Visitor and Gallery Experience Event Lead

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

This position will support and manage events for the Visitor Experience team in partnership with the Performing Arts and Moving Image departments, working together to enhance the overall quality of the visitor experience. This role will serve as the primary point of contact for any issues that arise, overseeing event management in real-time with other event-facing staf

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Pre-Event Coordination

• Coordinating the allocation of associates at event stations and outlining the sequence of activities for each program or event in partnership with leadership.
• Work with staff representatives from the PELI, Moving Image, Performing Arts,
• Membership and Development, Earned Revenue, and Curatorial department to bridge interdepartmental objectives to the box office and ensure seamless integration of programmatic and box office efforts.
• Help craft a welcoming, accessible, and audience-focused experience for a diverse population of visitors.
• Identify and recommend acquisitions for the permanent collection
• Implement new commissions and acquisitions for the MSG and Walker campus
• Foster new creative relationships with artists whose works advance Walker’s mission.

Event Management

• Provide part time teams with comprehensive information on Walker programs.
• Utilize ongoing pre-shift meetings to inform and educate the Visitor and Gallery
• Experience teams; utilize other resources (print pieces, talking points, personal interactions with programming departments) as necessary.
• Provide work direction to Visitor Experience Associates and Gallery Assistants while overseeing daily box office operations, promoting departmental standards and expectations.
• Compose and distribute a recap email to all relevant parties following each program or event to facilitate ongoing improvements in our visitor experience.

General Operations

• Provide and model the highest standards for excellent customer service to all patrons of the Walker Art Center for in-person, online, and phone interactions. 
• Serve as a leader on the Visitor and Gallery Experience team, ensuring the highest level of service and hospitality for Walker visitors. Stay up to date on the internal exhibition and event calendars, on all departmental communications, and deadlines.
• Work within the existing Visitor Experience Associate and Gallery Assistant role as assigned/needed.
• Support additional departments as a liaison for Visitor Experience and occasionally as event manager for their programs.
• Perform all necessary opening and close-out procedures and maintain daily operations at the box office. 
• Commit to ongoing innovation and adaptation to visitor and institutional needs. 
• Proactively identify and develop solutions to improve the visitor experience with leadership.
• Ensure proper break and rotation schedules are adhered to.
• Work to ensure safety protocols are maintained.
• Serve as a resource for onboarding and training new hires.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

• 1-2 years of experience in event planning and/or management or equivalent required, professional event management preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year working in customer service and/or hospitality.
• Demonstrated inspirational leadership with strong management and interpersonal skills required.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with various personalities facilitating organizational competence and collaborative spirit.
• Possess the ability to solve problems in a quick and resourceful manner.
• Ability to converse about themes in contemporary art and share rich information regarding Walker programs and exhibitions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

• Able to perform extensive standing, walking, climbing, and lifting.
• Regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent viewing of computer screen.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, is eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $19.13 hourly. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

This position is covered by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) labor contract.  

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship. 

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled. 

Salary : $19