Data Collector, Visitor Research

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligibility varies

Job summary

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is seeking a Data Collector, Visitor Research to join our Evaluation & Impact team. This highly part-time role engages directly with museum visitors, inviting participation in research studies, administering surveys, and collecting accurate information that helps us understand our audiences.

You will contribute to institution-wide learning and help the Museum make informed decisions about the visitor experience while adhering to research protocols and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience or coursework related to social science research, survey research, customer service, outreach, or a similar area.
• Experience interacting with visitors, customers, or members of the public.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established research procedures and timelines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule aligned with Museum visitor hours and research needs.

Responsibilities

• Connect with visitors and invite participation in evaluation studies.
• Administer surveys using tablets or approved devices.
• Follow research protocols to ensure consistent data collection.
• Maintain complete and organized data documentation.
• Adapt to changing visitor patterns and needs.
• Collaborate with Evaluation & Impact team and fellow Data Collectors.
• Complete required training, including Human Subjects Research certification.

Skills

Strong verbal communication

Strong written communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Independent and collaborative work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in social sciences / museum studies (preferred)

Job description

Part-Time | Non-Exempt | $16.24 – $22.00 per hour (based on relevant experience and qualifications).

Turn Visitor Experiences into Meaningful Insights

Are you curious about what visitors think, feel, and experience when they visit a museum? Do you enjoy meeting new people and making them feel welcome?

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is looking for a Data Collector, Visitor Research to join our Evaluation & Impact team. In this highly part-time role, you'll engage directly with Museum visitors, invite them to participate in research studies, administer surveys, and collect accurate information that helps us better understand our audiences.

The information you collect will contribute to institution-wide learning and help the Museum make informed decisions about the visitor experience.

What You'll Do

• Connect with visitors. Approach and engage Museum visitors in a welcoming, respectful manner and invite them to participate in evaluation and research studies.
• Collect high-quality data. Administer surveys and other research instruments using tablets, electronic devices, or other approved methods.
• Follow research protocols. Apply established social science research procedures and confidentiality standards to ensure information is collected consistently and accurately.
• Keep accurate records. Maintain complete and organized documentation of data-collection activities.
• Adapt to the visitor environment. Respond effectively to changing visitor patterns, research needs, and unexpected situations.
• Work collaboratively. Partner with Evaluation & Impact staff and fellow Data Collectors while also being comfortable working independently.
• Build your research knowledge. Complete required training, including Human Subjects Research certification, before independently collecting data.

What You'll Bring

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience or coursework related to social science research, survey research, customer service, outreach, or a similar area.
• Experience interacting with visitors, customers, or members of the public.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to consistently follow established research procedures and timelines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt and problem-solve when unexpected situations arise.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule aligned with Museum visitor hours and research needs.

Preferred

• College coursework or a degree in social sciences, museum studies, education, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
• Fluency in a second language.

Schedule & Working Conditions

This is a highly part-time position, generally working approximately 2–4 hours per week or 12–16 hours per month.

Hours vary based on research and data-collection needs and generally occur when the Museum is open to visitors, Thursday through Monday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during peak data-collection periods.

Because this is an active, visitor-facing position, you'll spend substantial periods standing and walking throughout the Museum, potentially for 2–4 hours at a time. The position also occasionally involves desk or tablet/PC work and may require lifting up to 20 pounds.

Why the Nelson-Atkins?

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care and, through its broad collection, the depths and complexities of human experiences.

We welcome everyone with free access to experience artistic creations spanning 5,000 years. We believe art can uplift, surprise, challenge, and transform—and that understanding our visitors helps us create more meaningful experiences for the communities we serve.

As a member of the Learning & Engagement evaluation team, your work will help us listen to our audiences, learn from their experiences, and use those insights to inform the Museum's future.

Compensation

The hiring range for this non-exempt, hourly position is $16.24–$22.00 per hour (based on relevant experience and qualifications).

Starting pay is determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate, internal equity, and the Museum's compensation guidelines.

Benefits

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment status and scheduled hours. Eligible employees may have access to Museum programs and benefits in accordance with applicable Museum policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodation

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The Museum is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact People & Culture for assistance.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include a background check.

The salary range provided represents the Museum's anticipated hiring range for this position. Actual starting compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience and qualifications, internal equity, and organizational compensation guidelines.