Part-Time Visitor Experience Associate (14.5 hrs/wk)

Munson Willliams Proctor Art Institute; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute in Utica, NY is seeking a Part-Time Visitor Experience Associate (14.5 hrs/wk) to greet visitors, manage the front desk and Museum Shop operations, and support events and public programs.

The role requires delivering exceptional customer service, processing admissions and retail transactions, and maintaining accurate records across public spaces and auxiliary operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates degree or higher preferred.
• Two years of customer service, retail, reception, administrative support, or related experience required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors, students, members, volunteers, donors, and staff.
• Welcome and assist guests in person, by phone, and through electronic communications.
• Answer and direct phone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries.
• Provide information about exhibitions, classes, events, memberships, facilities, and campus resources.
• Process admissions, memberships, registrations, ticket sales, retail purchases, and other customer transactions accurately.
• Promote programs, events, memberships, and retail offerings through interactions.
• Monitor visitor needs and communicate feedback to staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Operate point-of-sale, ticketing, membership, and registration systems.
• Handle cash, credit card transactions, reconciliations, and deposits.

Skills

Customer service

Reception

Cash handling

POS systems

Ticketing systems

Membership software

Communication skills

Organization/time management

Teamwork

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree or higher preferred

Tools

POS systems

Excel/Sheets

Google Workspace

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Part-Time Visitor Experience Associate (14.5 hrs/wk)

Visitor Services Staff Casual Utica, Utica, NY, US

The Visitor Experience Associate supports Munson’s mission by serving as a welcoming first point of contact for visitors, students, members, and volunteers. This position provides exemplary customer service through the welcome desk and retail shop operations within the Museum of Art. The Associate is responsible for creating positive and engaging experiences across all public-facing areas by being knowledgeable about Munson programs, events, and product offerings, while adhering to all organizational policies and procedures. Essential duties include assisting visitors with information and point-of-sale transactions, inventory operations, daily retail and reception opening/closing procedures, and accurate record keeping.

This position requires flexibility to work regular day, weekend and evening hours to support events and programs. (14.5 hrs/wk)

OUR CULTURE:

Munson is committed to community engagement and belonging. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, and welcome the unique perspectives and experiences they bring. This position will model the values and culture of the organization to colleagues and the public by being welcoming, inclusive, and respectful and will value collaboration across the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Visitor Experience and Customer Service

Serve as the primary point of contact for Munson, providing exceptional service to visitors, students, members, volunteers, donors, and staff.

Welcome and assist guests in person, by phone, and through electronic communications.

Answer and direct phone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries.

Respond to inquiries and provide information about exhibitions, classes, events, performances, memberships, facilities, and campus resources.

Process admissions, memberships, registrations, ticket sales, retail purchases, and other customer transactions accurately and efficiently.

Promote organizational programs, events, memberships, and retail offerings through positive and informed interactions.

Monitor visitor needs, concerns, and feedback and communicate relevant information to appropriate staff.

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

Front-of-House Operations

Support the daily operation of Munson's public-facing spaces, including visitor reception areas, the Museum Shop, and the Campus Store.

Operate point-of-sale, ticketing, membership, and registration systems.

Accurately handle cash, credit card transactions, daily reconciliations, and related records.

Prepare and reconcile daily financial deposits for admissions, memberships, registrations, retail sales, and other organizational transactions.

Assist with merchandise receiving, pricing, stocking, inventory management, and visual presentation.

Maintain clean, organized, welcoming, and attractive public spaces.

Ensure displays, informational materials, and visitor resources are stocked and current.

Administrative and Organizational Support

Provide administrative support that contributes to the efficient operation of visitor services, retail functions, and public programs.

Maintain accurate records, databases, spreadsheets, and reports.

Assist with data entry, filing, correspondence, and general office functions.

Prepare materials and communications as needed.

Collaborate with staff across departments to support organizational goals and initiatives.

Support special projects and departmental activities as assigned.

Events and Public Programs

Contribute to the successful delivery of exhibitions, programs, performances, community events, and fundraising activities.

Assist with event setup, guest services, admissions, retail operations, and event breakdown.

Provide exceptional customer service during public programs and special events.

Support audience engagement efforts and help create a positive visitor experience throughout campus.

As a cross-trained member of the Visitor Experience team, contribute to a collaborative environment that supports visitors, customers, students, and community members across all public-facing areas of the organization.

Participate in organizational committees, training opportunities, and professional development activities.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments.

Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates degree or higher preferred

Two (2) years of customer service, retail, reception, administrative support, or related experience required

Flexibility to work regularly scheduled evening and weekend hours required

Experience working with computer systems and databases required; experience with point-of-sale systems, cash handling, ticketing systems, and membership software preferred

Strong verbal and written communication skills required; strong organizational and time-management skills required

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are a must; ability to communicate and interact with diverse populations required

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail required

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively required

Experience in a museum, arts, educational, retail, or nonprofit environment preferred

Experience with volunteer coordination or community engagement preferred

Knowledge of merchandising and visual display practices preferred

Proficiency with word processing, email, spreadsheets ( Excel or Sheets ), electronic calendars, and presentation software ( PowerPoint or Google Slides ) required ; familiarity with Google Workplace preferred

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment required

Ability to learn organizational programs, exhibitions, and services and communicate them effectively to the public

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS:

Frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping and lifting of merchandise or materials throughout the retail shop, museum, reception and storage areas

Occasional sitting while performing administrative and customer service duties

Ability to move throughout the facility to assist visitors, respond to operational needs, and support special events

Ability to communicate effectively with visitors, students, employees, volunteers, and community members in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication

Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer work, operating a point-of-sale system, handling merchandise, and processing transactions

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds independently and up to 50 pounds with assistance

Ability to operate computers, POS systems, telephones, and standard office equipment

The final candidate will be required to complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.

Munson is an equal opportunity employer.