"Institute for Contemporary Art Visitor Experience Associate of Cafe and Retail"

Job Details

Advertising Summary: The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU invites applicants for the part-time position of Visitor Experience Associate of Cafe and Retail.

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:

The Visitor Experience Associate of Cafe and Retail is a member of the Institute for Contemporary Arts’s cafe and retail team, supporting the daily operations of the Abby Moore Cafe and Lewis & Butler Foundation Shop, and helping ensure a safe, high-quality dining and retail experience for visitors. The ICA’s cafe and retail program is a synthesis of carefully curated food, beverages, products, artist books and editions, and is firmly rooted in our commitment to create sustainable operations that support welcoming, inclusive, and curious art, food, and culture-focused opportunities.

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
• Maintain ServSafe Food Handler Certificate
• Provide day-of support for public and private events
• Process cafe and retail sales, and log visitor feedback
• Receive shipments at loading dock and assist with stocking and inventory
• Maintain a deep knowledge of the ICA with a focus on cafe and retail products and offerings
• Learn menu execution and any updates or menu changes
• Display a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu
• Effectively participate in food prep, ensuring excellence in communication 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
• Effectively participates in a professionally run service period, ensuring excellence in plate assembly, timing, and communication
• Maintain a calm mental athleticism while managing food and/or beverage tickets
• Working collaboratively and supportively on a small team
• Receive and respond to phone inquiries
• Wear the approved ICA uniform while on duty
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess excellent customer service skills and a welcoming demeanor
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public, exercising tact, diplomacy, and cultural intelligence 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a hospitality setting
• Experience working with point-of-sale software in a hospitality setting
• Customer service experience; or an equivalent combination of education and training
• Experience working public and private events

Salary Range: $15/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

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 28114N - Sr Coordinator MS 1

Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Contact Information: Contact Name: Arts HR Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu