ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

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ACU NEXT Lab is looking for an engaging, dependable, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a NEXT Lab Ambassador. This individual will represent NEXT Lab by welcoming visitors and leading tours of the Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) for school groups, ACU students and families, community members, and other interested groups.

The NEXT Lab Ambassador will communicate the mission, work, and story of NEXT Lab and in an engaging and accessible way to a variety of audiences. The ideal candidate will be comfortable speaking to groups, interacting with visitors of all ages, answering questions, and creating a welcoming and professional experience for guests.

NEXT Lab Core Values 

The key principle of this job is to support ACU’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Along with this, and the NEXT mission, our core values are the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that shape our culture, behavior, and decisions. 

1. Christ-like Character  

We lead with humility, integrity, and wisdom. We strive to be honest mentors who reflect Christ in our actions and relationships.
 

2. Driven to Deliver  

We take initiative, work hard, and stay curious. We’re proactive, creative problem-solvers who are always learning and pushing forward to get things done. 
 

3. Better Together  

We believe in the power of collaboration. We communicate openly, support one another, and bring a spirit of respect, fun, and teamwork to everything we do.  

An ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong desire to integrate into a team that shares our core values and possess the skills listed below. Candidates who align well with our values but may not yet have all of the desired skills may still be considered. 

Basic Responsibilities:

A. Welcome visitors to NEXT Lab. 

B. Lead engaging and informative tours for a variety of groups.

C. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Essential Duties:

A. Welcome visitors to NEXT Lab. 

• Welcome guests and provide basic orientation to the SERC.
• Create a friendly, engaging, and professional environment for visitors.
• Represent ACU and NEXT Lab positively in interactions with prospective students, families, educators,
  community members, and other guests.
• Assist groups in navigating the facility and following visitor and safety requirements.

B. Lead engaging and informative tours for a variety of groups.

• Coordinate with NEXT Lab staff regarding tour schedules, group needs, and special accommodations.
• Lead tours of the SERC for K–12 school groups, ACU students and families, community organizations, and
  other interested groups.
• Accurately communicate the mission, history, research, and work of NEXT Lab.
• Adapt tour content and presentation style based on the age, background, interests, and knowledge level of
  each group.
• Explain technical and scientific concepts in a clear and approachable manner.
• Answer visitor questions or appropriately refer questions to NEXT Lab faculty and staff when additional
  expertise is needed.
• Follow established tour routes, safety requirements, security procedures, and facility access policies.
• Provide feedback that may help improve the visitor and tour experience.

C. Perform other duties as assigned. 

The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically 

related to the position. 

Qualifications

Professional Development Requirements:

Training

• Previous experience in public speaking, education, hospitality, customer service, tours, or similar work is preferred.
• An interest in science, engineering, education, or ACU is preferred; a technical or scientific background is not required.

Professional 

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree
• Preferred: Advanced Technical Degree

Personal Skills

• Excellent verbal communication and public-speaking skills.
• Friendly, outgoing, and comfortable engaging with groups of varying sizes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, students, families, educators, professionals, and community members.
• Ability to learn scientific or technical information and communicate it in an understandable way.
• Strong interpersonal and hospitality skills.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to adapt presentations and respond appropriately to unexpected questions or situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while leading tours.
• Ability to walk throughout the SERC and navigate stairs as needed.
• Ability to speak clearly and project one's voice while addressing groups.
• Ability to accommodate a variable work schedule based on scheduled tours, events, and visitor needs.
  

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.