Advertising Summary: The Institute for Contemporary Art at
VCU is seeking friendly, motivated, and outgoing individuals to
assist in strengthening the ICA’s mission to broaden access to
contemporary art through creating, listening, and cultivating
shared experiences.
Unit: Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department: Institute for Contemporary Art
Department Summary: Designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU 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.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU
Visitor Experience Associate
The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU is seeking friendly, motivated, and outgoing individuals to assist in strengthening the ICA’s mission to broaden access to contemporary art through creating, listening, and cultivating shared experiences. Visitor Experience Associates (VEAs) 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.
Key Responsibilities:
Opening and Closing Duties
Minimum Qualifications
Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 15hrs - 29hrs/week
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: 82361 - H - Coordinator MS 1
Rank: Non Faculty
Application Deadline: October 27, 2026
Contact Information:
Contact Name: VCUarts HR
Contact Email: [contact details available in the full listing]
Unit: Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department: Institute for Contemporary Art
Department Summary: Designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU 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.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU
Visitor Experience Associate
The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU is seeking friendly, motivated, and outgoing individuals to assist in strengthening the ICA’s mission to broaden access to contemporary art through creating, listening, and cultivating shared experiences. Visitor Experience Associates (VEAs) 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.
Key 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.
- 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.
Please note that VEAs will be trained to confidently lead guided
tours and group visits.
- Assist with visitor feedback and communicate visitor needs
and/or concerns to supervisors.
- Document and submit incident and maintenance reports according
to team protocols.
- 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.
- Work collaboratively with other ICA staff and volunteers to
deliver a seamless visitor experience.
- Support museum programs, events, and special exhibitions as
assigned.
- 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.
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.
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.
Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 15hrs - 29hrs/week
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: 82361 - H - Coordinator MS 1
Rank: Non Faculty
Application Deadline: October 27, 2026
Contact Information:
Contact Name: VCUarts HR
Contact Email: [contact details available in the full listing]
