Summer Student Assistant, Visitor Services, The Harry Ransom Center

University of Texas at Austin

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Harry Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. Visitors engage with the Center's collections through research and study, exhibitions, publications, and a rich variety of program offerings including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings. The Ransom Center encourages discovery, inspires creativity, and advances understanding of the humanities for a broad audience through the preservation and sharing of its extraordinary collections. The Ransom Center welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and maintaining awareness of broad perspectives and experiences. The purpose of this role is to serve as front desk staff, which includes welcoming visitors, accepting donations, selling publications and merchandise in the Ransom Center shop, and providing exceptional customer service to Harry Ransom Center visitors while enforcing policies and procedures. This role will also provide administrative support for the shop and volunteer events.

Requirements

Must be an enrolled UT student.
Must be enrolled in 3 hours of course work OR 12 hours the Spring 2026 semester.
1 year of experience in customer service or front desk coordination.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Experience keeping organized records.
Strong organization, time management, and written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to develop collaborative partnerships with campus and community members.
Ability to interact positively and communicate clearly with supervisor, co-workers, and all constituents including faculty, staff, volunteers, and students.
Must be able to consistently work Saturdays and Sundays
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

2 or more years of experience in customer service or front desk coordination.
UT administrative experience; knowledge of university policies and procedures.
Excellent communication skills and ability to manage front desk duties with limited instruction.
Expert level attention to detail, including documentation of standards for future work.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and time.
Familiarity with library or museum visitor services field knowledge.

Responsibilities

Welcome visitors and tour groups; provide collection and exhibition assistance to visitors of the Ransom Center Galleries.
Work collaboratively with visitor services volunteers.
Process donations and merchandise sales as part of the Visitor Services team, using a credit card machine and cash handling.
Establish and record sales and receipts, using a point of sale program.
Restock merchandise in the gift shop.
Collect email addresses and conduct visitor experience surveys with visitors to the Center.
Assist with reporting and training for Visitor Services volunteers.
Provide recommendations on Visitor Services desk role and activities.
Other related functions as assigned.