Institute for Contemporary Art Visitor Experience Associate (Part-time)

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU seeks friendly, motivated, and outgoing Visitor Experience Associates to help broaden access to contemporary art by creating, listening, and cultivating shared experiences. VEAs are front-line representatives of the ICA who provide visitors with a welcoming, safe, and enriching experience. They perform museum opening and closing duties, maintain high standards of hospitality and customer service, and support daily museum operations. The role is fully onsite and part-time, with 15–29 hours per week. In addition to regularly scheduled hours, additional shifts may be scheduled depending on demand and staff availability, and shifts may vary week to week. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is often required; staff may be contacted on short notice for high-priority events or coverage needs. The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at Broad and Belvidere, presents contemporary art and provides an open forum for dialogue and collaboration across the region and around the world. Admission is free, and the ICA serves VCU, Richmond, and the wider community.

Requirements

Must pass a pre-employment background check.
High school diploma or equivalent degree or experience.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Reliable and punctual, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Available to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a VCU staff member.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Some college or museum experience is preferred.
Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or cultural institutions is preferred.

Responsibilities

Open and secure the museum according to established procedures, including operating alarms and locking or unlocking doors, and prepare public areas for visitors.
Inspect galleries, public spaces, and facilities before opening to ensure they are ready and clean.
Conduct closing walkthroughs to confirm visitors have exited, galleries are tidy and secure, and lights, exhibits, and equipment are shut down properly.
Complete a Daily Assignment Sheet tracking attendance for classes, tours, gallery visits, and overall building guests.
Reconcile and report ticketing and cash-handling records as required.
Greet visitors, answer wayfinding questions, and assist with exhibit information while providing excellent hospitality and customer service.
Facilitate ticket sales, visitor entrance and exit forms, membership sign-ups, and event check-ins using point-of-sale systems.
Lead guided tours and workshops that facilitate learning and critical engagement with ICA exhibitions and facilities; training is provided for tours and group visits.
Assist with visitor feedback and communicate visitor needs or concerns to supervisors.
Document and submit incident and maintenance reports according to team protocols.
Monitor visitor activity to help ensure the safety of guests and exhibits.
Follow emergency procedures and support evacuation or shelter-in-place processes when necessary.
Help maintain cleanliness and order in public areas and replenish exhibition materials as needed.
Collaborate with ICA staff and volunteers to deliver a seamless visitor experience.
Support museum programs, events, and special exhibitions as assigned.