive assistance throughout the experience * Share information about the Holodeck Experience and respond to visitor inquiries. * Support ticket sales and check in Show Operations and Support * Monitor and operate Holodeck hardware and software systems to ensure consistent show flow * Provide hands-on troubleshooting for minor technical issues and escalate complex problems as needed * Perform routine system checks and coordinate with tech teams for updates and repairs Collaboration and Training * Work closely with Visitor Experience and Technical teams to continually refine presentations and visitor experience * Participate in theatrical training sessions and tech walk-throughs * Share creative ideas to enhance the experience * Duties as assigned Requirements * The ideal candidate has a healthy sense of humor, a passion for engaging with others and thrives in a highly collaborative environment while taking ownership of own duties. * You will thrive in this role if you are an enthusiastic communicator committed to providing outstanding customer service and passionate about offering best-in-class experiences. * Ideal candidates have a background in performance, visitor attractions, hospitality, or interactive technology preferred * Holodeck Hosts adhere to a detailed schedule of showtimes and specific responsibilities throughout the workday, requiring a high level of punctuality. * Comfort in public speaking, performing, or leading group experiences * Technical aptitude with AV equipment, immersive media systems, or gaming interfaces * Ability to troubleshoot calmly under pressure and adapt to evolving situations * Warm, approachable demeanor with a flair for the dramatic Bonus Traits * Experience at theme parks, immersive theaters, or escape rooms * Interest in immersive art, virtual reality, and storytelling * Multilingual abilities to engage diverse audiences * Resilience in repetition – you enjoy focusing and honing an experience Working Conditions All work will take place on site in our public visitor center. Availability on weekends, occasional evenings, and holidays is required. The working schedule for this role will be Thursday – Monday from 9:15am to 5:45pm. Physical aspects of the role include ability to stand or be on one’s feet for extended periods of time and move equipment, such as signage, chairs, or stanchions on a cart. All Holodeck Hosts must adhere to a team dress code. Note The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Our Culture The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran. Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone. Benefits * Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) * Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Sick & Select Public Holidays) * Short-Term & Long-Term Disability * Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)

Responsibilities

The Holodeck Host will guide visitors through immersive experiences, perform scripted or improvised narratives, and ensure smooth show operations. They are also responsible for monitoring hardware and software systems and providing technical support to maintain a high-quality visitor experience.