
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.
About The Department
The Engagement team creates and maintains a thriving hospitality experience for all who visit the museum. Under the Engagement umbrella, they serve as ambassadors for the intentional, warm and inviting culture they create across campus and manage operations during museum operating hours.
Position Summary
The Visitor Engagement Representative facilitates admissions and coatroom services while supporting exhibitions, events, lobbies, and information desks to enhance overall visitor and member experience. Serves as an ambassador for the Art Institute of Chicago, creating a friendly, welcoming environment and consistently providing exceptional service to all guests.
Responsibilities
- Provides a warm, welcoming greeting, is friendly and approachable, and resolves conflict in a professional and courteous manner.
- Effectively and accurately provides information to guests regarding museum policies, exhibits, collections, special events, and programs.
- Assists with admission sales, checkroom, event and exhibition scanning, member bar admissions, lobby greeting, information desks, and other responsibilities, as needed. Provides additional support for special events and programs outside of normal museum operating hours as needed.
- Operates virtual queuing software, helping to safely manage visitor capacity in certain exhibits.
- Operates point-of-sale system within proper protocols, including accurate software usage and data capture and consistent messaging in communication with guests.
- Responsible and accountable for properly handling funds collected for membership and admission sales, charging appropriate prices, and following guidelines for free and discounted admission.
- Utilize manager/guest feedback and an opportunity to improve the customer service approach.
- Must participate in and reinforce an enjoyable and inclusive work environment and team culture with colleagues. The Art Institute of Chicago Job Description
- Takes initiative to assist other Member/Visitor Engagement colleagues as needed.
- Equipment used (may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position): Galaxy point of sale system, Qudini virtual line software, MS Office including Word & Excel, Google Workspace including Gmail docs sheets & drive, Homebase scheduling and time management software.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Minimum High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Minimum one year of customer experience is required. Experience in hospitality or tourist attractions preferred. Must desire to work with the public.
- Experience in cash handling and utilizing computerized point-of-sale-systems with a high level of accuracy.
- Must have a basic knowledge of customer service best practices and possess excellent communication skills.
- Ability to read, write and effectively communicate with customers, peers, and management.
- Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and before/after hours as needed.
- Ability to work in a high-volume environment and interface effectively with visitors in both conveying information and listening to questions/concerns.
- Ability to resolve conflicts and de-escalate situations.
- Be well organized and thorough with close attention to detail and follow-through
- Must develop a working knowledge of the art in the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and museum events - for both public and donor audiences.
- On-site, frequent movement throughout the museum including kneeling, bending, and lifting up to thirty pounds.
- Representatives may also be required to stand up to 3 hours at a time.
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Hiring Range
- Benefits
- PTO Overview
- Job Classification: Non-exempt hourly
- Employment Category: Full time staff
- Grade Level: 3
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If You Are a Job Seeker With a Disability And Require a Reasonable Accommodation To Apply For One Of Our Jobs, You Will Find The Contact Information To Request The Appropriate Accommodation By Visiting The Following Page
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected].
About the company
Company website•Museums, Historical Sites, Zoos
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is a world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. An encyclopedic museum, the Art Institute collects, preserves, and interprets works in every medium from all cultures and historical periods. With a collection of approximately 300,000 art works and artifacts, the museum has particularly strong holdings in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting, contemporary art, early 20th century European painting and sculpture, Japanese prints, and photography. The museum’s 2009 addition, the Modern Wing, features the latest in green museum technology and 264,000 square feet dedicated to modern and contemporary art, photography, architecture and design, and new museum education facilities. In addition to displaying its permanent collection, the Art Institute mounts more than 30 special exhibitions per year and features lectures, gallery tours, and special performances on a daily basis.