Washington and Lee University

Art Museum Operations Assistant

100 Glasgow St, Lexington, VA 24450

Part-time

First seen by offpeak October 4, 2026

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The Art Museum Operations Assistant supports daily operations, museum programming, external reservation-related coordination, and supports exhibition preparation at the Art Museum. Reporting to the Visitor Services and Operations Manager (VSOM), this position schedules museum front line staff, assists with onsite operations and programming, and ensures policy compliance. This outward-facing role involves close engagement with visitors, event organizers, and museum staff, requiring strong customer service skills, professionalism, organization, and communication in a collaborative and creative environment.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions

Assists in the coordination of frontline work schedules, ensuring proper coverage for shifts through effective communication with team members.
Assists with onsite operations, including the opening and closing of Art Museum sites and coverage on Saturdays.
Provides on-site support during public hours at Art Museum locations when full-time staff are not available, serving as the primary point of contact for visitor and operational needs.
Ensures museum policies and procedures are upheld during external reservations and serves as an on-the-ground contact for the organizing group should any questions or issues arise during the event.
May assist the Collections team with exhibition preparation needs.
Supports museum projects and assists with campus-wide initiatives and annual events that promote the museum.
Responsible for tracking attendance of external reservations held at the Reeves Museum of Ceramics and Waston Galleries.
Assists with the physical setup and breakdown of external reservations at the Reeves Museum of Ceramics and Watson Galleries.
Assists with the collection and analysis of visitor feedback.
Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Wednesday - Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pay Rate: The hourly pay for this position is $19.50.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent is required (Associate’s Degree preferred)
Experience working in hospitality, public schools, museums, galleries, or academic institutions is preferred.
Experience with exhibition preparation preferred.
Must be able to work on weekends and some evenings.
Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to multi-task, and possess strong organizational skills.
Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently and in a professional, discrete, and courteous manner with staff and clients.
Should be able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm and effective during high-stress situations.
Must be able to respond to security or emergency situations calmly and with good judgment.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. Required materials include:
•   Cover letter
•   Resume
•   Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at: http://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities

Position Type:

Non-Exempt, Part Time, Non-Benefit Eligible

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.