Full Time Visitor Experience Associate

Munson Willliams Proctor Art Institute•Utica, NY

About The Position

The Visitor Experience Associate advances Munson’s mission by creating a welcoming, engaging, and positive experience for visitors, students, members, volunteers, donors, and staff. As a primary point of contact, the Associate provides customer service and supports daily operations at the Museum of Art welcome desk, Museum Shop, Campus Store, and other public-facing areas. The role shares information about Munson’s programs, events, exhibitions, facilities, and merchandise, and handles visitor inquiries, transactions, inventory, opening and closing procedures, and recordkeeping. The Associate supports front-of-house operations, administrative functions, and public programs and events. The position requires professionalism, attention to detail, confidentiality, and adherence to organizational policies. Associates work 37.5 hours, with a half-hour unpaid lunch period, and must be flexible to work regularly scheduled day, weekend, and evening hours. As a cross-trained member of the Visitor Experience team, the Associate collaborates across departments and models Munson’s welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and collaborative culture.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Two years of customer service, retail, reception, administrative support, or related experience required.
Flexibility to work regularly scheduled evening and weekend hours required.
Experience working with computer systems and databases required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
Strong organizational and time-management skills required.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and interact with diverse populations.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Proficiency with word processing, email, spreadsheets (Excel or Sheets), and electronic calendars required.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to learn organizational programs, exhibitions, and services and communicate them effectively to the public.
Frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and lifting merchandise or materials; occasional sitting.
Ability to move throughout the facility to assist visitors, respond to operational needs, and support special events.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer work, POS operation, merchandise handling, and transaction processing.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds independently and up to 50 pounds with assistance.
Ability to operate computers, POS systems, telephones, and standard office equipment.
Final candidate must complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher preferred.
Experience with point-of-sale systems, cash handling, ticketing systems, and membership software preferred.
Experience in a museum, arts, educational, retail, or nonprofit environment preferred.
Knowledge of merchandising and visual display practices preferred.
Familiarity with Google Workplace preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact and provide customer service to visitors, students, members, volunteers, donors, and staff.
Welcome and assist guests in person, by phone, and through electronic communications; answer and direct inquiries.
Provide information about exhibitions, classes, events, performances, memberships, facilities, campus resources, and merchandise.
Process admissions, memberships, registrations, ticket sales, retail purchases, and other transactions accurately.
Promote organizational programs, events, memberships, and retail offerings through informed interactions.
Monitor visitor needs, concerns, and feedback, and communicate relevant information to appropriate staff.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in interactions.
Support daily operation of visitor reception areas, the Museum Shop, and the Campus Store.
Operate point-of-sale, ticketing, membership, and registration systems; handle cash and credit card transactions and related records.
Complete daily reconciliations and prepare and reconcile financial deposits.
Assist with merchandise receiving, pricing, stocking, inventory management, and visual presentation.
Maintain clean, organized, welcoming public spaces and ensure displays, informational materials, and visitor resources are stocked and current.
Provide administrative support, including maintaining records, databases, spreadsheets, and reports; data entry, filing, correspondence, and general office functions.
Prepare materials and communications as needed and collaborate with staff across departments.
Support special projects and departmental activities as assigned.
Assist with event setup, guest services, admissions, retail operations, and event breakdown for exhibitions, programs, performances, community events, and fundraising activities.
Support audience engagement and provide customer service during public programs and special events.
Participate in organizational committees, training, and professional development activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.