About the position
The Texas Science & Natural History Museum is seeking a part-time Visitor Services Assistant to enhance the visitor experience and support various events at the museum. This role is crucial in welcoming guests, managing ticket sales, and providing information about exhibitions and programs. The Visitor Services Assistant will be responsible for creating a positive atmosphere for visitors, ensuring they feel welcomed and informed during their time at the museum. This position requires a commitment to exceptional customer service and the ability to represent the museum in a professional manner. The role will involve working collaboratively with museum staff and volunteers, and it will require flexibility in scheduling, including weekend and evening hours. In addition to greeting and checking in visitors, the Visitor Services Assistant will assist with wayfinding, helping guests navigate the museum and understand the various exhibits. The assistant will also handle sales transactions, including tickets, memberships, and merchandise, using a point-of-sale system. This includes processing payments, maintaining accurate records, and restocking merchandise as needed. The role will also involve collecting visitor information for membership programs and assisting with reporting on shop and tour numbers. Training and supporting Visitor Services volunteers will also be part of the responsibilities, ensuring that all staff members are equipped to provide excellent service. Overall, the Visitor Services Assistant will play a vital role in the museum's mission to spark curiosity and promote a sense of belonging among visitors, making it an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about science and natural history.
Responsibilities
- Welcome and check in visitors and tour groups; sell tickets to visitors and tour groups.
- Assist visitors with wayfinding and orient visitors to the exhibitions and programs at the museum; accurately answer visitor questions.
- Work collaboratively with museum staff and volunteers.
- Process ticket sales, merchandise sales, membership sales, and donations using a credit card machine and cash handling.
- Accurately record sales and receipts using a point-of-sale program.
- Restock merchandise in the gift shop and suggest items for the gift shop.
- Collect constituent information, encourage enrollment in the membership program, and enroll visitors in our newsletter.
- Assist with reporting on shop and tour numbers.
- Assist with training Visitor Services volunteers.
- Perform other related functions as assigned.
Requirements
- One year of experience in customer service or front desk coordination.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Experience keeping organized records.
- Experience in maintaining a balanced cash drawer.
- Strong organization, time management, and written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to interact positively and communicate clearly with supervisor, co-workers, and all constituents including faculty, staff, volunteers, and students.
- Ability to reinforce key messages with visitors about the museum, shop, and membership program.
- Must be able to regularly work Saturdays, Sundays, and some evenings.
Nice-to-haves
- Two or more years of experience in customer service or front desk coordination.
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with ticketing, tour, and point of sale programs and tools.
- Knowledge of Blackbaud's ALTRU system.
- Attention to detail, concise reporting, ability to adapt and problem solve.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple functions at a time.
- Familiarity with museum visitor services.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Full benefits
- Extensive support network
- Collaborative working community
