The mission of the Dole Institute of Politics is to promote political and civic participation, as well as, civil discourse in a bipartisan, philosophically balanced manner. By providing a forum for discussion of political and economic issues, fostering public service leadership, and encouraging participation in the political process, we emphasize that politics is an honorable profession and provide opportunities for all to interact with political leaders, practitioners, and authors. The Dole Institute also emphasizes that only through political and civic participation can citizens redirect the course of our nation.

Senator Bob Dole's legacy at the University of Kansas was established in 1997 upon the gift of his papers to KU. The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics was dedicated in 2003 in KU's West District and became home to the Senator Elizabeth Dole's legacy upon the gift of her papers in 2017.

The Dole Institute is home to a museum dedicated to the legacies of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, featuring the largest stained-glass American flag in the world, a memory wall dedicated to Kansas veterans of WWII, and the newly renovated Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room.

The Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archive and Special Collections department is responsible for collections, research, and exhibits at the Dole Institute. Both Senators' personal papers and congressional materials are publicly available for research, attracting scholars from all over the world.

Position Overview

The Visitor Services Assistant (VSA) reporting to the Public Education Manager, engages the public to provide an educational and memorable experience at the Dole Institute of Politics, on weekends and select weekday hours.

The VSA manages the front desk, stewards visitors to the museum, and is responsible for the building during weekend shifts. The Visitor Services Assistant should be reliable, accountable, demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, and be a self-starter who is curious about history and politics with a willingness to learn. Other skills required for the position include strong written and oral communication, organization, and problem-solving.

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

90% Front Desk and Building Management

The Visitor Services Assistant has many interactions with the public, so excellent customer service and people skills are necessary.

• Staff the front desk and conduct regular walk-throughs of galleries.
• On-site building manager during the weekend shifts, which includes opening and closing the building, answering phone, etc.
• Guide tour groups and encourage self-guided group visits.
• Ensure quality visitor experience by interacting with guests.
• Demonstrate wide range of knowledge about museum, Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, and general history.
• Maintain a well-informed, working knowledge of the exhibits and services available and communicate that information in a style consistent with the mission of the Dole Institute of Politics.
• Assist with outreach efforts for the Kansas Veteran's Virtual Memory Wall.

10% Other Duties as Assigned

• Current enrollment in at least 6 credits in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Kansas
• Thorough knowledge of the KU campus community, including student groups and academic units, as evidenced by application materials.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.
• Work experience that required creativity, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and self-motivation.

• Knowledge and past participation in the Dole Institute's Student Advisory Board.
• Eligible for Federal Work Study

Instructions for Applying :
Applications and attached documents must be submitted electronically through the KU Human Resources website. For more information and to apply go to: https://jobs.ku.edu and search for the "Student Hourly" positions.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter, including a brief statement of interest and an assessment of skills related to the required and preferred qualifications.
• A resume or curriculum vitae.

Application review will begin May 8, 2023 and will continue until positions are filled. Preference will be given to applications received by May 7, 2023.

Julie Clover, jclover@ku.edu, 785-864-1420

11.00 per hour

10 - 20 hours per week. Weekend hours required between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., some weekday hours as scheduled during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Monday May 22, 2023

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