Visitor Services & Administration Coordinator

Purdue University; West Lafayette, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking a Visitor Services & Administration Coordinator for Purdue Galleries to support exhibitions, public engagement, and daily operations. The role connects visitors, artists, students, and the community, overseeing visitor services, public programs, and outreach while managing essential administrative tasks for successful gallery operations.

This limited-term, 18-month position involves coordinating events, travel for visiting artists, and payments, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in art history, art education, communications, museum studies, or related field.
• One year of experience in a museum, cultural center, or related institution.

Responsibilities

• Supervise student gallery attendants, including recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, payroll processing, and performance support.
• Lead visitor services operations to ensure a welcoming, engaging, and positive experience for all gallery visitors.
• Manage public outreach and communications, including website updates, social media content, press releases, community calendar submissions, and newsletters.
• Coordinate and support public programs, educational activities, special events, artist talks, and community engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison with campus and community partners to strengthen relationships and increase awareness of Purdue Galleries programming.
• Oversee facility rental requests and coordinate logistics for gallery events and external functions.
• Manage administrative activities related to exhibitions, including preparing exhibition paperwork, contracts, and artist/lender agreements.
• Arrange travel logistics and coordinate accommodations for visiting artists and exhibition participants.
• Process artist and lender payments and assist with exhibition-related financial transactions.
• Coordinate staffing and operational support for exhibitions, programs, and special events.
• Maintain organizational records, schedules, and documentation to support gallery operations and compliance.
• Collaborate with gallery leadership and team members to ensure exhibitions and programs are executed successfully and align with strategic goals.

Skills

Organization

Project management

Communication

Relationship building

Social media

Adobe design software

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop/Design software

Front-end website design

MS Office

Job description

Job Summary

At Purdue University, your work has the power to inspire, connect, and create meaningful experiences for campus and community audiences. As the Visitor Services & Administration Coordinator for Purdue Galleries, you will play a vital role in supporting exhibitions, public engagement, and daily operations while helping advance Purdue's commitment to creativity, education, and cultural enrichment.

In this dynamic role, you will serve as a key connector between visitors, artists, students, and the broader community. You'll oversee visitor services, coordinate public programs and events, manage communications and outreach efforts, and provide essential administrative support that ensures successful exhibitions and gallery operations. Through collaboration, creativity, and exceptional service, you'll help create welcoming experiences that make art accessible and impactful for all.

This is a limited-term duration position of 18 months. Continuation of employment will be dependent upon funding.

Responsibilities Include:

• Supervise student gallery attendants, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, payroll processing, and performance support.
• Lead visitor services operations to ensure a welcoming, engaging, and positive experience for all gallery visitors.
• Manage public outreach and communications, including website updates, social media content, press releases, community calendar submissions, and newsletters.
• Coordinate and support public programs, educational activities, special events, artist talks, and community engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison with campus and community partners to strengthen relationships and increase awareness of Purdue Galleries programming.
• Oversee facility rental requests and coordinate logistics for gallery events and external functions.
• Manage administrative activities related to exhibitions, including preparing exhibition paperwork, contracts, and artist/lender agreements.
• Arrange travel logistics and coordinate accommodations for visiting artists and exhibition participants.
• Process artist and lender payments and assist with exhibition-related financial transactions.
• Coordinate staffing and operational support for exhibitions, programs, and special events.
• Maintain organizational records, schedules, and documentation to support gallery operations and compliance.
• Collaborate with gallery leadership and team members to ensure exhibitions and programs are executed successfully and align with strategic goals.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in art history, art education, communications, museum studies, or related field
• One years of experience working in a museum, cultural center, or other relevant institution.

Skills Needed:

• Strong organization skills and able to manage extensive time-sensitive projects with a demonstrable attention to detail.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of current visitor services practices and strong communication skills.
• Strong ability to build relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Proficient in social media platforms, mass communications software, Adobe photo & design software, front-end website design, and MS Office.

What is Helpful:

• Previous experience in public-facing role within a museum or cultural institution with relevant management experience.
• A valid US or Canadian driver’s license.

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summaryCLICK HERE
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Professional 1

Pay Band S050
Job Code #20003846
The anticipated annual rate for this position is $45,000/year. The final salary offer will be determined based on various factors, including internal equity, available budget, and relevant experience.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.