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 over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

This position is a key member of a team focused on delivering exceptional visitor experiences at Walker. The individual in this role will build and foster relationships with internal partners, like curators and programmers, in order to collaboratively plan and execute events to our service standards. This role will work closely with leadership in order to uphold and enhance the visitor experience for events related to Moving Image and Performing Arts, acting as the primary event manager and engaging closely with other departments and artists.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Event Management

• Serve as the primary point person on the Visitor Experience Team for Performing Arts and Moving Image events to ensure collaborative and successful execution.

• Partner with departmental leadership and internal teams like Marketing to ensure proper event operations in the customer relationship management systems (Tessitura).

• Ensure the successful management of complimentary tickets and holds, ensuring the VIP experience for our distinguished guests and the management all group sales for Performing Arts and Moving Image programming.

• Collaborate with Event Production, Performing Arts, Moving Image, Marketing, Facility Rental, co-presenting partners, artists, donors, and VIPs as necessary to coordinate event logistics and act as an interdepartmental liaison for Visitor and Gallery Experience.

• Work collaboratively to develop strategies for engaging new audiences.

• Partner with leadership and internal accessibility partners to address and communicate accessibility requests for patrons.

• Collaborate with internal partners to coordinate adequate volunteers and staffing for all events.

• Attend weekly departmental/programmatic meetings, contributing expertise and insights to ensure departmental objectives are met in complex event planning.

• Ensure clear communication for all events, including preparing and distributing all pre- and post-reporting to share across the institution regarding events and operations.

People Management

• Recruit, onboard, and manage all assigned team members in alignment with Walker employment practices and policies.

• Lead, manage, and motivate assigned team members with performance metrics to successfully achieve both team and individual goals.

• Demonstrate commitment to and ensure staff alignment with Walker Art Center’s mission, vision, values, and DEAI work as outlined in our Strategic Plan, Institutional Initiatives, and Equity Action Plan.

• Manage and oversee Visitor and Gallery Experience Event Leads to ensure that all events align with the expectations of curators and programmers.

• Participate in and facilitate opportunities for professional growth like training, conferences, and other learning opportunities.

• Participate in institutional events, meetings, and forums such as the All-leaders meetings and other cross-departmental work teams, all-staff meetings, and public life.

Daily Operations

• Supervise all box office-related responsibilities, including guiding Visitor Experience staff.

• Manage the Box Office and Orders email accounts ensuring timely and accurate communication to all inquiries, escalating issues as needed.

• Participate in COVES surveying for the institution.

• Demonstrate a willingness to undertake special assignments as opportunities arise and seek ways to enhance the role.

• Deliver exceptional customer service to all patrons of the Walker Art Center through in-person, online, and phone interactions.

• Execute all necessary opening and closing procedures and maintain daily operations in the box office

• Handle sensitive patron and financial information with the utmost care and discretion.

• Serve as a resource for onboarding and training new hires within the department.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• 2 years of experience in professional event management or equivalent required.

• 1 year of experience working with Tessitura or a similar CRM system.

• Minimum of 2 years working in customer service and/or hospitality.

• Minimum of one year of experience directly managing people or equivalent required

• Demonstrated inspirational leadership with strong management and interpersonal skills required

• Demonstrated experience engaging with various personalities facilitating organizational competence and collaborative spirit.

• Possess the ability to solve problems in a quick and resourceful manner.

• Ability to converse about themes in contemporary art and share rich information regarding Walker programs and exhibitions.

• Experience providing analytical data reporting.

• Basic understanding of web architecture preferred but not required.

• Can utilize Microsoft Office suite.

• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Track record of superior attention to detail and can manage multiple tasks, simultaneous priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

• Can build strong, collaborative relationships across the organization and within different functions and across departments.

• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status concerning public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and viewing a computer/digital screen.
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, and crouching.
• Must be able to lift to 10-15 pounds at times.
 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position; they do not purport to describe all functions of the role. All Walker role descriptions allow for potential career growth through broadening accountabilities. Other duties may be assigned and/or the essential functions of the position may change or be changed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $50,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

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

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.