Part-Time Visitor Experience Associate (14.5 hrs/wk)

Munson Willliams Proctor Art Institute•Utica, NY

10d

About The Position

The Visitor Experience Associate supports Munson’s mission by serving as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors, students, members, and volunteers. The role provides customer service through the welcome desk, Museum Shop, and Campus Store, and helps create positive experiences across public-facing areas. The Associate shares information about Munson’s programs, events, and products while following organizational policies and procedures. The position supports visitor services, retail operations, administrative functions, and public programs. Duties include responding to inquiries, processing admissions and other transactions, handling cash and financial records, managing merchandise and inventory, maintaining welcoming public spaces, and assisting with events. As a cross-trained member of the Visitor Experience team, the Associate collaborates across departments and participates in training and professional development. The schedule is 14.5 hours per week and requires regularly scheduled daytime, evening, and weekend availability. The final candidate must complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.

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), electronic calendars, and presentation software (PowerPoint or Google Slides).
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to learn organizational programs, exhibitions, and services and communicate them effectively to the public.
Ability to perform frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and lifting of merchandise or materials; move throughout the facility; and communicate in person, by telephone, and electronically.
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.
Successful completion of 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.
Experience with volunteer coordination or community engagement preferred.
Knowledge of merchandising and visual display practices preferred.
Familiarity with Google Workplace preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for visitors, students, members, volunteers, donors, and staff.
Welcome and assist guests in person, by phone, and through electronic communications.
Answer and direct calls, emails, and in-person inquiries; provide information about exhibitions, classes, events, performances, memberships, facilities, and campus resources.
Process admissions, memberships, registrations, ticket sales, retail purchases, and other transactions accurately and efficiently.
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 operations in 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; complete daily reconciliations and related records.
Prepare and reconcile daily financial deposits for admissions, memberships, registrations, retail sales, and other transactions.
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; assisting with data entry, filing, correspondence, and general office functions; and preparing materials and communications.
Collaborate with staff across departments and 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 help create positive visitor experiences throughout campus.
Contribute to a collaborative Visitor Experience team; participate in organizational committees, training, and professional development; perform other duties as assigned.