Gallery Associate

MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States. An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. A catalyst and an advocate for new ideas, discourses, and trends in contemporary art, MoMA PS1 actively pursues emerging artists, new genres, and adventurous new work by recognized artists in an effort to support innovation in contemporary art. MoMA PS1 achieves this mission by presenting its diverse program to a broad audience in a unique and welcoming environment in which visitors can discover and explore the work of contemporary artists. Exhibitions at MoMA PS1 include artists' retrospectives, site-specific installations, historical surveys, arts from across the United States and the world, and a full schedule of music and performance programming. 

Summary 

Gallery Associates serve as MoMA PS1’s representatives throughout the visitor experience. They support the admissions and information desk, facilitate a positive and inclusive relationship between art, audience, and the museum, and play a key role in the execution of a wide-range of museum events. Gallery Associates are expected to provide a high level of customer service and professionalism. They also maintain strong knowledge of MoMA PS1’s past, present, and future activities and programs, as well as its staff and amenities. In addition, Gallery Associates help visitors (safely) engage with interactive works of art/installations; and, in conjunction with all museum staff, ensure visitors maintain a safe distance when viewing artworks in the building during museum public hours and museum events. Gallery Associates are expected to work two days a week as scheduled.

 

Supervision 

Gallery Associates report to the Director of Visitor Engagement, and take direction from the Manager and Visitor Engagement Coordinator. Gallery Associates also work closely with other staff members from the Operations, Programs Production, and External Affairs Departments. 

Responsibilities 

1. Supporting the front entrance: Reception

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, positive and informative experience as the first point of contact for visitors in our museum entrance. 
• Communicate information on past, present and upcoming exhibitions
• Promptly share any visitor questions and concerns to the Visitor Engagement Management. 

 

1. Supporting museum galleries 

• Offer a high level of customer service in all Visitor Engagement positions as needed and assigned, including but not limited to gallery, podium, and coat check. − Report visitor feedback to Visitor Engagement Management on a regular basis.
• Communicate to visitors and respond to visitor questions about content of exhibitions and programs at assigned gallery positions. 
• Lead public visitor tours and scheduled group tours of long-term installations and temporary exhibitions. 
• Professionally communicate any artwork safety prompts or interactive instructions to visitors. 
• Proactively report any art or visitor related incidents or emergencies in a timely manner and adhere to reporting protocol and procedures. 
• Proactively report any special visitor needs as they arise. 
• Perform other duties related to visitor hospitality and customer service (i.e. coat check, etc.) as needed and assigned. 
• Participate in mandatory walkthroughs, workshops, and department trainings.

 

1. Supporting museum events 

• Support a wide-range of museum events and programs from a visitor experience and logistical standpoint, including but not limited to the following events: Night of the Museum, Warm Up, Neighbor Night, etc. 
• Perform other duties related to visitor hospitality and customer service as needed and assigned during museum events. 
• Support event set-up, including but not limited to, signage placement, table setting, device/ POS preparation, stanchion set-up, and/or cleaning public-facing locations. 
• Utilize ticketing/checking-in systems. 

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. Minimum of 1 year  experience in visitor services, hospitality, and/or sales, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience. 
2. Excellent customer service and communication skills, including ability to present information effe