Guest Services Associate, Events

Department

AI Guest Services Staff

About the Department

As the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Through strong scholarly and community collaborations and a welcoming approach to its exhibitions, collections, publications, research and teaching, and public programs, the Smart Museum plays a dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities, locally, nationally, and internationally. The Smart Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Job Summary

The Guest Services Associate for Events welcomes Smart Museum guests and ensures compliance with Smart Museum visitor protocols, including protection of art objects, while they visit the Museum and its exhibitions. This position will share responsibility for opening and closing the Museum in accordance with security procedures, as well as supporting events at the museum. In addition, when exhibitions are not on view, the Guest Services Associate for Events works with colleagues across the Smart Museum to support ongoing operations including support for various administrative, operational, and programmatic areas of the Museum.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Facility and Security Manager and Guest Services Team Leads in building access management, opening and closing the museum, ensuring a safe and welcoming museum environment and collecting visitor assessment information as directed. Ensures that security procedures are followed when opening and closing the museum and galleries. Implements emergency protocols when needed.
• Greets and registers Museum guests in galleries and other public areas of the Museum in accordance with visitor protocols.
• Ensures visitor compliance with Museum protocols regarding protection of art objects while visitors are viewing the exhibitions in the galleries.
• Answers visitor questions and requests for information, escalating to Team Leads or other Museum staff as needed.
• Assists with school group check-in and wayfinding as needed.
• Serves as gallery attendant during rentals, events, and programs and supports after-hours events by providing gallery coverage, check-in support, and wayfinding as needed.
• Works with colleagues across the Museum to support ongoing operations including support for operations and facilities, development, public practice, registration, academic engagement.
• Attends Smart Staff meetings and events as scheduled.
• Assists with set up and tear down for events when needed.
• Assists with public programming and other educational programs or projects regarding the museum.
• May act as a liaison with the community. Presents information about programs and the museum to the public.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Background with the arts, museums, or other cultural institutions.
• Prior experience in security and/or public-facing customer service roles.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in technology tools available, including Windows computer environment, Microsoft Office, etc.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong communication skills.
• Multitask within a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management skills to stay organized and prioritize responsibilities.
• A flexible, adaptable and enthusiastic mindset is critical to work with diverse stakeholders, including guests, students, and staff.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the Smart Museum and University.

Working Conditions

• Extended periods of stationary work.
• Moving around the museum to attend to visitors' and colleagues' needs.
• Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Working a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend shifts.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Museum & Arts

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$16.60 - $17.50

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call ... or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.