Research and Evaluation Assistant

Detroit Institute of Arts; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking a part‑time Research and Evaluation Assistant to observe and interview visitors in the galleries, contributing to understanding engagement with labels, videos, and interpretive materials. The role supports monitoring the visitor experience and the design of interpretive materials.

Under supervision, you will assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting, coordinating with staff across the museum to support exhibitions, programs, and services, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two years of experience in customer or visitor research or data analytics required.
• Experience conducting interviews and observations preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and remote collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams).
• Ability to collaborate across departments and communicate clearly with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Observe and report visitors’ interactions with labels, videos, and interpretive materials in the DIA galleries.
• Interview visitors about reactions to and use of interpretive materials in the galleries.
• Assist in monitoring and reporting aspects of the museum visitor experience and develop interpretive materials.
• Enter notes and other records into computer files.
• Assist with analysis and reporting of collected data.
• Coordinate with staff across the museum to support exhibitions, programs, and services.
• Draft briefs of evaluation results for staff use (Word/PowerPoint).
• Assist with scheduling community participants for DIA research projects.
• Apply DIA values to interactions to foster belonging with stakeholders.

Skills

Collaboration

Public speaking

Research & analysis

Communication

Interviews & observations

Office 365

Remote collaboration (Teams)

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies or related field

Job description

JOB TITLE: Research and Evaluation Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Research and Evaluation

REPORTS TO: Director, Research and Evaluation

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Occasional

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Director, Research and Evaluation, the Research and Evaluation Assistant will be responsible for observing and interviewing visitors in the galleries. This position will contribute to efforts to better understand how visitors engage with labels, videos, and other interpretive materials in the museum’s galleries. The position will support monitoring and reporting aspects of the museum visitor experience as well as the design and development of interpretive materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Observe and report visitors’ interactions with labels, videos, and other interpretive materials in the DIA galleries.
• Interview visitors about their reactions to and use of labels, videos, and other interpretive materials in the DIA galleries.
• Assist in monitoring and reporting aspects of the museum visitor experience as well as the design and development of interpretive materials.
• Enter notes and other records into computer files.
• Assist with analysis and reporting of collected data.
• Coordinate with staff across the museum to implement evaluation department activities related to exhibitions, programs, and services.
• Draft briefs of evaluation results (Word / PowerPoint documents) for use by staff.
• Assist with communication and scheduling of community participants in DIA research projects.
• Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, social sciences, or related field is required. Two (2) years of experience in customer or visitor research or data analytics required. Additional years of experience can be substituted for the degree requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
• Demonstrated ability to speak publicly, including presenting or sharing information in a clear, effective, and engaging manner suited to the audience.
• Demonstrated research and analysis skills to identify critical information and complete projects and goals.
• Ability to provide information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally through talking or writing.
• Comfortable approaching and interacting with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work with attention to detail and produce accurate results.
• Demonstrated skills to prioritize and complete multiple tasks tomeet deadlines and goals.
• Previous experience conducting interviews and customer observations, museum settings preferred.
• Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.
• Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
• Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
• Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email.