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

Go VCE; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU seeks friendly, motivated individuals to join as Visitor Experience Associates. This part-time, fully onsite role supports opening/closing duties, guest greeting, ticketing, tours, and safety compliance.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, strong communication skills, and a commitment to respectful service for diverse visitors. Flexible weekend/evening hours are common, with a 15–29 hour work week.

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 preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently or in a team.
• Weekend, holiday, and occasional evening availability.

Responsibilities

• Open and close museum operations following procedures and ensure public areas are prepared.
• Greet visitors, answer questions, and assist with exhibit information.
• Lead guided tours and workshops as trained.
• Facilitate ticket sales, membership sign-ups, and event check-ins.
• Document incidents and maintenance reports per team protocols.
• Monitor safety and assist in emergencies as needed.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to deliver a seamless visitor experience.

Skills

Customer service

Hospitality

Communication skills

Teamwork

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Advertising Summary:The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU is seeking friendly, motivated, and outgoing individuals to assist in strengthening the ICA’s mission to broaden access to contemporary art through creating, listening, and cultivating shared experiences.

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:

Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU

Visitor Experience Associate

The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU is seeking friendly, motivated, and outgoing individuals to assist in strengthening the ICA’s mission to broaden access to contemporary art through creating, listening, and cultivating shared experiences. Visitor Experience Associates (VEAs) serve as front-line representatives of the ICA, ensuring that every visitor receives a welcoming, safe, and enriching experience. Employees in this position are responsible for performing opening and closing duties for the museum, maintaining a high standard of hospitality and customer service, and supporting 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 tidy and secure, and lights, exhibits, and equipment are properly shut down.

• Complete a Daily Assignment Sheet, which includes tracking attendance numbers for classes, tours, gallery visits, and overall guests throughout the building.

• Reconcile and report ticketing and cash handling records as required.

Visitor Engagement and Support

• Exhibit excellent hospitality and customer service by greeting visitors, answering wayfinding questions, and assisting with exhibit information.

• Facilitate ticket sales, visitor entrance/exit forms, membership sign-ups, and event check-ins using point-of-sale systems.

• Lead guided tours and workshops that facilitate learning and critical engagement with the ICA’s exhibitions and facilities. Please note that VEAs will be trained to confidently lead guided tours and group visits.

• Assist with visitor feedback and communicate visitor needs and/or concerns to supervisors.

• Document and submit incident and maintenance reports according to team protocols.

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 ICA staff and volunteers to deliver a seamless visitor experience.

• Support museum programs, events, and special exhibitions as assigned.

On-Call Working Model

• In addition to 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 (if available) may be contacted on short notice for high-priority events or coverage needs.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Must pass a pre-employment background check.

• High school diploma or equivalent degree/experience; some college or museum experience preferred.

• Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or cultural institutions preferred.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

• Available to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

• 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.

Physical Requirements:

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

Salary Range:$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:15hrs - 29hrs/week

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement:Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 82361 -H - Coordinator MS 1

Rank:Non Faculty

Application Deadline: October 27, 2026

Contact Information:
Contact Name: VCUarts HR
Contact Email: [e-mail]