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Katzen Gallery Assistant

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Date: Jan 12, 2023

Location: Washington, DC, US, 20016

Company: American University

About the Department/Unit

The American University Museum is a contemporary art museum with 3 floors and an outdoor sculpture garden. At 40,000 square feet, the museum is the largest university museum in the area, and our collection of art is now totals approximately 15,000 works. The museum hosts approximately 20 exhibitions per year of local, national and international art. In the spring, the museum features the work of our Masters of Fine Art students. The museum is proud to be the home of the Alper Initiative for Washington Art, a space in the museum dedicated to exhibitions, events, and research focused on the art history of Washington, DC. Our events include gallery openings, gallery talks, concerts, art classes, children’s workshops and more. 

Summary/Objective

GAs provide exemplary service to the public while engaging guests to create an exceptional museum experience. GAs offer wayfinding and provide information on American University Museum content and programming. In addition, GAs are responsible for monitoring the galleries during all open hours including public and private events to ensure safety of the artwork, upkeep of the museum and positive visitor experiences. GAs offer support to guests in various operational roles external and internal to the American University Museum.  

Essential Functions

Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Provide information to the public regarding museum content, programs, events, membership, directions, facilities, and other pertinent guest information. 
  2. Stay up to date on museum exhibitions, events, programs, policies, and procedures to inform and assist guests. 
  3. Attend exhibition training and utilize GA educational materials to gain docent-level familiarity with current exhibitions (GAs are not required to act as docents but may volunteer to do so). 
  4. Respond to and resolve guest complaints and concerns, calling upon management as needed.
  5. Share safety and museum policies in exhibit spaces.
  6. Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, adhering to dress code provided.
  7. Assist with events and other duties as assignment from Visitor Services management.

Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • Capable of speaking in front of large and small groups of visitors.
  • Must be able to employ museum policies while exercising good judgement and diplomacy when dealing with the public.
  • Able to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
  • Demonstrated ability to resolve guest situations.
  • Must be able to multi-task, function as part of a close-knit team, and enjoy working with the public.
  • Must be able to engage extended awareness and refrain from the use of technology when visitors are present.

Work Environment

  • Day to day moderate noise in an open setting; occasional exposure to loud music or other sounds at special events and for temporary exhibitions. 
  • Extended periods of standing and walking required for floor duties.  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

  • Expected hours: 10-15 hours a week.
  • Shifts available Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 4:30pm, as well as event shifts at miscellaneous times including evenings.
  • All GAs must be available to work at least one full shift during public hours (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30am to 4:30pm).

Salary Range

  • $16.10/hour.

Required Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be a current AU student (undergrad or grad).

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Interest in art history, museum studies, or related fields.
  • Museum or docent experience a plus.


Nearest Major Market: Washington DC