Visitor and Gallery Operations Manager

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 individual will work with the Associate Director of Visitor and Gallery Experience to ensure the Gallery Assistant and Visitor Experience teams provide all Walker visitors with an engaging and exemplary guest experience. Additionally, this individual will guide and support the Visitor and Gallery Experience Event Leads in event management of the events they oversee, fostering collaboration across departments, and take on event management responsibilities as needed. This individual will supervise daily operations in front-line spaces and work collaboratively with the Associate Director of Visitor and Gallery Experience. This position plays a crucial role in strengthening the overall visitor experience by ensuring a welcoming, accessible, and audience-focused approach while supporting the operational needs of public programs and events within the galleries

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Daily Operations

• Manage and oversee Gallery Assistant Leads and Gallery Assistants, providing leadership, training, and support to ensure excellent visitor experience.
• Stay up-to-date on internal exhibition and event calendars, departmental communications, and deadlines.
• Model the highest standards for customer service, continuously innovating and adapting to visitor and institutional needs.
• Provide feedback and guidance to Visitor Experience and Gallery Assistant teams to ensure clear understanding of Walker and department expectations.
• Frequently walk the galleries and box office areas to uphold Gallery Assistant and Visitor Experience expectations and standards.
• Ensure a welcoming, accessible, and audience-focused experience for a diverse population of visitors.
• Proactively identify and develop solutions to improve visitor experience in collaboration with the Visitor Experience & Gallery Assistant teams.
• Uphold customer service expectations, shaping a team culture focused on hospitality and visitor engagement.
• Co-lead bi-weekly Visitor Services department meetings and participate in other departmental or programmatic gatherings.
• Oversee Visitor Data Collection efforts, including training staff in COVES and ensuring data collection is executed accurately and consistently.
• Collect, analyze, and organize visitor feedback to identify trends and inform improvements in Visitor Experience and Gallery Assistant operations. 

Gallery Oversight

• Collaborate with Registration and the Scheduler to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Collaborate with Registration on measures to ensure art safety.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on incidents that involve art safety. 

Event Management

• Plan and facilitate events that impact or include the galleries, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment with visitor experience goals.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate Director of Visitor and Gallery Experience, Performing Arts and Moving Image Event Manager, Visitor Experience Programs & Volunteer Operations Manager, and other departments to execute events successfully.
• Provide on-site leadership and problem-solving support during events.
• Guide and support Visitor and Gallery Experience Event Leads in effectively managing events alongside the Visitor Experience Programs and Volunteer Operations Manager and the Performing Arts and Moving Image Event Manager.
• Attend weekly departmental and programmatic meetings, contributing expertise and insights.
• Coordinate with Event Production, Marketing, Facilities, PELI, Visual Arts, Development and Membership, Facility Rental teams, co-presenting partners, artists, donors, and VIPs to manage event logistics.
• Serve as the Visitor Experience contact for Walker Art Center programs and events that impact gallery spaces and are not part of our Moving Image and Performing Arts Departments. 

Collaboration & Special Initiatives

• Work cross-departmentally to support visitor experience and programmatic goals.
• Take initiative in special assignments and seek ways to enhance the role’s impact.
• Collaborate with leadership to refine and improve internal processes that enhance visitor experience and operational efficiency. 

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

Minimum Requirements

• Inspirational leadership style combining organizational com