The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
323 Franklin Road, Highlands, North Carolina 28741
Guest Services Associate
Come Share the Vision.
An excellent opportunity for a person with strong customer-service and administrative skills who desires to work in a creative, fast-paced work environment. Join our team of arts professionals committed to making the visual arts a vibrant and vital part of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Job Description
Title: Guest Services Associate
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time (typically Tuesday-Saturday with variation during high season and key holidays).
Annual pay, depending on qualifications and experience: $35,000 - $37,500
Description:
The Guest Services Associate ensures that the totality of the Bascom visitor experience is of high quality. The position is responsible for the welcoming of and orientation of visitors of all ages and backgrounds, the oversight of the accuracy and completeness of information conveyed to visitors regarding opportunities to engage in Bascom experiences, and visitor transactions (for example, class registrations, ticket purchases, memberships, and donations received in the guest reception area). Anticipating needs of guests and troubleshooting to resolve problems are central components of the job. The position is also other duties as necessary to guarantee the smooth functioning of Bascom operations, and requires frequent collaboration with other team members.
Responsibilities
• Ensure a high-quality guest experience for all visitors of The Bascom by providing a welcoming environment that is informative and engaging.
• Serve as the first point of contact for The Bascom on phone and email, answering inquiries and directing people to opportunities.
• Manage art class registrations, payments and inquiries; communicate with enrolled students regarding their registration, class requirements, and updates as required; serve as point of contact for students during their class experiences.
• Support the Retail Manager in greeting guests and processing sales during peak times.
• In collaboration with the Director of Marketing, and other creative staff, organize and maintain visitor information that highlights the opportunities available and that directs visitors in how to partake of these opportunities.
• Develop, in collaboration with other staff, FAQs and talking points for staff and volunteers who serve guests.
• Develop an understanding of and attend to the needs and interests of Bascom guests; continually learn about needs of visitors and bring recommendations for improving their experience to staff meetings.
• Collaborate with the Retail Manager and facilities/housekeeping staff to ensure that the Atrium, Terrace, and front-of-house is in excellent condition for welcoming guests.
• Help plan and execute exhibition receptions and artists talk with other team members. This typically includes communication with the caterer, support with set-up, and distribution of materials such as nametags.
• Participate with other members of the team in planning Bascom receptions, programs, and fundraising events, with special attention to the perspective of Bascom guests; represent The Bascom at these events, providing a consistently high-level of care and attention to the needs of guests.
• Train new staff and updated existing staff on changes in guest information.
• Train volunteers who have roles welcoming guests or handling transactions in the practices of guest services.
• Provide Saturday morning galleries tours to guests in peak season; propose additional programming opportunities for guests as appropriate.
Other Duties
• As assigned. As a small staff, there are times when the entire team or parts of the team collaborate to complete one-time projects or to complete special assignments necessary to the functioning of the organization.
Additional Job Requirements
• The person in this position needs to frequently move about the space in order to interact with visitors.
• Must be able to move objects, including fragile art works, and sometimes weight-bearing loads.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with visitors and clientele about opportunities for classes and special events, as well as sensitive donor information. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some nights, holidays, and weekends.
Qualifications:
Required
• 1-2 or more years of client- or customer- facing experience with progressive responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage multiple audiences (including donors, members, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
• Demonstrated ability to handle numerical information, maintain accurate records and production of reports.
• Experience with or demonstrated ability to learn software systems including MS Office Suite (Excel and Word) and point-of-sale systems.
Preferred
• Visual arts background.
• Experience in a high-end setting providing concierge-level service to clientele
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to Karin Peterson, Executive Director (kpeterson@thebascom.org). No phone inquiries.