Careers

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Guest Service Associate - Full Time

The Wright is looking for a friendly, engaging and positive customer-service professional who provides a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors at The Wright. The role of the Guest Service Associate is sales, admissions and membership transactions, providing accurate information to visitors and members, as well as striving for continued knowledge of The Wright’s programs and events to better assist visitors with questions about the museum.

The Wright Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants without regard to ethnicity, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation. 

About Us: 
Founded in 1965, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has for over half a century been a leading institution dedicated to the African American experience.

The Ford Freedom Rotunda and its 95-foot wide by 65-foot high glass dome; this architectural wonder is more than twice the width of the State of Michigan’s Capitol dome and just one foot shy of the width of the U.S. Capitol dome. Our Ring of Genealogy, a 37-foot terrazzo tile creation by artist Hubert Massey surrounded by bronze nameplates of prominent African Americans in history. The Wright serves over half a million people annually through its exhibitions, programs, and events.

Our mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.

Our vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspires everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance and unity! 

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

General Summary of Duties 

Guest Services Associates are highly motivated individuals who provide exceptional customer service during regular Museum hours and at special events. The Guest Services Associates transact at the Admission Desk and Museum Store. They actively promote programs and events; respond to email, in-person, and phone inquiry; collect and report on visitor metrics; and support other administrative tasks. Candidates should be team players capable of working in a fast-paced professional environment. Qualified applicants will have previous customer service experience and an interest in African American History and Culture. The position requires attention to detail, punctuality, and availability on weekends and some evenings for events.  As front-line ambassadors, The Guest Services Associate provides assistance across in-person, phone, and online channels.

Essential Duties of the Position:

• Process admissions for all museum visitors, including assisting school group and tour group admissions processing.
• Provide outstanding customer service to museum visitors by creating a friendly, welcoming and informative environment for all museum guests.
• Cultivate knowledge of museum operations, history, exhibits, and membership program information to provide accurate information to museum visitors and guests
• Promote membership sales by informing visitors of membership benefits
• Perform daily register opening and closing procedures in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Prepare nightly paperwork for accounting department.
• Responsible for replenishing brochures/pamphlets/flyers to exhibits
• Answer incoming phone calls to the museum and direct them to the proper party.

 

Required Education and Experience:

• Two or more year’s customer service experience required.
• One or more years cashiering experience in a fast-paced admissions-related environment (i.e. museum, entertainment, theme park, movie theatre) preferred.
• Membership sales environment experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in data entry in a PC environment and knowledge of database and office systems.
• Demonstrate aptitude to learn, use, and apply appropriate customer service selling techniques as part of a team-centered, customer-focused environment.
• Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and ability to problem solve.
• Must be productive and approachable while working in a public space.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for delivering excellent customer service, with a positive attitude and a strong desire to learn about natural and cultural history.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess a desire to work with the public.
• The position is required to work weekends on a regular basis and evenings as needed.
   

Work Conditions:

• Position regularly works weekends and holidays
• Works outdoors in warm weather conditions during festivals and special events.
• Must be able to lift 35 lb. boxes or equipment.
• Requires the use of a computer

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Security Officer

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Under general direction of the Security Supervisor, the Security Officer is responsible for general security for the Museum and its contents. The Security Officer also guards the Museum property against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry. The Officer assists customers and responds to various inquiries and requests. The incumbent also takes on a primary role in the event of a medical emergency. 
Requirements
 
Essential Functions:

• Secures Museum and its assets, collections and general contents 
• Prohibits unlawful entry, both during and after standard Museum hours
• Provides general assistance to visitors and customers as needed 
• Executes tactical aspects of special event security plans
• Patrol, periodically, exhibits, meeting rooms and immediate parking area
• Control access to parking lots
• Examine doors, windows, and gates to determine that they are secure
• Provide first aid and other assistance to injured staff or visitors, including contacting EMS and preparing incident reports
• Watch for and report irregularities such as fire hazards, leaking water pipes, and security doors left unlocked
• Observe departing personnel to guard against theft of company property
• Sound alarm or call police or fire department by telephone in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons
• Permit only authorized persons to enter property during off hours
• Accept and record time of any deliveries as is appropriate
• Record data such as property damage, unusual occurrences, accidents or injuries, and completes incident report for use of supervisory staff
• Other duties as assigned
   

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Previous experience in a security or law enforcement capacity is desired
• Exposure to a similar destination customer service environment
• Experience in a gallery or museum setting is desirable
• First Aid and AED certification is desired
   

Physical Factor/Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• May require work on nights and weekends and possibly holidays
   

How to apply: 
Interested candidates should submit (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with salary requirements. Please no phone calls.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

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Technical Director 

Description

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History seeks a full-time, salaried, Technical Director to coordinate the overall production and technical requirements for theatre performances in our newly renovated, state of the art GM Theatre, Orientation Theatre, and other special event venues as assigned. The Technical Director is expected to be a "hands-on" supervisor who provides the highest standard of service, exhibits clear follow-through, and excels at open communication. The successful candidate should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and strong leadership ability. 

The ideal candidate will be called upon to deal with a wide range of technical issues, therefore should have a working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures of theatre, dance, and music productions/ presentations including stage, set, sound and lighting design and implementation; stage management; computerized lighting systems; stage carpentry; appropriate safety precautions and procedures.

Essential Duties of the Position: 

• Operate, maintain, and safeguard the technical assets of the museum, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, and communications equipment, as well as the use and maintenance of stage facilities. Set and enforce safe-use guidelines for equipment. 
• Assist the appropriate Internal Directors and outside performance contractors with determining the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs, for events and performances presented at the facility in advance of production dates aligned to production and event schedules. 
• Provide technical information, advise, and assist guest designers and artists with technical matters. 
• Advise producers and designers on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for each show and supervise the implementation of approved technical designs. 
• Interpret design work and create and distribute construction drafting to ensure staff/contractors are properly instructed on the assembly process and proficiently execute scenic builds. Turn designer's sketches into technical drafts used by carpenters. 
• Create weekly schedules for stage crew including necessary contractors.
• Supervise and assist with set and stage construction and time management aligned to each build. • Assist in recruiting, training and assignment of volunteer or paid technical staff for individual shows.
• Monitor the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging; arrange for repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; perform preventive maintenance on equipment. 
• Maintain inventory of shop equipment, materials, and order specialized supplies. 
• Attend technical week rehearsals, to supervise and assist in the technical aspects of the mounting of each show. • Attend all design and production meetings as well as postproduction meetings.
• Make recommendations to the President/CEO, COO and Executive Leadership, regarding capital purchases of technical equipment. 
• Orient facility renters and visiting productions to safety, technical characteristics, and other areas of facility operations; facilitate the use of the technical facilities by the resident company and others engaged by or renting the facility.

• Manage departmental team members by providing coaching and instruction to optimize performance.

   

Required Education and Experience: 

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in technical theatre, design or production. MFA preferred
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience as a Technical Director.
• Experience operating and maintaining theatrical systems including lighting, sound, and projection equipment, soft goods and musical instruments in a professional theatre.
• Ability to work successfully under pressure to meet deadlines and goals.
• Ability to work effectively with a team as well as individually.
• Valid Driver's license
• Experience in Excel, Word, Outlook, AutoCAD computer software, Carpentry, Rigging and budgeting.

Success in the Position Requires:

• Strong ability to maintain effective working relationships with representatives of various groups, vendors, co-workers, and others.
• Maintain irregular and extended working hours including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to lift, push or pull objects up to 100 pounds using appropriate tools.
• Knowledge of organization and resources within the performing arts community.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct staff. 
• Ability to clearly communicate technical procedures and processes to crew members with varied skill levels.

 

Salary

$85k-95k annually

How to apply: 
Interested candidates should submit (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter with salary requirements. Please no phone calls.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

Apply Now

Accountant

Position Overview

The Wright Museum seeks an energetic and detail-oriented Accountant reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.

Essential Duties of the Position:

• Coordinate the accounts payable and accounts receivable function.
• Provide administrative support to the Chief Financial Officer.
• Responsible for coordinating accounts payable function and distributing payments.
• After approval, process expense requests in accounting and banking systems as check payments or electronic payments.
• Reviews relevant documentation support and approval prior to payment.
• Answers all vendor inquiries – Obtains and maintains all vendor files including W9s and EFT forms.
• Maintains all accounts payable reports, spreadsheets, and accounts payable files.
• Reviews check requests from departments for appropriate documentation and approvals; distributes payments and/or documentation to requesting departments.
• Periodically reviews invoice expense coding and make recommendations for updates to CFO.
• Track and report expenditures against departmental and project budgets.
• Responsible for coordinating accounts receivable function.
• Process accounts and incoming payments in compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Perform day to day financial transactions, including verifying, classifying, computing, posting and recording accounts receivables’ data.
• Prepare bills, invoices and bank deposits.
• Prepare special reports and account analyses as assigned by the CFO.
• Contribute to effective team management of all problems, issues, and opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or the equivalent.
• Two (2) years related experience in an accounting or finance position.
• Not-For-Profit experience is preferred.
• Experience with financial systems accounting; knowledge of Sage software is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills required.
• Strong detail orientation, mathematical and analytical skills are a must.
• Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the organization.
• High energy and passion for the Museum’s mission.
• Exceptional computer literacy skills and familiarity with development related databases. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• A willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends is essential.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

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Director of Development

Position Overview

The Wright Museum seeks a dynamic and creative leader full-time, salaried, to join its team as the Director of Development

The Director of Development, in partnership with the Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, will be responsible for designing, implementing and facilitating strategic efforts in resource development activities for The Wright Museum. This position will be focused on developing relationships, contributions, and overall sustainable support for the Museum through public and private grants, corporate sponsorship, individual donations, museum membership and special events.

Essential Duties of the Position:

• Co-Design development strategy with museum leadership and oversee ongoing development activities and efforts for the Museum. 
• Work with Institutional Advancement team, and executive leadership to identify funds needed, funding targets, and funding approaches.
• Implement an annual development plan that includes strategies and goals for annual giving and donor relationship building and management.
• Support and partner with Executive Leadership on all major fundraising initiatives and manage key members of the development team.
• Oversee development and execution of all fundraising proposals and solicitations, including corporate sponsorship and local and national grants and grant compliance/reporting.
• Support overall management of special event fundraising.
• Helps the organization define performance measures for fund development and systematically monitor results
• Work with Executive Leadership to devise and implement special fundraising projects as needed (e.g. capital campaign, programmatic campaigns, etc).
• Oversee development related logistics and activities (donor database, development research tools, donor stewardship and cultivation)
• Oversee the hiring, training, and mentoring of the development team, as well as additional staff, interns or contractors related to special projects.

Relationship Structure: 

• Reports to the Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement
• Supervises Grants and Institutional Giving Manager (and other potential hires)
• Engages with President and CEO as well as Board of Trustees Development Committee
• Collaborates directly with colleagues in Membership, Marketing, Learning & Engagement, Curatorial staff

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• Five or more years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization
• Five or more years in a development (or development related) leadership role
• Proven success leading and managing fundraising at the organizational level
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives
• Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the organization
• High energy and passion for Museum’s mission
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends is essential.

   

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by the date of hire to be considered for the position.

Apply Now

Mission & Vision

Mission: to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African-American history and culture.

Vision: a world in which the adversities and achievements of African-American history inspire greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Wright is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.