Employment Opportunities with the Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an equal opportunity employer. Positions will be posted on our employment page as they become available.
The Freedom Center only accepts resumes and applications for available and posted positions. Please be sure to check our employment page frequently for the most current list of employment opportunities. We are unable to provide the status of applications and resumes. Therefore, we request that no phone calls be made for this purpose.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
Volunteer at the Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's volunteer program inspires individuals to serve as ambassadors demonstrating the values of courage, cooperation and perseverance for all people.
Volunteers at the Freedom Center are sometimes referred to as "Freedom Conductors," to acknowledge the giant footsteps in which they walk. Inspired by Harriet Tubman, John Rankin and John Parker, and more-people who had their freedom but risked it to help others- our volunteers help fight "unfreedoms" by giving of themselves to the Freedom Center in hopes of changing their community.
Volunteers have been integral in every stage of the Freedom Center's young life-from conception to groundbreaking to grand opening to each day we're open to the public. They lead school tours, interpret exhibits, staff the Family Search Center, greet guests, work in the gift shop, speak in the community about the Freedom Center, office administrative support, serve on committees, plan events-and so much more.
Volunteer Positions
Are you eager to learn new things, utilize your skills and meet new people? Are you looking for ways you can make a difference in your school, community and your world?
As a Freedom Conductor (volunteer) you will:
- be a key member of our team
- provide support and expertise crucial for success
- be matched to an opportunity that meets your interests and abilities
- join a team of diverse individuals who believe in freedom for all people
- Make a difference and inspire others! Become a Freedom Conductor today!
Exhibit Interpreter
Do you love the history of the Underground Railroad? As an Exhibit Interpreter, you can be involved with overall responsibility to help create an excellent visitor experience for Freedom Center guests by engaging in dialogue, participating in collaborative learning, and sharing the knowledge gained from a 10-week+ training program. This is a great opportunity for individuals who are looking for a continually meaningful volunteer experience. Opportunities available Tuesday-Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Special Event Guides
Are you excited by the chance to be an Exhibit Guide, but you work or go to school full time? No problem! The Freedom Center plays host to all sorts of groups during evening private events, and they often request that trained exhibit guides be on hand to interpret exhibits and enhance their experience. As a Special Event Guide, you'd be trained in Underground Railroad history, interpretive techniques, and more alongside other guides in our 10-week program and would then be available to work evening events. Opportunities available all evenings from 5 to 10pm (and beyond!)
Family Search Center
Are you interested in history and genealogy? Want to learn more and help others track their family history? The Family Search Center provides free genealogy help to the public and is entirely run by volunteers. All you need is comfort with the computer, an ability to interact well with people, and an interest in genealogy-we'll train you in genealogy research techniques so you can help out effectively! Opportunities available Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 4pm.
Gift Shop Associate
The Gift Shop Associates staff the sales floor, providing customer service to our guests by helping them with their selections and answering questions about the merchandise and the Freedom Center in general. As a gift shop associate, you will also help restock merchandise in the store, straighten throughout the day, and help put together eye-catching displays. Opportunities available Tuesday-Sunday 11am to 5pm
On-Call Volunteer
For those who are unavailable for or uninterested in the regular volunteer positions listed above, being an "on-call" volunteer is an opportunity get involved on an occasional basis. As an on-call volunteer, you'd receive biweekly Freedom Conductor email updates with, among other things, short-term or one-time opportunities to volunteer. If any of these interest you or fit your schedule, you are free to accept these opportunities. There are no expectations or requirements for regular hours. Short-term and one-time opportunities have in the past included greeting guests at special events, working an information booth for the Freedom Center, at-home data entry, clerical work, and helping to plan events and programs. As an on-call volunteer, you will also be informed of training and information sessions for regular volunteer positions, and are welcome at any time to "upgrade" to a more consistent position
Apply Online
Fill out our online application and we'll contact you right away about volunteer opportunities
For more information on volunteering contact:
Paula Johnson, Volunteer Services Manager
513.333.7507 or pjohnson@nurfc.org
Internships at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center offers unpaid internships to students who would like to gain experience and work as part of a team in completing significant projects. Our internship program is open to students of an accredited institution of higher education and will be entering their Sophomore, Junior or Senior year as an undergraduate. Students can volunteer in order to earn academic credit or to gain experience. Please contact your advisor to inquire about your school's policy.
Internships are available in the following areas:
- Education
- Programs
- Exhibits
- Marketing/PR
- Private Events
- AV/IT
- Administration
Once we receive your application and completed materials, we will send you a confirmation alerting you that your application has been received. In that communication, you will be notified whether or not an intern position is available. If there is a position available, we will communicate to you what your next steps will be.
What We Need From You:
- Your completed Intern Application
- Cover letter explaining what you would like to learn from the Freedom Center and why the Freedom Center is important to you
- Your signed Background Authorization Check form
- Your Reference Forms
- Your resume
- Your official transcript from accredited institution
Any application packets received without ALL of the above items will NOT be considered.
You may choose to send your application packets via any one of the following methods: Mail, email or fax to the address below:
Paula Johnson
Manager, Volunteer Services
50 East Freedom Way
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
E-mail: pjohnson@nurfc.org — (please put intern application packet in the subject line)
Fax: 513-333-7716
Phone: 513-333-7505
