The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our more than 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country, known for innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the visual, performing, and media arts.

This opportunity is open to current Walker Art Center employees only.

This role partners closely with the Visitor and Gallery Operations Manager to support and lead the daily operations of the Gallery Assistant team. Building on your knowledge of Walker spaces, programs, and audiences, you will help ensure all visitors receive an engaging, welcoming, and high-quality experience while contributing to continuous improvement of visitor services.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Serve as a leader for the Gallery Assistant team during assigned Lead shifts, ensuring a consistently high level of service and hospitality.
• Provide on-the-floor support and direction to Gallery Assistants, ensuring clarity of tasks and expectations during Lead shifts.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of exhibition schedules, events, and internal communications.
• Share timely and accurate program information with Gallery Assistants.
• Use team meetings and internal resources to inform and align staff on priorities and expectations.
• Model excellent customer service and adapt approaches to meet evolving visitor and institutional needs.
• Partner with the Visitor Experience Manager to identify opportunities to enhance the visitor experience.
• Create and manage daily staff rotation and break schedules during Lead shifts.
• Support team members in maintaining artwork safety and adhering to all safety protocols.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new Gallery Assistants as needed.
• Foster a welcoming, accessible, and audience-centered environment for diverse visitors.
• Support staff in addressing complex customer service or safety situations.
• Contribute to a team culture rooted in hospitality and meaningful engagement.
• Support the Visitor Experience Operations Manager as needed.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership, ideally within the Walker or a similar visitor-facing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in representing Walker interests, with a focus on aligning decisions to established policies and business priorities
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across teams.
• Reliable with satisfactory attendance
• Ability to think quickly and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence in discussing contemporary art themes and sharing information about Walker programs and exhibitions.
• Ability to use technology to perform essential job duties 
• Possession of a personal mobile device capable of supporting work-related communication (e.g., 2FA, messaging, or scheduling applications) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Walk constantly for extended periods 
• Stand intermittently as needed while performing job duties.  
• Visually monitor and assess objects and activity at both near and far distances  
• Communicate, including the ability to hear and respond to questions, share information, and address potential safety concerns. 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

This is a part-time, as-needed position with shifts scheduled based on operational needs. Employees will primarily work as Gallery Assistants and may be scheduled for additional Lead shifts.

When serving in the Lead capacity, employees receive a 10% pay differential.

This position is covered by the AFSCME labor contract and is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.