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

About the role

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU, designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, 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. Visitor Experience Associates 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.

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 (training provided).
  • 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.

Pay

Salary range: $16/hour

Schedule

15–29 hours per week. On-call working model: 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 may be contacted on short notice for high-priority events or coverage needs.

Benefits

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits. Consult the VCU benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

Additional information

FLSA status: Non-Exempt. ORP eligible: No. Work arrangement: Fully onsite. University job title: 82361 - H - Coordinator MS 1. Rank: Non Faculty. Application deadline: October 27, 2026. Contact: VCUarts HR (artshr@vcu.edu).