Overview
Background
Based in New York, Dia Art Foundation is committed to advancing, realizing, and preserving the vision of artists. A nonprofit founded in 1974, Dia collects the work of some of the most renowned artists of the last half-century; presents long-term, site-specific projects; executes new commissions; and produces scholarly publications related to its exhibitions and collections.
Position Summary
The starting hourly rate for this position is $22 per hour, with consideration of a higher rate, not to exceed $27 per hour, based on candidate experience and qualifications. The Visitor Services Department is responsible for the public-facing operational activities at Dia Beacon, ensuring that all elements of the visitor experience are satisfactory and safe for visitors, staff, and the artwork. The Assistant Manager reports directly to the Senior Manager of Visitor Services and is responsible for assisting with the supervision of the gallery team and of their day-to-day activities. The Assistant Manager is responsible for gallery staff scheduling and for managing admissions.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Assists the Senior Manager of Visitor Services with the day-to-day operations of the museum during public days. Directly supervises the gallery attendant team.
• Creates short- and long-term staffing schedules for gallery attendants that maintains an accessible and secure environment for Dia’s exhibitions and admissions areas. Manage daily schedules adjusting for exhibition changes, breaks, absences, and requests from other departments and events.
• Works with the Admissions Coordinator and Senior Gallery Attendants on the daily ticket/admissions system (Altru). Keeps processes and procedures current, ensures admissions team has received adequate training, resolves Altru issues, and improves the visitor experience by responding to visitor issues, as needed.
• Develops trainings and workshops to onboard new gallery-team staff and refine the gallery team’s customer service and communication skills to promote positive interaction with our visitors about the artwork, policies, and Dia’s ethos. Update the training manuals and shared drive.
• Conducts regular check-ins, mentors, and coaches the gallery attendant team
• Works with the security team to address visitor disputes and complaints in a professional way while ensuring the safety of other guests, staff, and artwork. Reports all incidents, documenting and informing appropriate departments.
• Conducts daily briefings for gallery and front of house staff
• With the Senior Manager of Visitor Services, assists in gallery-attendant hiring including interviews, follow-ups with references, and hiring decisions
• Monitors and maintains payroll in the absence of the Senior Manager of Visitor Services, for gallery-attendant staff
• Assists gallery-attendant staff with human resources/benefit information and directs staff to Human Resources as needed
• Collaborates with Human Resources in addressing employee relations, performance, and supporting workplace culture
• Works with the Senior Manager of Visitor Services to formulate employee reviews of the gallery-attendant team
• Works with the Security Supervisor to monitor all safety regulations and is able to act quickly and effectively in case of emergencies using the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) which includes instructing all staff on how to proceed with evacuations and/or medical emergencies and coordinating with the Fire Department and/or medical teams
• Master key-holder, assisting with the opening, securing, and closing the building and grounds in conjunction with the security team during public hours, as well as implementation of daily security procedures for securing exhibition spaces with gallery-attendant staff
• Works with the Security Supervisor to schedule and conduct EAP training, fire drills, and First Aid/CPR review sessions with gallery-attendant staff
• Monitors condition of works of art and the building; works with the gallery attendant team to collect weekly gallery condition reports; regularly communicates with Registrar, Curatorial, and Facilities departments. Respond to artwork emergencies in accordance with the Artwork Preservation Plan.
• Coordinates with other departments, event staff, and Visitor Services personnel to develop effective solutions for maintaining crowd control, artwork protection, and professionalism during special events and programming
• Attends cross-departmental staff meetings and contributes with Visitor Services–specific questions and concerns
• Creates a working environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility and considers the DEAI effect in any decision-making
General/Other Responsibilities and Duties
• Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of Dia Beacon’s exhibitions, the history of Dia Art Foundation, and its various sites
• Communicates effectively about tourist information such as other Hudson Valley–area destinations, restaurants, hotels, and accommodations
• Monitors and assists with coverage in galleries, enforcing museum policies, and answering visitors’ questions
• Delivers excellent customer service via face-to-face, phone, and email interactions
• Assists with some aspects of building and grounds maintenance during public hours
• Assists with group visits, special guests, membership administration, and coat check
• Informs Facilities department of needed repairs, leaks, power outages, and other extenuating circumstances and takes steps to ensure the safety of the artwork and guests in conjunction with other managers
Education, Certification, Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Two years’ experience in public-facing role at a museum or other visitor/guest services–oriented institution
• Supervisory experience preferred, with skills in staff management and conflict resolution
• Experience with high volume and complex staff scheduling
• Background and interest in art history and arts administration preferred
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
• Availability to work weekends and holidays required.
• Exceptional communication and public relation skills.
• Computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Strong organizational skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to be responsive, flexible, and adaptable.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize projects, while dealing with frequent interruptions required.
• Ability to develop and apply creative solutions.
• Knowledge about the Dia Art Foundation, Dia Beacon, and Hudson Valley preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
• General office environment with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Prolonged periods of standing in and out of doors year-round required.
• May lift, carry, or move equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Required to work weekends, holidays, and extra hours for special events and programs.
Please note that to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards and to take every possible step to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 among our employees, Dia requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, except for those who obtain an exemption due to a medical condition, a religious belief, or pregnancy.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here, and attaching a resume and letter of interest.
Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports an equitable, inclusive, and neurodiverse workplace. Candidates with nontraditional learning or career paths and/or applicants whose qualifications differ from those listed above are encouraged to apply.