Job Details

Visitor Experience and Volunteer Coordinator

Position Number: 6712832
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Volunteer Programs

Visitor Experience and Volunteer Coordinator

Requisition Number: 68534
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 24-Nov-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History Visitor Experience and Volunteer Coordinator leads the visitor experience program, integrating front desk, tours and events, and other programming into a seamless guest-focused system. This role manages daily operations, supervises staff and volunteers, coordinates and implements student training, and contributes to and ensures high-quality educational and customer service outcomes. In addition, the position oversees the museum's volunteer program and maintains the museum's internal schedule and calendar to support smooth operations and a welcoming visitor environment.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Museum Institute fosters exploration and appreciation of the natural environment and human cultures through research, teaching, and community outreach. We provide academic training for graduate students in Museum and Field Studies; build, conserve, and interpret research collections; and offer exhibits and educational programs for the University and the public.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Visitor Services & Experience:

Oversee all visitor experience operations, coordinating front-line services with educational and public programming activities to ensure a seamless, engaging, and mission-aligned experience for all guests. Support for the museum's educational and public programs includes:

Collaborating with the Education and Public Engagement staff to integrate learning experiences into daily visitor operations.
Ensuring front desk staff and student workers understand and communicate key messages related to exhibits, programs, and events.
Troubleshooting visitor flow, accessibility, and experience issues during programs or busy times.

Supervise daily front desk and visitor experience operations, ensuring exceptional customer service.
Design and implement visitor engagement initiatives that foster learning, connection, and repeat visitation, using feedback and collaboration across departments to continuously enhance the museum experience. Examples include:

Designing or coordinating interactive visitor touchpoints, such as feedback systems, scavenger hunts, or self-guided activities.
Gathering and analyzing visitor feedback to identify trends and make data-informed improvements.
Collaborating with marketing or programming teams to ensure messaging, signage, and visitor information materials are engaging and aligned with the museum's identity.

Oversee scheduling, service standards, and visitor feedback collection.
Respond to visitor inquiries, feedback, and concerns with professionalism and diplomacy.
Maintain and update visitor experience materials, signage, and brochures.
Recruit, train, and supervise student staff.
Develop and implement student staff training programs and materials.

Volunteer Program Management:

Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers.
Serve as liaison for the volunteer program, coordinating with museum staff on volunteer placement across departments.
Develop and implement volunteer training programs and materials.
Training staff to use storytelling, interpretive techniques, or customer service practices that enhance visitor engagement.
Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation and performance.
Plan and implement volunteer appreciation initiatives.

Schedule and Calendar Coordination:

Maintain and update the museum's master calendar, ensuring alignment of exhibitions, events, programs, tours, and rentals.
Coordinate with museum staff and university departments to prevent scheduling conflicts.
Distribute the museum schedule to relevant partners and update digital platforms as needed.

Museum Store Buyer and Manager:

Research, select, and develop merchandise aligned with museum exhibits and programs and prepare annual budget for cost of goods sold, expenditures, and profits.
Oversee inventory (Clover software), pricing, merchandising, promotions, advertising, staff training, and overall profitability and explore online sales opportunities.
Provide sales training and implement discount and rewards programs to enhance revenue.
Develop annual profit-focused budget and collaborate with the Museum Leadership Team to direct profits toward museum initiatives (e.g., equipment, research, outreach).

What We Can Offer

The starting annual salary range for this full-time position is $57,000 - $62,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be ambitious. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree in museum studies, hospitality, communications, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

Interpersonal & Communication: Warm, welcoming demeanor; active listening; ability to engage with diverse audiences.
Volunteer Management: Experience recruiting, motivating, and managing volunteers.
Customer Service & Diplomacy: Composure, tact, and professionalism in handling visitor needs.
Organization & Detail-Orientation: Strong ability to prioritize and manage operations.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Leadership & Teamwork: Ability to inspire, empower, and collaborate effectively with staff and volunteers.
Problem-Solving: Creative and effective approach to challenges and conflict resolution.
Museum Knowledge/Passion: Commitment to the museum's mission and values.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends for events. Some physical activity, such as setting up tables and chairs, may be required.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by November 24, 2025 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Visitor-Experience-and-Volunteer-Coordinator/68534