Manager of Visitor Services

The City of Norfolk, a dynamic and vibrant municipality, is actively seeking a skilled and experienced Manager of Visitor Services for The Slover, a premier cultural and community destination located in downtown Norfolk. The city is known for its rich history, diverse cultural offerings, and as a permanent Carnival cruise hub welcoming approximately 150,000 guests annually. Norfolk strives to provide exceptional services and experiences to both residents and visitors alike, and The Slover plays a crucial role in this mission by serving as a multifaceted venue that encompasses a branch of the Norfolk Public Library system, the Sargeant Memorial Collection Archives, the Roy E. Hendrix Business Center, Creative Studios, venue rentals, and a café. The Slover is an architectural gem spanning three centuries with 138,000 square feet across seven floors, making it a significant landmark and a hub for community engagement and tourism.

The role of the Manager of Visitor Services at The Slover is vital to the overall guest experience and public perception of both the venue and the City of Norfolk. This management position involves overseeing a dedicated team responsible for providing exemplary visitor services, which include more than just greeting guests or managing events; it’s about cultivating a warm, welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits and fosters positive community relations. The Manager of Visitor Services will command complex operational duties such as supervising staff performance, ensuring customer service excellence, managing event execution, and overseeing budget adherence. Given the high-profile nature of The Slover and its proximity to a major cruise terminal, this role demands a professional who can effectively balance operational demands with strategic community engagement.

In this capacity, the Manager will lead staff development initiatives, which include conducting daily meetings, implementing targeted training programs, assessing individual and team performance, and benchmarking against similar venues to continuously improve service delivery. They will coordinate daily operations by planning and reviewing various events, ensuring that all service points—from the gift shop and admissions to exhibits and theater—are optimally staffed and organized. This position also entails managing the hiring and allocation of staff to meet seasonal fluctuations and event requirements, emphasizing the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions while maintaining service standards.

The salary range for this full-time, management-level position with the City of Norfolk is competitive, ranging from $56,900.48 to $65,435.55 annually. The role demands a flexible schedule, including accommodating event hours that may extend into evenings and weekends to meet the community’s and tourists’ needs effectively. It is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with expertise in event management, facility oversight, and customer service leadership to join a forward-thinking municipality and contribute to Norfolk’s cultural vibrancy and visitor satisfaction.