Advertising Summary: The Institute for Contemporary Art
(ICA) invites applications for the part-time position of Cafe and
Retail Associate.
Unit: Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department: Institute for Contemporary Art
Department Summary: Designed by Steven Holl Architects and
located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the Institute for
Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU presents the art of our time and
provides an open forum for dialogue and collaboration across the
region and throughout the world. With free admission, the ICA is a
major resource for VCU, Richmond, and beyond.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Job Overview Statement
The Visitor Experience Associate of Retail is a member of the
Institute for Contemporary Arts’s retail team, supporting in the
daily operations of the ICA Shop + Cafe, helping ensure a safe,
high-quality retail experience for visitors. The ICA’s retail
program is a synthesis of carefully curated food, beverages,
products, art publications, and intimate programming, and is firmly
rooted in our commitment to create sustainable operations that
support welcoming and curious art and culture focused
opportunities. The cafe values its sustainability practices, is
committed to working with local food and beverage suppliers, and
encourages visitors to enjoy a “to stay” dining experience.
Job Responsibilities
- Create a welcoming and hospitable environment for visitors,
accurately responding to inquiries in regards to the shop, menu,
cafe hours, and basic operational information
Provide day-of support for public and private events
Receive shipments at loading dock and assist with stocking and
inventory
Process ICA Shop + Cafe sales, and log visitor feedback
Maintain a deep knowledge of the ICA with a focus on Shop +
Cafe products and offerings
Receive and respond to phone inquiries
Maintain ServSafe Food Handler Certificate
Learn and implement menu execution and any updates or menu
changes
Display a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation
used on the menu
Participate in food prep, ensuring excellence in communication,
cooking, and proper storage and labeling of prepared foods and
ingredients
Ensure that prep station is stocked throughout service and
overall station remains clean and organized
Barista duties for tea and coffee service
Participates in a professionally run service period, ensuring
excellence in plate assembly, timing, and communication
Maintain a calm, professional, and respectful demeanor while
managing food and/or beverage tickets
Work collaboratively and supportively on a small team
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Must possess excellent customer service skills and a welcoming
demeanor in order to successfully engage and interact with an
audience from all backgrounds.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with staff, volunteers, and members of the public
while exercising tact and diplomacy at all times.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and set up, move, and break down
event furniture.
- Ability to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods.
- Must have a flexible schedule and the ability to work weekends,
evenings, and some holidays.
- Must have strong verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of
respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty,
staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a
commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Meal prep experience within a food service setting.
- Customer service experience; or an equivalent combination of
education and training
- Experience working public and private events
- Experience working in a hospitality setting
- Experience working with point-of-sale software in a hospitality
setting
Salary Range: Minimum hourly rate of $16/hour.
Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide
array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU.
Consult the
benefits website
for information on benefits eligibility according to employee
type.
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: Less than 29 hours per week. It may vary
each week.
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: H - Coordinator MS 1
Rank: Non Faculty
Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Contact Information:
Contact Name: VCUarts HR
Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu