Virginia Commonwealth University
ICA Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
ICA Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations
Join to apply for the
ICA Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations
role at
Virginia Commonwealth University
Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
Unit:
Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department:
Institute for Contemporary Art
Duties & Responsibilities
Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations (Part-Time)
Application Deadline:
Monday, December 15, 2025
Departmental Overview
The department of Facilities and Experience Design is responsible for the stewardship of the ICA's building, the Markel Center, and the operational use of its spaces, including the Lewis & Butler Foundation Shop, the Abby Moore Cafe, the Auditorium, and Thinking Field. The department prioritizes a welcoming, hospitable, safe, engaging, sustainable, and educational visitor experience, serving as an important liaison between the ICA and the communities it serves.
Job Overview Statement
The Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations is a key member of the Institute for Contemporary Arts’s cafe and retail team, supporting the Head of Cafe and Retail Operations in the daily operations of the Lewis & Butler Foundation Shop + Abby Moore Cafe, assisting in the coordination, training, and management of staff, and helping ensure a safe, high-quality, experience for visitors. The ICA’s cafe and retail program is a synthesis of carefully curated food, beverages, products, artist books and editions, and is firmly rooted in our commitment to create sustainable operations that support welcoming, inclusive, and curious art, food, and culture-focused opportunities.
The Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations works with their supervisor to guide visitors in making connections between the ICA’s food and shop program and the work we do across the institution. A welcoming and knowledgeable staff is key to the visitor experience at the ICA, and the Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations helps ensure that employees conduct cafe and retail operations with the ICA’s ethos of hospitality and openness.
The Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations reports to the Head of Cafe and Retail Operations, assists in the management of a team of hourly and student Visitor Experience of Cafe and Retail Associates, collaborates with colleagues across the ICA, and acts as a liaison and ambassador for the ICA to the communities it serves.
Job Responsibilities
Cafe and Retail Operations (60%)
Maintain ServSafe Manager, or equivalent ANSI-CFP, certification to ensure the highest state standards for food safety and cleanliness
Enforce and model all food safety policies and procedures
Assist supervisor in determining and delegating food production for daily service, program hosting, and any additional food prep
Train staff on menu execution and any updates or changes to the menu
Maintain appropriate retail and food service inventory practices, assist with food service purchasing and maintain accurate records
Display a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu
Consistently oversee that prep station is prepped and stocked throughout service and overall station remains clean and organized
Effectively oversee, support and participate in a professionally run service period, ensuring excellence in plate assembly, timing, and communication
Maintain a calm mental athleticism while managing food and beverage tickets and simultaneously overseeing staff
Promote teamwork and excellence, working collaboratively and supportively on a small team
As directed by supervisor, delegate responsibilities to staff, supervising and guiding staff towards utilizing effective sales strategies based on the mission and values of the ICA
Work in unison with supervisor to help keep staff energized and positive, act as a thought partner, and exchange ideas in a constructive manner to work towards a solution
Anticipate the needs of the supervisor and provide leadership to staff when they are off the floor
Manage quality control of all cafe and retail operations, ensuring spaces are clean, well organized, and visually appealing
Wear an approved ICA uniform while on duty and ensure all VEA staff uniforms comply with established uniform requirements
Other duties as assigned
Visitor Experience (25%)
Maintain a positive tone, lead by example, and ensure visitors receive personal, engaged, and informed service that reflects a thorough understanding of operational and aesthetic decisions
Respond to customer service concerns and inquiries in a timely and appropriate manner and across multiple channels – online, in-person, phone, etc.
Create a welcoming and hospitable environment for visitors, accurately responding to inquiries in regards to menu, cafe hours, and basic operational information
Act as a liaison between the guest, management, and staff and communicate accordingly
Maintain a deep knowledge of the ICA’s values and share these values with visitors while collaborating with colleagues across the ICA to create experiences that help guests make meaningful connections to the ICA and its mission
Manage point of sale, and as needed, assist supervisor with software updates, item sales and inventory data
Maintain standards and procedures for the receiving, inventory, checkout, and returns processes
Other duties as assigned
Administration (15%)
Manage staff schedule, making certain all shifts are covered, that changes are communicated among team, and that the supervisor is aware of changes
Submit daily closing report to supervisor at the end of each shift
Ensure regular inspections of all retail and food service areas, communicate facility repair needs to supervisor, ICA Director of Facilities and Experience Design, VCU Facilities staff, and/or external contractors, and oversee equipment-related maintenance and repairs
Following guidance of supervisor, maintain appropriate retail and food service ordering and inventory practices
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of 3 years of customer service experience in a cafe, restaurant and/or hospitality role in a retail environment with a track record of providing excellent food and/or retail service
Excellent communication skills, including strong relationship skills and demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Ability to work in a steady manner and remain engaged during slow and busy points of service
Demonstrated ability to maintain composure under pressure
Experience with retail point of sales systems
Experience with inventory management
Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, and weekends
Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
Experience in a guest-facing role in a restaurant, cafe, or retail establishment
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge and/or enthusiasm for how coffee is grown, sourced, roasted, prepared, and served
Knowledge and/or enthusiasm for how food is grown, sourced, prepared, and served
Passion and curiosity for food and the hospitality business
Able to provide constructive feedback to supervisor about staff and daily service
ServSafe Manager or equivalent ANSI Certification
Experience complying to Virginia Food Laws
Experience with processes and principles of ecommerce
Knowledge of/engagement with contemporary art and culture
Application Deadline:
Monday, December 15, 2025
Salary Range:
$20-24/hour
FLSA Exemption Status:
Non-Exempt
Hours per Week:
Up to 29 hours per week on average
ORP Eligible:
No
Flexible Work Arrangement:
Fully Onsite
Rank:
Non Faculty
Contact Information
Contact Name:
VCUarts HR
Contact Email:
artshr@vcu.edu
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Temporary
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Higher Education
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ICA Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations
role at
Virginia Commonwealth University
Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
Unit:
Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department:
Institute for Contemporary Art
Duties & Responsibilities
Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations (Part-Time)
Application Deadline:
Monday, December 15, 2025
Departmental Overview
The department of Facilities and Experience Design is responsible for the stewardship of the ICA's building, the Markel Center, and the operational use of its spaces, including the Lewis & Butler Foundation Shop, the Abby Moore Cafe, the Auditorium, and Thinking Field. The department prioritizes a welcoming, hospitable, safe, engaging, sustainable, and educational visitor experience, serving as an important liaison between the ICA and the communities it serves.
Job Overview Statement
The Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations is a key member of the Institute for Contemporary Arts’s cafe and retail team, supporting the Head of Cafe and Retail Operations in the daily operations of the Lewis & Butler Foundation Shop + Abby Moore Cafe, assisting in the coordination, training, and management of staff, and helping ensure a safe, high-quality, experience for visitors. The ICA’s cafe and retail program is a synthesis of carefully curated food, beverages, products, artist books and editions, and is firmly rooted in our commitment to create sustainable operations that support welcoming, inclusive, and curious art, food, and culture-focused opportunities.
The Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations works with their supervisor to guide visitors in making connections between the ICA’s food and shop program and the work we do across the institution. A welcoming and knowledgeable staff is key to the visitor experience at the ICA, and the Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations helps ensure that employees conduct cafe and retail operations with the ICA’s ethos of hospitality and openness.
The Assistant Manager of Cafe and Retail Operations reports to the Head of Cafe and Retail Operations, assists in the management of a team of hourly and student Visitor Experience of Cafe and Retail Associates, collaborates with colleagues across the ICA, and acts as a liaison and ambassador for the ICA to the communities it serves.
Job Responsibilities
Cafe and Retail Operations (60%)
Maintain ServSafe Manager, or equivalent ANSI-CFP, certification to ensure the highest state standards for food safety and cleanliness
Enforce and model all food safety policies and procedures
Assist supervisor in determining and delegating food production for daily service, program hosting, and any additional food prep
Train staff on menu execution and any updates or changes to the menu
Maintain appropriate retail and food service inventory practices, assist with food service purchasing and maintain accurate records
Display a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu
Consistently oversee that prep station is prepped and stocked throughout service and overall station remains clean and organized
Effectively oversee, support and participate in a professionally run service period, ensuring excellence in plate assembly, timing, and communication
Maintain a calm mental athleticism while managing food and beverage tickets and simultaneously overseeing staff
Promote teamwork and excellence, working collaboratively and supportively on a small team
As directed by supervisor, delegate responsibilities to staff, supervising and guiding staff towards utilizing effective sales strategies based on the mission and values of the ICA
Work in unison with supervisor to help keep staff energized and positive, act as a thought partner, and exchange ideas in a constructive manner to work towards a solution
Anticipate the needs of the supervisor and provide leadership to staff when they are off the floor
Manage quality control of all cafe and retail operations, ensuring spaces are clean, well organized, and visually appealing
Wear an approved ICA uniform while on duty and ensure all VEA staff uniforms comply with established uniform requirements
Other duties as assigned
Visitor Experience (25%)
Maintain a positive tone, lead by example, and ensure visitors receive personal, engaged, and informed service that reflects a thorough understanding of operational and aesthetic decisions
Respond to customer service concerns and inquiries in a timely and appropriate manner and across multiple channels – online, in-person, phone, etc.
Create a welcoming and hospitable environment for visitors, accurately responding to inquiries in regards to menu, cafe hours, and basic operational information
Act as a liaison between the guest, management, and staff and communicate accordingly
Maintain a deep knowledge of the ICA’s values and share these values with visitors while collaborating with colleagues across the ICA to create experiences that help guests make meaningful connections to the ICA and its mission
Manage point of sale, and as needed, assist supervisor with software updates, item sales and inventory data
Maintain standards and procedures for the receiving, inventory, checkout, and returns processes
Other duties as assigned
Administration (15%)
Manage staff schedule, making certain all shifts are covered, that changes are communicated among team, and that the supervisor is aware of changes
Submit daily closing report to supervisor at the end of each shift
Ensure regular inspections of all retail and food service areas, communicate facility repair needs to supervisor, ICA Director of Facilities and Experience Design, VCU Facilities staff, and/or external contractors, and oversee equipment-related maintenance and repairs
Following guidance of supervisor, maintain appropriate retail and food service ordering and inventory practices
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of 3 years of customer service experience in a cafe, restaurant and/or hospitality role in a retail environment with a track record of providing excellent food and/or retail service
Excellent communication skills, including strong relationship skills and demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Ability to work in a steady manner and remain engaged during slow and busy points of service
Demonstrated ability to maintain composure under pressure
Experience with retail point of sales systems
Experience with inventory management
Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, and weekends
Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
Experience in a guest-facing role in a restaurant, cafe, or retail establishment
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge and/or enthusiasm for how coffee is grown, sourced, roasted, prepared, and served
Knowledge and/or enthusiasm for how food is grown, sourced, prepared, and served
Passion and curiosity for food and the hospitality business
Able to provide constructive feedback to supervisor about staff and daily service
ServSafe Manager or equivalent ANSI Certification
Experience complying to Virginia Food Laws
Experience with processes and principles of ecommerce
Knowledge of/engagement with contemporary art and culture
Application Deadline:
Monday, December 15, 2025
Salary Range:
$20-24/hour
FLSA Exemption Status:
Non-Exempt
Hours per Week:
Up to 29 hours per week on average
ORP Eligible:
No
Flexible Work Arrangement:
Fully Onsite
Rank:
Non Faculty
Contact Information
Contact Name:
VCUarts HR
Contact Email:
artshr@vcu.edu
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Temporary
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Higher Education
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Virginia Commonwealth University by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Cafe Manager” roles. Richmond, VA $57,000.00-$80,000.00 4 weeks ago
Richmond, VA $42,000.00-$52,000.00 2 months ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr