Special Events Bartender

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), located in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. It boasts an expansive and growing encyclopedic collection exceeding 50,000 works of art, covering 6,000 years of world history. VMFA's rich holdings include the largest public collection of Faberge outside Russia, the finest Art Nouveau collection outside Paris, and one of the nation's finest collections of American art. It also features significant collections in Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism, Postimpressionism, British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, alongside renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art. The Museum is celebrated for being the 11th-best art museum in the U.S. according to The Washington Post and is unique in offering free general admission every day of the year. As a state-supported yet privately endowed educational institution, VMFA is dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art to enrich the lives of the citizens of Virginia and beyond.

The Food Services Department at VMFA is an integral part of delivering memorable experiences to visitors and event guests. The department’s Events Team is deeply passionate about creating an inviting atmosphere for every occasion hosted at the Museum. Staff members are committed to attention to detail and fostering the perfect ambiance to make each event special and unforgettable, adhering to the philosophy that people may forget words and actions, but never how they were made to feel. The Special Events Bartender plays a vital role within this team as a Food Services Technician I, combining professionalism with hospitality to support a wide variety of special events and private functions.

This position offers a wage of $17.00 per hour and is focused on providing exceptional beverage service at the Museum’s events. The role involves working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that demands calmness, professionalism, and grace under pressure. Bartenders prepare and serve beverages according to standard recipes and Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) guidelines, maintain well-stocked and organized bars throughout shifts, and monitor alcohol inventory diligently. They also ensure compliance with all safety, sanitary, and alcohol service regulations, including checking guests’ ages comprehensively.

Special Events Bartenders at VMFA contribute significantly to the success of events by delivering excellent customer service and maintaining a safe environment for guests. They identify and appropriately respond to any potentially problematic situations, collaborate closely with management and coworkers, and uphold the establishment’s high standards of professionalism and presentation. The work schedule is flexible, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, providing staff with a range of shifts and advanced scheduling notice. VMFA encourages team collaboration and values the contribution of staff who are not only skilled service professionals but also creative individuals with an eye for detail.

Joining VMFA means being part of a mission-driven organization where event revenue directly supports the Museum's broader operations and educational goals. Employees benefit from free admission to special exhibitions, exclusive previews, discounted museum programs and classes, and staff discounts at onsite dining and retail establishments. The Museum prides itself on diversity and inclusivity in its hiring practices and provides a professional work environment that fosters career growth, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships among staff and guests alike. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about hospitality and the arts to join a prestigious institution and create lasting memories for visitors through exceptional service in the Food Services department.