Visitor Experience Associate

Visitor Experience Associate
The Visitor Services Associate at Virginia MOCA is at the forefront of ensuring an exceptional and welcoming visitor experience that is reflective of the Museum’s mission and values. As part of the Operations department, this role supports the Museum’s efforts to enhance the accessibility of exhibitions and programming to a diverse audience through exceptional customer service and meaningful engagement with all visitors while actively ensuring visitor safety and protecting the works of art in the Museum’s care. The Visitor Experience Associate also works to support education initiatives including programming, tours, and ARTlab, and assists with programs, special events, and facility rentals.
SCHEDULE: 7 to 20 hours per week; Wednesday–Sunday and occasional evenings
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Visitor Experience
Advocates for all visitors by anticipating needs, offering clear guidance, and creating a welcoming, safe, and engaging experience. Manages Welcome Desk during assigned hours, greets visitors, vendors, contractors, and other guests, and answers and directs phone communications
During gallery hours, rotates between checking in and orienting visitors to the Museum, engaging visitors in the galleries, and performing facility walkthroughs and security checks
Assists with the upkeep and organization of front-of-house areas, ensuring all spaces are clean and tidy, and all signage and materials are updated
Initiates meaningful, active conversations with visitors to support understanding of current exhibitions and programs and to encourage deeper engagement
Assists with membership and studio program inquiries and registrations
Works closely with the security team to ensure effective management of building traffic, always remaining alert and responsive to the environment, and providing active protection of the work of art in the galleries.
Communicates visitor feedback to supervisor and assists with making visitor experience improvements
Creates a welcoming and accessible retail experience at the Welcome Desk and merchandise kiosk by assisting visitors with purchases, interfacing with Museum Point-of-Sale system, answering product questions, maintaining inventory, and ensuring an inviting, well-organized display
Exhibitions & Education
Restocks, organizes and monitors visitor use of ARTlab
Prepares art materials for ARTlab and public programs as needed
Assists with the installation of ARTlab when assigned
Facilitates daily public tours when time allows
Supports school and group tours and education programs as needed
Assists Atrium artist set-up
Studio instructor support if needed
Attends all Exhibitions and Education training sessions
Special Events and Facility Rentals
Supports and assists with event needs, such as check-in, merchandise sales, gallery monitoring, setup and cleanup.
Works with Venue Operations Manager to provide support for vendors and clients with questions about venue policies and procedures and serves as on-site venue representative during private rentals
Monitor contracted event spaces for cleanliness, access, lighting, and appearance before and during events
Review event materials and timelines upon arrival to ensure alignment with planned logistics
Coordinate with Museum security and maintenance staff to address operational needs during setup and event hours
Ensure event flow, signage, and space readiness prior to guest arrival
Transition venue oversight to security staff at the designated time and document any issues from the shift
SKILLS & ABILITIES
1–2 years of customer service experience
Ability to provide exceptional, individualized customer service to a wide range of audiences
Strong organizational skills and capacity to prioritize varied tasks
Works effectively in both fast-paced and self-motivating environments, both in coordination with other team members and alone
Outstanding interpersonal and oral communication skills
Must have an enthusiasm for engaging with the public, helping visitors to make meaningful connections between contemporary art and the everyday
Inventive and resourceful team player who is eager to learn and contribute
Must have basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite
Knowledge or interest in art, museum work, and education strongly preferred
Knowledge of other languages a plus
Availability to work outside of standard museum hours for special events
Virginia MOCA strives for an inclusive work environment and actively embraces a diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We highly encourage individuals from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups to apply.
No phone calls or walk-ins, please. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be held thereafter.

Employment type
Part-Time Hourly

Work arrangement
No