Gallery and Event Specialist

Washburn University is a respected public institution located in Topeka, Kansas, known for its student-centered approach and dedication to high-impact educational programs. This metropolitan university serves a diverse student body of over 7,000 students, including a significant number of first-generation college students and those eligible for Pell Grants. Washburn University prides itself on creating educational pathways that ensure student success while fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. The university employs more than one thousand faculty and staff members, offering competitive wages, excellent benefits, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Recognized in 2024 as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, Washburn strives to embody its core values of inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community, and transformation.

The Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University seeks to hire a part-time Gallery and Event Specialist. This role is crucial in delivering excellent customer service as the museum's front-line presence. The specialist’s responsibilities include ensuring the safety and security of both artwork and visitors, supervising student workers, and overseeing the staffing of the museum during operating hours. The position involves recruiting, hiring, training, and scheduling student workers to maintain a well-functioning team capable of providing a welcoming visitor experience. Additionally, the Gallery and Event Specialist plays a vital role in supporting special events and public programs hosted by the museum, including the renowned Mulvane Art Fair, exhibit receptions, lectures, and film screenings.

This role offers a base pay of $15.17 per hour with potential for a higher entry rate based on experience and is benefits-eligible despite being part-time. The Gallery and Event Specialist also undertakes various administrative duties such as payment processing, data entry, organizing documents, and responding to inquiries to facilitate smooth museum operations. This position requires a strong dedication to customer service and communication as well as proficiency in essential office software like Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word. The role demands excellent organizational and time management skills, alongside the ability to effectively manage and motivate student staff.

Working at the Mulvane Art Museum provides a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant community that values arts and culture, coupled with the support of a major university. The institution has a strong commitment to inclusivity and educational excellence, making this position ideal for individuals passionate about art, education, and museum work. The Gallery and Event Specialist will be integral to maintaining the museum’s engaging visitor experience while supporting its mission to enrich the cultural life of the university and the wider community. Candidates applying by July 20, 2026, can expect full consideration as the hiring process is ongoing until the position is filled. This role operates Tuesday through Saturday and requires a background check as part of the hiring process.