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.