Visitor Service Coordinator

This position reports to the Visitor Services & Accessibility Manager. The position ensures that visitors to the museum enjoy an outstanding customer experience, by motivating and training staff to provide an efficient, friendly atmosphere that welcomes all people.

The Visitor Services Coordinator supervises a team of 10-20 undergraduate students. This position also provides shift supervision to temp casual managers as well as part-time staff. The position works closely with the Visitor Services & Accessibility Manager to develop and implement training for the front-facing customer service staff and is responsible for hiring,
performance, and promotion of Visitor Service Assistants and creating a collaborative work environment. They are also responsible for enforcing museum safety and emergency procedures and policies. The position works a Wednesday-Sunday schedule and the majority of the job responsibilities take place in the museum.

Work Location: The nature of the position requires the employee to be in the museum

Position Responsibilities:

Visitor Services Assistant Supervision 40%
* Oversee and coordinate the daily operations of the visitor service desk, ticketing office and museum store, working closely with the Visitor Service & Accessibility Manager to maintain consistency across operations.
* Supervise VSA student staff, providing guidance and direct support as needed through ongoing check ins, mentoring and regular feedback.
* Identify problems to create and provide ongoing, as-needed, VSA training beyond the initial training provided.
* Demonstrated ability to work supportively and collaboratively with teammates.
* Provide customer service and sell tickets and memberships to the public.
* Provide support if complications arise or additional staffing is needed during busy hours and events.
* Observe museum operations and note any possible threats to the safety of employees and visitors.
* Use problem solving to correctly identify subsequent steps to ensure safety.
* Greet volunteers and help them feel welcome and valued in the museum.
* Troubleshoot any difficult customer service interactions and follow-up as needed.

Operations Coordination 30%
* Troubleshoot and remedy minor technical issues with exhibits.
* Troubleshoot and remedy minor technical issues with the point of sale system.
* Monitor end of the day drawer settlement.
* Ensure the museum's opening and closing procedures are adhered to.
* Manage the selection of products in assigned categories for the museum store.
* Maintain vendor relationships for the museum store as assigned.
* Design and refresh merchandising displays as directed by the Visitor Services & Accessibility Manager.
* Act as liaison to meet regularly with the Student Employee & Volunteer Coordinator to improve and enhance the volunteer and patron experiences at the museum.

Ticketing Set-up and Coordination 20%
* Attend planning meetings to document changes to the planetarium schedule, museum public days or hours, and special events.
* Pull attendance reports and email lists from the ticketing system.
* Act as liaison to meet regularly with the Membership Manager to improve and enhance the membership purchasing experience at the museum.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 10%
* Provide guidance on customer service for our visitors from all backgrounds.
* Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors with limited incomes to participate in the Museums for All admission and Curiosity membership programs.
* Train others on Bell Museum values and goals around equity, access and inclusion and coach student staff in having difficult conversations.
* Serve as a back-up for the accessibility coordinator for the museum, answer emails and inquiries about accommodations at the museum.
* Prioritize institutional values of sustainability, equity and diversity in purchasing goods for resale - seek out and propose vendors and products that elevate women and minority owned businesses, use ethical supply chains, and incorporate ecologically responsible practices.

Essential Qualifications
* High school diploma/GED and four years related experience; training/education may be substituted for some years of experience.
* Minimum two years experience in customer service with previous experience as a supervisor or shift lead.
* Experience in mentoring, coaching or training staff.
* Experience or training in fostering a positive work environment built on trust and respect.
* Professional or personal experience seeking out and purchasing sustainable products
* Computer experience required.
* Excellent verbal communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
* Lived or learned understanding of inclusive practices and equity.
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from one's own.
* Detail-oriented with ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, problem solve, and exercise independent judgment.

Preferred Qualifications
* Previous experience working in museums, nature centers, or similar cultural or visitor-serving organizations or medical clinics.
* Previous experience managing college students or those of a diverse age range, especially in a customer facing role.
* Ability to work in a changing environment remaining positive, proactive, resourceful,efficient and calm.
* Experience working with Audience View or other ticketing/registration systems.
* Experience working with Counter Point or other Point of Sale systems.

The mission of the Museum is to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.
For over 150 years, the Bell Museum of Natural History has collected, preserved, interpreted, and displayed the natural history of Minnesota as the state's official natural history museum. The Bel preserves and interprets our state's rich natural history and serves learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every
county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe.

The museum is powered by the great minds on campus-from our faculty-curators, student lab assistants, and undergraduate interpretive guides to our dedicated staff and collegiate partners. We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite and
sustain curiosity for nature and the Universe and achieve our vision of a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates who reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Pay Range: $23.60 - $26.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Application deadline: August 3, 2025

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

For questions about the position, please contact Kate Sigurdson, ksigurds@umn.edu.

In addition to your application, please upload a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter is the key component of your application. It should discuss your central qualifications and relevant experience as it is related to the required and preferred qualifications for this job posting.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).