Job Details

The Chrysler Museum of Art, located at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk, VA, is renowned for its extensive collection of over 30,000 objects displayed across 50 galleries. The Museum offers a diverse range of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. A standout feature is its Glass Studio, the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic, where visitors can watch live glassmaking demonstrations and participate in hands-on classes. The Museum's commitment to accessibility is highlighted by its free admission policy, making it a welcoming destination for both art enthusiasts and families.

Job Title:

Gallery Host

Department:

Visitor Services

FLSA Classification:

Non-Exempt

Reports to:

Visitor Services Manager

Revision Date:

February 2025

Primary Purpose:

Enhances the visitor experience by creating a welcoming atmosphere and offering excellent customer service while actively protecting the Museum's collection and maintaining a safe environment. This includes answering questions from guests, engaging visitors in conversation about works of art in the galleries, safeguarding the collection by consistently enforcing Museum policies, and monitoring the facility for suspicious behavior or maintenance concerns.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

• Openness: Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.
• Respect: Demonstrate respect for visitors, colleagues, and the Museum's collection.
• Growth: Show continuous improvement in knowledge about the Museum's collections, programs, and exhibitions.
• Dynamism: Adapt to various situations and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Engagement Quality: Maintain high-quality interactions with visitors, providing informative and engaging conversations.
• Visitor Service Excellence: Deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive visitor experience.

Essential Functions:

Visitor Experience and Engagement:

• Visitor Satisfaction: Ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment through feedback and surveys.
• Visitor Interaction: Greet visitors warmly, engage in meaningful conversations about the Museum and its collections, and share necessary information. Open doors at the main entrance and assist with inquiries.
• Training and Tours: Attend weekly training sessions to stay informed about the collection and exhibitions. Plan and lead tours for visitors, enhancing their learning experience.

Collection and Facility Monitoring:

• Collection Protection: Monitor adherence to Museum policies and safeguard the collection. Track policy violations and report inconsistencies or damage promptly.
• Facility Monitoring: Conduct regular rounds through galleries to monitor visitors and the facility. Enforce rules, answer questions, provide assistance, and act as an ambassador for the Museum.
• Opening and Closing: Open and close Museum facilities, completing daily checks to ensure everything is in order.
• Package and Behavior Monitoring: Examine visitor packages, offer coat check or locker options, and monitor behavior. Report unusual activities to maintain a safe environment.
• Museum Shop and Inventory: Work in the Museum Shop, greet visitors, answer questions about merchandise, help select products, and accurately process sales. Follow inventory control procedures.

Operational Efficiency and Safety:

• Operational Efficiency: Manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to various situations.
• Safety and Security: Observe and report suspicious behavior and maintenance concerns.
• Emergency and Hazard Response: Follow emergency procedures and promptly report potential hazards, maintenance concerns, and suspicious activities.

Membership, Sales, and Event Support:

• Membership and Sales: Promote and sell Museum memberships, accurately process admissions, class registrations, merchandise sales, and other transactions while following cash-handling procedures.
• Event and Program Support: Register visitors and members for classes, programs, and events. Stay knowledgeable about current offerings and assist with event setup and coordination.

Knowledge Growth and Additional Duties:

• Knowledge Growth: Continuously improve knowledge about the Museum's collections and exhibitions. Participate in training sessions and apply new knowledge.
• Glass Studio and Library Assistance: Greet visitors to the Glass Studio, collect waiver forms, enforce safety regulations, and complete injury reports. Assist visitors to the Museum's library with basic research.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success and smooth operation of the Museum.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 1-2 years of customer service experience.
• Interpersonal Skills: Engaging demeanor with a genuine interest in interacting with the public and assisting visitors. Ability to politely enforce museum policies while maintaining a positive experience for visitors.
• Technical Skills: Basic computer proficiency.
• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge or interest in art and art history is strongly preferred.
• Technical aptitude is strongly preferred, to better assist visitors with various interactive technology.

Working Conditions:

During Museum hours, Gallery Hosts will rotate on a pre-determined schedule to various zones or stations throughout the day. Requires constant standing and walking through assigned zones throughout the day and frequent interactions with the public. Required to seek additional knowledge about our collections and special exhibitions.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to see, hear, and communicate effectively with visitors. Must be able to stand and walk during up to eleven (11) hour shifts with minimal rest breaks. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted.