Education and Engagement Student Assistant

POSITION: Education & Engagement Student Assistant
ELIGIBILITY: Current Batten University students only
TYPE: Part-Time Hourly
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Education and Engagement
REPORTS TO: Education and Engagement Director

SCHEDULE: Approximately 10–20 hours per week based on museum needs and student availability. Hours are primarily weekday daytime, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed for programs and events.

COMPENSATION: $15 an hour

SUMMARY

The Education and Engagement Student Assistant is a part-time position for a current Batten University student that supports Virginia MOCA’s Education and Engagement Department through administrative projects, public programs, studio classes, tours, and community outreach. The position provides hands-on professional experience in museum education and engagement while supporting programs for audiences of all ages. The Education & Engagement Student Assistant also helps strengthen connections between Virginia MOCA and the Batten student community by sharing student perspectives, promoting museum opportunities to peers, and supporting programs and events that engage Batten students.

This position is made possible through a donation from a Friend of Batten University and Virginia MOCA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Support

• Assist with program communications and registration.
• Support departmental recordkeeping, scheduling, and organization.
• Prepare materials for upcoming programs and events.
• Assist with research and preparation for upcoming exhibitions, programs, and Education and Engagement initiatives.
• Provide general administrative support to the Education and Engagement Department as needed.

Programs Support

• Assist with setup, breakdown, and day-of support for adult programs, studio classes, workshops, family programs, and other Education and Engagement programs.
• Prepare, organize, restock, and maintain art-making materials and studio supplies.
• Serve as a program or teaching assistant under the direction of museum staff or teaching artists, including welcoming participants, assisting with registration and materials, and engaging with program participants.
• Assist with off-site community outreach programs and events as needed, including program setup and interactive art activities.
• Train to facilitate guided gallery experiences and provide tour support as needed.

Batten University Engagement

• Help strengthen connections between Virginia MOCA and the Batten University student community by sharing student perspectives, promoting museum opportunities to peers, and identifying opportunities for engagement.
• Assist Education and Engagement staff with planning and implementing programs or events designed to engage Batten University students.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must be a current Batten University student.
• Interest in art, education, museums, nonprofits, community engagement, or related fields.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing program needs.
• Knowledge of modern computer programs, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Previous experience in education, public programs, community engagement, or other public-facing work preferred but not required.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods and maintain physical activity while working safely in office, studio, museum, and community settings.
• Background check is required.

Virginia MOCA strives to foster an inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with disabilities, and others who have been marginalized in the arts and cultural sector, to apply.

No phone calls or walk-ins, please. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.