Visitor Experience & Partnerships Director

The National Quilt Museum; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY is seeking an energetic Associate Director to lead front-of-house operations, supervise admissions staff and volunteers, and ensure an exceptional visitor experience.

This role also coordinates volunteer recruitment and engagement, supports the Executive Leadership team, and builds partnerships with community organizations to advance the museum's mission through welcoming programs and outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Three or more years of experience in customer service, nonprofit administration, visitor services, hospitality, arts administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based office applications.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for museum programs and events.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily visitor services operations and admissions staff.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate front-of-house personnel.
• Ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and exceptional visitor experience.
• Develop and maintain customer service standards and operational procedures.
• Resolve visitor concerns professionally and effectively.
• Monitor admissions operations, memberships, and retail transactions for accuracy.
• Coordinate front desk scheduling to ensure appropriate staffing and coverage.
• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, and retain museum volunteers.
• Maintain volunteer records and scheduling systems.
• Match volunteer interests and skills with museum needs.
• Coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation initiatives.
• Develop new volunteer opportunities that support museum programs and events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all museum volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteer involvement for development events.
• Serve as a museum ambassador with community organizations.
• Coordinate community outreach opportunities, partnership activities, and collaborative programs.
• Maintain relationships with tourism organizations, schools, libraries, civic groups, and nonprofit partners.
• Represent the museum at community meetings and events as appropriate.
• Assist with planning community engagement initiatives that expand the museum's visibility and accessibility.
• Assist with membership recruitment and stewardship activities, with a particular focus on in-person membership sales and donations.
• Support donor cultivation events and fundraising initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Development team to strengthen community relationships and donor engagement.
• Collaborate across departments to support exhibitions, educational programming, and special events.
• Assist with event logistics and museum rentals as needed.
• Help identify operational improvements that enhance efficiency and visitor satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the museum's mission.

Skills

Customer service

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Organization

Multi-tasking

Microsoft Office

Evenings/weekends

Arts administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

POS systems

CRM/donor databases

Job description

The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY is seeking an energetic Associate Director to lead front-of-house operations, supervise admissions staff and volunteers, and ensure an exceptional visitor experience.

This role also coordinates volunteer recruitment and engagement, supports the Executive Leadership team, and builds partnerships with community organizations to advance the museum's mission through welcoming programs and outreach.