Inside Higher Ed
Posting Number:
S14478P Working Title:
Manager of Visitor Experience Department:
SRVPAA-Georgia Museum of Art Posting Type:
External Retirement Plan:
TRS or ORP Employment Type:
Employee Full/Part Time:
Full Time Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible Salary:
Commensurate with Experience Posting Date:
12/08/2025 Open Until Filled:
Yes Proposed Starting Date:
01/01/2026 Location:
Athens Area EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu). Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in retail operations, including merchandising and inventory management. Knowledge of museum best practices and visitor engagement strategies. Familiarity with accessibility and inclusion practices in public spaces. Visitor services, customer service, or operations management experience in a museum, cultural institution, or similar public‑facing environment. Position Summary
The Manager of Visitor Experience at the Georgia Museum of Art is a strategic, autonomous leader responsible for shaping and delivering an exceptional, inclusive, and seamless experience for every museum guest, from arrival to departure. The role oversees all aspects of visitor engagement, including wayfinding, parking, exhibitions, amenities, gift shop interactions, and overall hospitality, fostering an environment that encourages first‑time visits, repeat attendance, and positive word‑of‑mouth. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Business Operations, the Manager supervises the Visitor Experience Assistant, Gallery Guides, and museum shop staff, and partners closely with the security team to maintain a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Supervision, staff development, performance management, and a culture of hospitality are central to this role. The Manager has broad autonomy to set departmental goals, revise policies and procedures, and make high‑level decisions that shape the visitor journey, including staffing models, service design, and operational workflows to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. The role also leads budget planning, forecasting, and financial decision‑making for the department, including oversight of the museum shop’s point‑of‑sale systems, product development, and earned revenue strategies. As a key stakeholder in institutional development, the Manager collaborates with departments such as Exhibitions, Curatorial, Learning and Engagement, and Communications to ensure that visitor experience is integrated into all aspects of programming and operations. The role also participates in museum‑wide committees focused on enhancing the visitor experience and accessibility. Key Responsibilities
Setting strategic goals and policies for the Visitor Experience Department. Supervising and coaching visitor‑facing staff, including hiring, training, and performance management. Designing and implementing hospitality‑driven service models that reflect best practices in inclusion and accessibility. Managing departmental budget, financial allocations, and revenue‑generating initiatives. Responding to complex visitor inquiries and resolving conflicts with empathy and professionalism. Driving interdepartmental collaboration to elevate the museum’s public‑facing experience. Additional Responsibilities and Duties
Serve as a key stakeholder in institutional development related to visitor experience. Participate in museum‑wide committees focused on enhancing accessibility and visitor satisfaction. Supervise the Visitor Experience Assistant, Gallery Guides, and museum shop staff. Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management. Foster a culture of hospitality and inclusion across all visitor‑facing roles. Ensure front‑line staff (Shop, Gallery Guides, Security) are well‑informed and equipped to provide accurate public information. Supervise scheduling and daily operations of front‑line staff and volunteers to ensure adequate coverage and consistent presence for visitors. Monitor staff to ensure adherence to procedures, policies, and customer service standards. In collaboration with Learning and Engagement, establish hospitality and customer service training for all public‑facing personnel. Implement incentive and motivation plans to manage Gallery Guides’ engagement. Motivate staff to actively serve visitors and promote memberships. Oversee parking operations to ensure a positive experience for visitors. Ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for all guests, from arrival to departure. Oversee wayfinding, exhibitions, amenities, and gift shop interactions. Proactively address customer concerns and resolve issues to turn negative experiences into positive ones. Respond to complex visitor inquiries and resolve conflicts with professionalism. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
Hospitality, business administration, arts administration, or similar visitor‑focused field. Supervising and motivating teams, including hiring, training, and performance management. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts and provide excellent customer service. Experience managing budgets and using point‑of‑sale systems. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse audiences. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with, or willingness to learn, OneUSG Connect and the OneSource Financial Management System. Familiarity with accessibility and inclusion practices in public spaces. Physical Demands
Sitting/standing for long periods of time. Lifting up to 25 lbs. Additional Job Information
Driving responsibility: Yes Position of Trust: Yes Operation, access, or control of financial resources: Yes Requires P‑Card: Yes (essential function) Direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care: Yes Security access (public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes Credit and P‑Card Policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in the application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website. Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the recruitment contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name:
Parris Baker‑Coley Recruitment Contact Email:
psb70437@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
S14478P Working Title:
Manager of Visitor Experience Department:
SRVPAA-Georgia Museum of Art Posting Type:
External Retirement Plan:
TRS or ORP Employment Type:
Employee Full/Part Time:
Full Time Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible Salary:
Commensurate with Experience Posting Date:
12/08/2025 Open Until Filled:
Yes Proposed Starting Date:
01/01/2026 Location:
Athens Area EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu). Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in retail operations, including merchandising and inventory management. Knowledge of museum best practices and visitor engagement strategies. Familiarity with accessibility and inclusion practices in public spaces. Visitor services, customer service, or operations management experience in a museum, cultural institution, or similar public‑facing environment. Position Summary
The Manager of Visitor Experience at the Georgia Museum of Art is a strategic, autonomous leader responsible for shaping and delivering an exceptional, inclusive, and seamless experience for every museum guest, from arrival to departure. The role oversees all aspects of visitor engagement, including wayfinding, parking, exhibitions, amenities, gift shop interactions, and overall hospitality, fostering an environment that encourages first‑time visits, repeat attendance, and positive word‑of‑mouth. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Business Operations, the Manager supervises the Visitor Experience Assistant, Gallery Guides, and museum shop staff, and partners closely with the security team to maintain a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Supervision, staff development, performance management, and a culture of hospitality are central to this role. The Manager has broad autonomy to set departmental goals, revise policies and procedures, and make high‑level decisions that shape the visitor journey, including staffing models, service design, and operational workflows to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. The role also leads budget planning, forecasting, and financial decision‑making for the department, including oversight of the museum shop’s point‑of‑sale systems, product development, and earned revenue strategies. As a key stakeholder in institutional development, the Manager collaborates with departments such as Exhibitions, Curatorial, Learning and Engagement, and Communications to ensure that visitor experience is integrated into all aspects of programming and operations. The role also participates in museum‑wide committees focused on enhancing the visitor experience and accessibility. Key Responsibilities
Setting strategic goals and policies for the Visitor Experience Department. Supervising and coaching visitor‑facing staff, including hiring, training, and performance management. Designing and implementing hospitality‑driven service models that reflect best practices in inclusion and accessibility. Managing departmental budget, financial allocations, and revenue‑generating initiatives. Responding to complex visitor inquiries and resolving conflicts with empathy and professionalism. Driving interdepartmental collaboration to elevate the museum’s public‑facing experience. Additional Responsibilities and Duties
Serve as a key stakeholder in institutional development related to visitor experience. Participate in museum‑wide committees focused on enhancing accessibility and visitor satisfaction. Supervise the Visitor Experience Assistant, Gallery Guides, and museum shop staff. Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management. Foster a culture of hospitality and inclusion across all visitor‑facing roles. Ensure front‑line staff (Shop, Gallery Guides, Security) are well‑informed and equipped to provide accurate public information. Supervise scheduling and daily operations of front‑line staff and volunteers to ensure adequate coverage and consistent presence for visitors. Monitor staff to ensure adherence to procedures, policies, and customer service standards. In collaboration with Learning and Engagement, establish hospitality and customer service training for all public‑facing personnel. Implement incentive and motivation plans to manage Gallery Guides’ engagement. Motivate staff to actively serve visitors and promote memberships. Oversee parking operations to ensure a positive experience for visitors. Ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for all guests, from arrival to departure. Oversee wayfinding, exhibitions, amenities, and gift shop interactions. Proactively address customer concerns and resolve issues to turn negative experiences into positive ones. Respond to complex visitor inquiries and resolve conflicts with professionalism. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
Hospitality, business administration, arts administration, or similar visitor‑focused field. Supervising and motivating teams, including hiring, training, and performance management. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts and provide excellent customer service. Experience managing budgets and using point‑of‑sale systems. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse audiences. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with, or willingness to learn, OneUSG Connect and the OneSource Financial Management System. Familiarity with accessibility and inclusion practices in public spaces. Physical Demands
Sitting/standing for long periods of time. Lifting up to 25 lbs. Additional Job Information
Driving responsibility: Yes Position of Trust: Yes Operation, access, or control of financial resources: Yes Requires P‑Card: Yes (essential function) Direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care: Yes Security access (public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes Credit and P‑Card Policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in the application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website. Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the recruitment contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name:
Parris Baker‑Coley Recruitment Contact Email:
psb70437@uga.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr