Visitor Services Assistant - Student Hourly

Position Overview

The Visitor Services Assistant (VSA) reporting to the Office Manager, engages the public to provide an educational and memorable experience at the Dole Institute of Politics, on weekends and select weekday hours.

The VSA manages the front desk, stewards visitors to the museum, and is responsible for the building during weekend shifts.

The Visitor Services Assistant should be reliable, accountable, demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, and a self-starter who is curious about history and politics with a willingness to learn.

Other skills required for the position include strong written and oral communication, organization, and problem-solving.

Job Description

90% Front Desk and Building Management :

The Visitor Services Assistant has many interactions with the public, so excellent customer service and people skills are necessary.

• Staff the front desk and conduct regular walk-throughs of galleries.
• On-site building manager during weekend shifts, which includes opening and closing the building, answering phone, etc.
• Guide tour groups and encourage self-guided group visits.
• Ensure quality visitor experience by interacting with guests.
• Demonstrate wide range of knowledge about museum, Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, and general history.
• Maintain a well-informed, working knowledge of the exhibits and services available and communicate that information in a style consistent with the mission of the Dole Institute of Politics.
• Assist with outreach efforts for the Kansas Veteran’s Virtual Memory Wall.

10% Other Duties as Assigned :

Admin, education, or outreach projects will be assigned during the times at the front desk.

Required Qualifications

Current enrollment in at least 6 credits in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Kansas. During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours.

For summer periods the student hourly must : 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester.

Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA / GTA / GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

• Thorough knowledge of the KU campus community, including student groups and academic units, as evidenced by application materials
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by application materials
• Work experience that required creativity, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and self-motivation.
• Eligible for Federal Work Study.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge and past participation in the Dole Institute's Student Advisory Board.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of :

• Online application
• Cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.
• Resume
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

Only complete applications will be considered.

Review of applications begins on August 28, 2024 and continues until positions have been filled.