Visitor Services Associate – Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies

Department: Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies

Location: Aspen, CO

Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Salary: Hourly rate: $20–$22 based on experience

About the Role:

The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies—an exhibition space for art, design, and media located on the Colorado campus of the Aspen Institute—seeks team members to join us as we develop a holistic visitor experience and open our newest building to our community.

Serving as front-of-house, hourly team members, our Visitor Services Associates will help welcome visitors to the Bayer Center and our campus, provide basic information about our exhibitions and programming, and support Aspen Institute staff on a variety of exciting projects.

About the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies (“The Bayer Center”)

Located on the Aspen Institute’s historic Colorado campus and opening in 2022, The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies ("The Bayer Center") is an exhibition space and center dedicated to the study of art, media, and culture. The Bayer Center is named after Herbert Bayer (1900–1985), an influential artist and designer who studied and taught at the Bauhaus before emigrating from Germany to the United States in 1938—and who helped to shape the artistic and programmatic vision of the Aspen Institute between 1949 and 1975.

The Bayer Center creates exhibitions, public programming, and educational initiatives, and supports community engagement. These programs collectively promote public understanding of Bayer’s legacy and the role of the arts at the Aspen Institute, while advancing an inclusive dialogue about art, design, and culture.

The Bayer Center is an 8,000 square foot, museum-grade facility and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.

Through art exhibitions, public programs, and strategic partnerships with other arts- and culture-oriented institutions, the Bayer Center and ACP produce dozens of accessible events annually that support the city of Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley, and a diverse audience throughout the western United States. Admission to the Bayer Center is always free; where possible our programs are offered at low or no cost.

Job Responsibilities

This position is the first point of contact for visitors to the Bayer Center—??Visitor Service Associates are a vital part of the Bayer Center team, ensuring an exceptional visitor experience for diverse audiences, ranging from local school groups (K-12) to international visitors. Supported through training sessions led by Bayer Center leadership, Visitor Services Associates provide information about the center, our exhibitions, and our programming.

Core Duties include serving as front-of-house staff, assisting guests throughout their visit to the Bayer Center and the Aspen Meadows campus, and providing basic retail support through a gift shop.

Qualified candidates must be able to occasionally work evenings and weekends, particularly during peak season periods in winter and summer.

Associates are also responsible for supporting the successful daily operations of the Bayer Center. During their shift, associates maintain the Bayer Center galleries, ensure that the lobby and gallery areas are kept presentable and clean, and notify supervisors if additional maintenance is needed.

Where appropriate, Visitor Services Associates may also participate in center-based activities, including research support, digitization of archival materials, or interacting with visiting artists, designers, and scholars. Training and professional development opportunities will be provided as appropriate.

Other duties may be assigned based on experience.

VISITOR SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a welcoming first point of contact and orientation for visitors to the center and campus.
• Stay up-to-date and familiar with our exhibitions, programming, and related topics.
• Staff the galleries as needed/assigned.
• Be familiar with the Aspen Institute’s physical layout, including galleries, restrooms, hotel, restaurant, etc.
• Observe visitors in the gallery, gently remind guests of Bayer Center policies.
• Have visitors stow/check large bags and other objects inappropriate for the galleries.
• Assist in emergencies using appropriate training and institutional policies.
• Maintain basic familiarity with Aspen Institute programs.
• Assist visitors with general local information (e.g., directions, cabs, places to eat).

RETAIL SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and manage inventory of all retail, including merchandise and books.
• Complete Aspen Institute training for basic retail operations (Square, credit cards)
• Sell merchandise to visitors.
• Complete daily log of retail activities for supervisor, balance minimal deposits

CARE OF COLLECTION/EXHIBITIONS RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inspect art objects, labels, and lights/furnishings for signs of change or damage.
• Report damage or change in the condition of objects immediately to the supervisor.
• Alert appropriate personnel as needed to assure a safe environment for artwork and visitors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to represent the Bayer Center with integrity and professionalism, adhere to center policies, and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time, up to four hours at a time.
• Knowledge of the Aspen Institute and the Bayer Center and department policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to read, understand, and complete written and verbal requests and work assignments.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, product information manuals, and instructions.
• Attention to detail and the ability to stay alert for long periods of time in a very quiet environment.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and help resolve complaints with tact and courtesy.
• Ability to anticipate, intervene, and prevent potentially harmful circumstances to artwork.
• Dependability, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Ability to work positively with colleagues, artists, the public, Board of Trustees, donors, and volunteers.
• Must have the ability to be both friendly and authoritative.

The ideal candidate for this role has the following:

• High school diploma or GED with at least two years of customer service work experience, preferably in guest or visitor interaction in a center, art gallery, or related organization, or any other combination of experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities be considered.
• While we are primarily considering applicants over the age of 18, talented applicants under 18 will be considered for our Youth Ambassadors Program and are strongly encouraged to apply.
• While experience in arts and culture is recommended, we are particularly interested in engaging with candidates from diverse backgrounds whose experiences may complement our enthusiasm for our community.

Application Instructions - Please submit a cover and resume through the online portal. Applications without a cover letter and salary expectations will not be considered.

Hours and Work Schedule - This is an hourly position requiring availability for weekend, evening, and holiday shifts. The Docent/Guide position is nonexempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and will receive overtime pay for all hours worked more than forty in a seven-day workweek.

The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

The Institute has implemented a mandatory COVID vaccination policy for all employees who will work at one of our physical locations, attend any of our in-person events or travel on behalf of the Institute. Staff unable to be vaccinated may request an exemption under certain circumstances.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.