Institute for Contemporary Art Visitor Experience Associate (Part-time)

Employer: Virginia Commonwealth University

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Nov 21, 2025

Position Type: Administrative, Business & Administrative Affairs, Business & Administrative Support, Auxiliary Services, Campus Security/Police

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Details

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

Position: Visitor Experience Associate (Part-time)

Employee Class: Part-time Hourly

Anticipated Hiring Range: $15

Anticipated Hours/Week: 15 - 29

Description of the Job:

The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU is seeking friendly, motivated, and outgoing individuals to assist in strengthening the ICA’s mission to listen, create, and make art public. The Visitor Experience Associates (VEAs) serve as the front-line representative of the ICA at VCU. VEAs ensure that every visitor enjoys a welcoming, safe, and enriching experience. This position is responsible for performing opening and closing duties for the museum, maintains a high standard of customer service, and supports daily museum operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Opening and Closing Duties

• Open and secure the museum in accordance with established procedures, including disarming/arming alarms, unlocking/locking doors, and preparing public areas for visitors.
• Conduct pre-opening inspections of galleries, public spaces, and facilities to ensure readiness and cleanliness.
• Perform end-of-day closing walkthroughs to ensure all visitors have exited, galleries are secure, and lights, exhibits, and equipment are properly shut down.
• Complete the Daily Assignment Sheet which includes attendance numbers for classes, tours, galleries, and overall guests in the building.
• Reconcile and report ticketing, and cash handling records as required.

Visitor Engagement and Support

• Provide excellent customer service by greeting visitors, answering questions, and assisting with wayfinding and exhibit information.
• Facilitate ticket sales, membership sign-ups, and event check-ins using point-of-sale systems.
• Assist with visitor feedback and communicate visitor needs or concerns to supervisors.
• Incident reporting, includes an email to Manager with a photo of what was touched, description of the incident, and time of incident.

Operational and Safety Support

• Monitor visitor activity to ensure the safety of guests and exhibits.
• Follow emergency procedures and support the evacuation or shelter-in-place process when necessary.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in public areas.
• Replenish exhibition materials as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers to deliver a seamless visitor experience.
• Support museum programs, events, and special exhibitions as assigned.

On-Call Working Model

• Along with regularly scheduled hours additional hours may be scheduled based on demand and staff availability; shifts may vary week to week.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is often required.
• Ideal for candidates seeking a flexible, part-time role within a dynamic, event-driven environment. Staff may be contacted on short notice for high-priority events or coverage needs.

Qualifications:

• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• High school diploma or equivalent; some college or museum experience preferred.
• Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or cultural institutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working independently or as part of a team.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.

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

Hours per Week: 15 - 29

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 28114N - Sr Coordinator MS 1

Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026

Contact Information:

Contact Name: VCUarts HR Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu