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Moca Museum Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... MOCA at networking events, industry showcases, bridal expositions, and other opportunities that promote the Museum as a premier event venue. · Provide exceptional and timely customer service and ...

Moca Museum information

What is the MOCA Museum?

The MOCA Museum, or the Museum of Contemporary Art, is an institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting contemporary art from around the world. MOCA often features works created from the mid-20th century to the present, hosting exhibitions, educational programs, and community events to engage the public with modern artistic expressions. The museum is recognized for its dynamic collection and commitment to supporting both established and emerging artists, making it a vital hub for art lovers and creatives. Depending on the location, MOCA museums can have unique focuses, but all aim to foster appreciation and understanding of contemporary art.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum curator at MOCA, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Curator at MOCA, you need a background in art history or museum studies, curatorial experience, and knowledge of contemporary art trends. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibit design software, and art handling protocols is typically required. Strong communication, organizational, and collaborative skills help in engaging artists, donors, and the public. These skills ensure impactful exhibitions, effective collection stewardship, and meaningful visitor experiences in a dynamic museum environment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at a contemporary art museum like MOCA, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at a contemporary art museum such as MOCA often face challenges such as adapting to frequently changing exhibitions, collaborating with diverse artists, and managing large-scale public events. Staying flexible and open to new ideas is key, as the nature of contemporary art means the work environment is dynamic and sometimes unpredictable. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as staff members from curatorial, education, and operations departments must coordinate closely to ensure successful exhibition installations and visitor experiences.

What is the difference between Moca Museum vs Art Curator?

AspectMoca MuseumArt Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in art, museum studies, or related field; often a master's preferredBachelor's or master's in art history, museum studies, or related field; experience in curation
Work EnvironmentMuseum or art institution, often in public or private settingsArt galleries, museums, or cultural institutions, involved in selecting and managing exhibitions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by museums, cultural centers, and art institutionsCommonly used in museums, galleries, and art organizations

While both roles involve working with art, a Moca Museum typically refers to the institution itself, whereas an Art Curator is a professional responsible for selecting, organizing, and managing art exhibitions within such institutions. The curator's role is more focused on the content and presentation of art, while the Moca Museum is the venue or organization hosting these activities.

What are popular job titles related to Moca Museum jobs in Virginia?

For Moca Museum jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Moca Museum job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Venue Operations Manager

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$55K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Venue Operations Manager

TYPE: Full-time

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations


SUMMARY: Part of the Operations Department, the Venue Operations Manager coordinates and oversees all internal and external facility usage, including facility rentals. Administering the Museum’s master calendar and building schedule, the Venue Operations Manager works closely with members of all departments to coordinate facility usage needs and to assist in their planning and execution. This position also directly manages the Museum’s sales of facility rentals and other revenue- and non-revenue generating facility usages and activities in the Museum, including reciprocal, non-profit, community partner, and Batten University rentals. To meet or exceed annual budget goals, the Venue Operations Manager cultivates and maintains strong, positive relationships with clients, corporate, community, and University partners, as well as vendors, and develops and enforces facility usage policies that minimize risk to the Museum, its resources, and its operations.



SCHEDULE: 9-5 Monday through Friday typical. Day-of facility rental and Museum event support will require additional evenings and weekends.


COMPENSATION: $55,000


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Work closely with Director of Operations to set facility rental goals and budget. Solicit, contract, coordinate and supervise a robust calendar of facility rentals to meet or exceed those goals and revenue objectives.

· Work with all departments and University counterparts to oversee the Museum’s master calendar and to create the monthly Building Schedule for the security team, and to help coordinate and facilitate events and rentals.

· Work with Marketing & Events Department to coordinate marketing efforts and update Facility Rental marketing materials as needed, and to assist with Virginia MOCA's special events.

· Represent Virginia MOCA at networking events, industry showcases, bridal expositions, and other opportunities that promote the Museum as a premier event venue.

· Provide exceptional and timely customer service and solicit post-event feedback to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, community and University partners, and outside vendors and coordinators.

· Maintain updated records, track payments, and submit accounting materials to Finance, and monitor retention, peak timeframes, and other market trends.

· Oversee Museum amenities to monitor condition, cleaning, maintenance, and replacement needs, and propose replacements or new acquisitions as needed.

· Supervise part-time Event Coordinator, who will serve as primary day-of staff member for facility rentals, and provide operational oversight and coverage/support as needed, including evenings and weekends.

· Other duties as assigned.



SKILLS & ABILITIES:

· Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Museum Studies or related area of interest required, or equivalent experience.

· Minimum of 3 years of related event planning, facility rental or museum experience.

· Demonstrated facility rental success and/or sales success, strong administrative and interpersonal skills, excellent writing, communication and computer skills, and proven budget and program management skills.

· Experience with customer service and working with public desired along with working knowledge of facility rental policies and procedures.

· Must have strong leadership and planning skills.

· Knowledge of modern computer programs, including database entry and Microsoft Office.

· Experience in Planning Pod a plus.

· Prolonged standing, sitting, and computer usage.

· Flexible work schedule to include some nights, early mornings, and weekend hours for meeting with clients, event oversight, or Virginia MOCA special events.

· Ability to work long hours as needed.

· Ability to lift and carry 10-20 pounds or greater.

· Maintain working standards and best practices for the museum, as defined in employee handbook and by the American Alliance of Museums.



Virginia MOCA strives for an inclusive work environment and actively embraces a diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We highly encourage Black, indigenous, and people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups to apply. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be held thereafter.