Visitor Services Associate in Minneapolis, Minnesota at American Swedish Institute

Department: Operations

Reports to: Director of Operations

Compensation: $17.00/hour

Educational/Degree Requirement: None

Exempt or Nonexempt: Non-Exempt, Permanent Part-time. Inquiries for seasonal/summer work will not be considered.

Hourly or Salaried: Hourly

Benefits: MN Earned Safe and Sick Time, otherwise Not Benefit Elgible

Hours Per Week: 13-20 hours per week

Hybrid or On Site: Onsite

Language proficiency: English. Proficiency/familiarity with another language is a plus but not required.

Schedule: Required: Thursdays: 2:30-8:15 pm; Saturdays: 9:00-4:30 pm

Mansion evening rentals as available; and required ASI Festivals (Julmarknad, Solstice, Cocktails at the Castle, Midsommar). Schedule subject to change based on ASI Schedule.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO:

The American Swedish Institute is a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment, and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden. The American Swedish Institute and the historic Turnblad Mansion have been mainstays for cultural education and engagement in Minneapolis since 1929.

OUR MISSION:

The American Swedish Institute’s mission is to inspire curiosity, embrace creativity, and grow community by exploring the past, present, and future of Swedish culture.

OUR VALUES:

Relationships: The relationships we cultivate, both locally and globally, are at the core of our work. We build bridges across cultures and generations as we foster community and sustain lasting relationships over time.

Curiosity: We believe that being open to reflection, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas can lead to innovation and transformation. We offer unique, varied experiences that pique curiosity, invite participation, encourage new ways of thinking, and deepen learning.

Diversity: We believe that communities that hold and embrace diversity and change are vibrant, joyful, and resilient. We engage with the complexities, creativity, and impacts of the interconnections among cultures and histories.

Stewardship: We value our individual and shared histories, honoring what has come before while remaining open to what is to come. We preserve this historic site and cultural center as well as the heritage, practices, and artifacts of Swedish and Swedish American cultures so all generations may explore and be inspired by them.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Visitor Services Associate (VSA) is responsible for providing a world class visitor experience for guests via superior customer service at the front desk and on the phone. VSAs facilitate admissions, perform reception duties, manage registrations, and act in a hospitable way while problem solving issues that arise during public hours or events. The Visitor Services Associate will work as a part of the Visitor Services team and is an integral part of helping make the American Swedish Institute a gathering place for all people while providing world class visitor experiences for our guests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• CUSTOMER SERVICE: Deliver exceptional service to visitors, staff members, and volunteers embodying ASI's commitment to radical hospitality. Help problem solve for guests and rental clients. This includes opening doors, finding carts, finding other staff members, retrieving supplies, opening gates, and other physical tasks.
• RECEPTION: Be the friendly and helpful face of ASI. Answer and transfer calls, greet visitors and volunteers, and provide accurate information about classes and events. Accept packages and other mail and bring to designated space.
• ADMISSIONS: Process museum admissions accurately and manage cash drawers.
• REGISTRATIONS: Handle class and event registrations using Altru software and maintain accurate records of registrations, admissions, and payments.
• OPERATIONS: Open and close public spaces each day, including unlocking doors and turning on lights. Review the volunteer daily schedule and make last minute adjustments. Review and understand the ASI schedule.
• COMMUNICATION: Follow through with guest questions and cascade information to others to ensure all team members have accurate information.
• TEAM PLAYER: Able to adapt and independently prioritize work based on changing organizational needs. Work as a team with other VSAs and volunteers working at the front desk. Help in other areas as needed, like mansion facilitation when volunteers need support.
• EXPERIENCE SUPPORT: Learn the basics related to the history of ASI, Swedish culture, and the Turnblad Family to help answer questions. Sign up for after-hours mansion facilitation to ensure rental guests have a good time while following contract guidelines.
• TECHNOLOGY: Navigate multiple software applications at the same time, a complex Microsoft environment, and assist visitors and online students with technical issues.
• INFORMATION LITERACY: Ability to recall lots of information and remember pathways to find answers.

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEIA) are core functions of all positions at ASI. While some roles may have more specific responsibilities, the items below are a part of everyone's role:

• Demonstrate a commitment to DEIA through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff.
• Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other museum staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all museum visitors and program participants.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

• 2+ years customer service experience
• Proficiency in computer database applications
• Skilled with technology; working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite
• Ability to communicate large amounts of information in English and sit/stand for extended periods
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Strong verbal, written and problem-solving skills
• Hours for this position can vary, but include weekend, evening and special events shifts (see schedule above).
• Interest in Nordic culture a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ASI provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.