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The Museum Services Department ensures a safe and welcoming museum experience for visitors and staff alike. Visitor Experience Representatives (VERs) serve as the Henry’s frontline staff, and offer exceptional customer service both in the galleries and at the front desk. VERs ensure that visitors follow various museum policies, and monitor exhibition spaces to ensure artwork safety.
ABOUT THE HENRY: The Henry Art Gallery was founded as Washington State’s first art museum in 1926, on the principle that art stimulates inquiry, fosters knowledge, and builds healthy communities. Located on the campus of the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, the Henry is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the research and presentation of contemporary art. Learn about our mission and vision: henryart.org/about.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY: The Henry acknowledges the historical structures and social dynamics that have continuously oppressed communities of color and we acknowledge our part in institutional racism. We also acknowledge that we are situated on the land of the Coast Salish peoples.
We are actively committed to racial equity and to building a strong foundation of inclusivity and awareness in all we do. We value discourse that brings forward voices and positions that have been – and continue to be – oppressed. We do not tolerate hate speech or actions.
We recognize that we are in the process of embodying these values across our exhibitions, programs, and operations; this is our ongoing work.
The Henry Art Gallery is a part of the University of Washington. For more information about race and equity at the UW, see washington.edu/raceequity.
Responsibilities
What VERs do at the Henry:
Engage in dialogue with visitors and answer questions about the exhibitions while working in the gallery spaces
Observe and pass along concerns with artworks or building conditions to appropriate staff
Learn about the museum’s current exhibitions and programs to provide helpful information and respond to inquiries
Attend walk-throughs of upcoming exhibitions with Curatorial and Exhibitions staff to learn more about the works, artists, and art safety concerns
Remind visitors of museum policies and make sure they are followed in the galleries and other museum spaces, while maintaining a polite demeanor and providing a positive experience
Operate a radio to maintain communication with other team members and museum security staff
Provide admissions desk support including: answering telephones, providing information and assistance to callers and visitors as needed, greeting museum visitors and administrative appointments
Sell museum admission, event and program tickets, and memberships at the admissions desk, using the Point of Sale software (cash handling)
Assist with the front of house set up, flow, and breakdown of events
Performing other customer service, administrative, and front-of-house related tasks as the need arises; and as they relate to the overall needs of the museum
VERs can expect to be both stationary (sitting, standing) and active (moving around the galleries) during shifts.
Requirements
Connect with us if you:
Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and enjoy engaging with new people
Have experience in customer service, hospitality, and/or public-facing, service-oriented work
Have worked as part of a team and understand what it means to share responsibility for a common goal
Know how to interact diplomatically with the public; to maintain composure in the face of resistance or indifference
Can react quickly and efficiently in situations where art and visitor safety are of concern
Can remain vigilant for extended periods of time and are adaptable to quick changes in work flow
Have a background in art and/or an interest in learning about and working around contemporary art
If the above description does not fit you precisely but you think you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply. We encourage you to speak directly to areas of potential growth, interest, and/or experience in your cover letter.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to opportunities@henryart.org. Your materials combined into one PDF is preferred. Applications received by 4/1/22 will be considered first. No phone calls please.
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Posted on January 14