Work with Us
Peoria Riverfront Museum offers a variety of benefits including a team-oriented environment, 403b/Roth option with employer match, free employee parking, an array of museum discounts and, for full-time staff: health, dental, vision and life insurance, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending program, and a competitive time-off program.
Visitor Services Associate - Part Time
Be the face of the museum! As a Visitor Services Associate, you’ll ensure every guest has an unforgettable experience — from greeting visitors and selling tickets to assisting in galleries, concessions, the Museum Store, and special events. You’ll be part of a team that brings art, science, history, and culture to life every day.
Museum Docent - Part Time
Are you passionate about art, history, science, and inspiring others? Join our dynamic team as a Museum Docent! Docents are the friendly faces of our Museum, sparking curiosity and conversation through tours, activities, and interactive exhibits. Whether guiding a child through their first Museum experience or helping a visitor connect more deeply with our exhibitions, docents play a key role in creating memorable and meaningful visits.
Education Guide - Part Time
Are you passionate about connecting students to art, science, history, and innovation? As an Education Guide at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, you’ll help bring learning to life through engaging field trips, guided tours, and hands-on educational experiences. Whether you’re leading a group of curious third graders or welcoming high school students in exploring new ideas, you’ll play a vital role in creating inspiring, memorable visits for all.
FAQ
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Employment
Peoria Riverfront Museum
222 SW Washington St.
Peoria, IL 61602
If you'd like to submit an application to be considered for other openings in the future, we'll be happy to accept it. We save applications for 6 months. Thank you.
Full-time, Exempt
Facilities Director
Primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with evenings, weekends, holidays and on-call response as operational needs require
Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000
The Facilities Director provides strategic and hands-on leadership for the care, operation, safety and long-term stewardship of the museum’s building, grounds, parking garage, vehicles and physical infrastructure. The position ensures that public, staff, collections and exhibition spaces are safe, reliable, accessible, clean and environmentally appropriate. Working closely with museum leadership, curatorial, exhibitions, visitor services, events and security teams, the Facilities Director leads preventive maintenance, building systems, capital planning, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, sustainability and vendor management while maintaining a high standard of service in an active public museum environment.
What You’ll Do:
Facilities Operations and Building Systems
- Lead day-to-day operation and maintenance of the museum’s interior and exterior spaces, grounds, parking garage, loading dock, storage areas, vehicles and equipment.
- Oversee heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; building automation and controls; electrical and lighting systems; plumbing, water and sewer systems; elevators; roofing; structural components; fire detection and suppression; security infrastructure; and other building systems.
- Develop and manage a preventive and predictive maintenance program, including routine inspections, service schedules, work orders, asset histories and equipment life-cycle records.
- Use a computerized maintenance management system or comparable work-order process to prioritize requests, document corrective action, track recurring issues and report departmental performance.
- Coordinate planned shutdowns, repairs and construction to minimize disruption to visitors, programs, exhibitions and museum operations.
- Maintain critical spare parts, tools, keys, access controls, equipment manuals, warranties, permits and as-built documentation.
Collections and Exhibition Environment
- Partner with curatorial, collections and exhibition staff to maintain appropriate temperature, relative humidity, lighting, air quality and pest-management conditions for works of art, artifacts and loaned objects.
- Monitor environmental data and building-system performance; investigate excursions promptly and coordinate corrective action and documentation.
- Support exhibition installation and deinstallation through safe access, rigging coordination, case and mount support, temporary power, lighting adjustments, wall repair, painting and contractor oversight, as appropriate.
- Administer an integrated pest management program in coordination with collections staff and contracted specialists.
- Ensure facilities work near collections and exhibitions follow museum-approved protocols for dust, vibration, moisture, chemicals, access and object protection.
Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness
- Lead facilities-related safety, environmental health, fire protection, severe weather, emergency response, business continuity and disaster-recovery planning.
- Maintain current emergency procedures, evacuation routes, inspection records and response supplies; participate in drills and after-action reviews.
- Coordinate with security personnel, first responders, insurers and regulatory authorities on emergency planning, incident response, investigations and corrective actions.
- Promote a strong safety culture through training, hazard assessments, incident reporting, lockout/tagout, confined-space and ladder safety, personal protective equipment and other applicable practices.
- Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, fire and building codes, elevator and boiler inspections, environmental regulations, accessibility standards and licensing or permitting obligations.
Capital Planning, Sustainability and Asset Stewardship
- Develop and maintain a multi-year capital renewal and replacement plan based on condition assessments, risk, energy use, operational priorities and total cost of ownership.
- Prepare project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, bid documents and recommendations for repairs, renovations, equipment replacement and capital improvements.
- Monitor utility consumption and pursue practical energy, water, waste-reduction and sustainability initiatives consistent with the museum’s operating goals and LEED commitments.
- Advise leadership on deferred maintenance, infrastructure risk, capital priorities and opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and visitor experience.
- Maintain accurate fixed-asset, equipment and facility-condition records in coordination with finance and administration.
Budget, Contracts and Vendor Management
- Develop, administer and monitor the annual facilities operating and capital budgets; review expenditures, forecasts and variances.
- Procure and manage service agreements and contractors for custodial services, HVAC, elevators, fire and security systems, landscaping, snow removal, waste, pest control, inspections, repairs and construction.
- Prepare requests for proposals, evaluate bids, verify insurance and compliance documentation, approve work and invoices, and hold vendors accountable for safety, quality, schedule and cost.
- Maintain productive relationships with utilities, public agencies, neighboring properties and external partners whose work affects museum facilities.
Team Leadership and Museum Support
- Recruit, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate facilities employees; establish clear performance expectations and provide coaching, cross-training and professional development.
- Organize daily priorities and on-call coverage to provide timely, service-oriented support to staff, visitors, programs, rentals and special events.
- Collaborate across departments on event logistics, room setups, deliveries, moves, access, waste removal, housekeeping standards and restoration of spaces after events.
- Oversee receiving and internal distribution of facilities-related shipments and coordinate use of the loading dock and material-handling equipment.
- Communicate building conditions, outages, safety concerns and project impacts clearly and promptly to leadership and affected departments.
- Respond to urgent facilities issues outside regular hours and serve as a key member of the museum’s incident-response team.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the museum’s mission and operations.
What We’re Looking For:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, construction management, building systems or a related field preferred.
- At least five years of progressively responsible commercial facilities experience, including supervisory responsibility and contractor management; museum, cultural institution, higher education, healthcare or other public-assembly experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of commercial HVAC, building automation, electrical, plumbing, life-safety and security systems.
- Experience developing preventive maintenance programs, managing work orders and administering operating and capital budgets.
- Ability to read plans, specifications, service reports and technical documentation and to diagnose building-system issues.
- Knowledge of workplace safety, emergency management, fire and building codes, accessibility requirements and environmental health practices.
- Strong leadership, judgment, organization, communication and customer-service skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a public-facing environment.
- Proficiency with common office software and facilities or work-order management systems.
- Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
Preferred Credentials and Experience
- Certified Facility Manager, Facilities Management Professional, Certified Educational Facilities Professional, LEED Green Associate or comparable credential.
- Experience with collections-environment standards, environmental monitoring, integrated pest management and exhibition installation support.
- Experience managing capital projects, sustainability initiatives, energy benchmarking and complex vendor contracts.
- Working knowledge of public-assembly operations, special-event support and continuity planning.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work a full-time schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays and to participate in an on-call rotation or respond to urgent conditions.
- Ability to move throughout the museum, grounds, parking garage, roofs, mechanical rooms, loading areas and other work locations; climb stairs and ladders; bend, kneel, reach and work in confined or elevated areas when properly trained and equipped.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier items with appropriate assistance or mechanical equipment.
- Ability to work around noise, dust, temperature variation, mechanical equipment, cleaning products and outdoor weather conditions while using required personal protective equipment.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to inspect facilities, read instruments and alarms, operate equipment and communicate in person, by radio and by telephone.
- Ability to operate computers, mobile devices, hand and power tools, vehicles and general facilities equipment consistent with training and authorization.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Core Competencies
- Stewardship and accountability
- Safety and risk awareness
- Preventive and systems-oriented thinking
- Planning, prioritization and follow-through
- Calm and effective emergency response
- Collaboration and service to internal and external stakeholders
- Clear communication and sound judgment
- Continuous improvement and responsible use of resources
Full-time, Exempt
Director of Marketing and Communications
M-F, 9-5p (flexible as needed to meet deadlines or attend meetings or special events)
Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000
The Director of Marketing and Communications leads the development and execution of the Museum’s comprehensive external marketing and communications strategy. This role drives brand awareness, audience engagement, attendance growth, media visibility, and revenue support.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director oversees media relations, advertising, digital strategy, website management, social media, graphic design, and all external communications. The role also leads the marketing team, manages budgets, evaluates campaign performance, and ensures that every public-facing message reflects the excellence and innovation of the Museum.
What You’ll Do:
Brand and Content Excellence
- Lead the creation and curation of compelling content across print, digital, video, and social platforms.
- Oversee production of brochures, publications, website content, social campaigns, signage, photography, and multimedia assets.
- Ensure brand consistency and high visual standards across all channels.
- Ensure marketing materials meet accessibility standards and reflect the Museum's commitment to serving diverse audiences.
Digital and Media Presence
- Manage the Museum’s website strategy, design, and maintenance to ensure a dynamic and user-friendly experience.
- Drive social media engagement and digital storytelling initiatives.
- Cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national media to secure impactful coverage.
Advertising and Vendor Management
- Strategically purchase and manage advertising across traditional and digital platforms.
- Oversee relationships with creative agencies, designers, printers, and other vendors.
Measurement and Impact
- Implement evaluation tools to measure marketing effectiveness.
- Analyze data, interpret campaign results, and adjust strategy for maximum impact.
- Align marketing performance with institutional goals for attendance, membership, and revenue.
Team and Department Leadership
- Lead a highly performing team and oversee day-to-day operations of the Marketing and Communications Department.
- Lead budgeting, planning, staff supervision, and professional development.
- Oversee departmental hiring, performance management, coaching, disciplinary action and annual evaluations.
- Collaborate with the COO and Director of Finance to develop and manage the annual marketing budget.
What We’re Looking For:
You are both strategist and storyteller. You understand how to translate mission into message and ideas into action. You thrive in fast-paced, creative environments and bring energy, organization, and leadership to everything you do.
- Bachelor’s degree required (Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred).
- Minimum five years of experience writing and editing across print and digital platforms.
- Demonstrated success developing and implementing marketing strategies with measurable results.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and visual storytelling skills.
- Strong knowledge of local, regional, and national media landscapes.
- Experience managing advertising and vendor relationships.
- Ability to evaluate and integrate innovative media technologies.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Collaborative leadership style with supervisory experience preferred.
- Nonprofit experience preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business applications.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in a standard office environment using computers and other office equipment for extended periods.
- Visual acuity for reviewing detailed creative work.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
- Ability to move throughout the Museum and event spaces to attend meetings and support programs and special events.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support Museum operations and events.
- Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, conferences, and professional development.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a cultural catalyst creating transformative experiences for our community. As the only museum in the country to unite art, science, history, and achievement in a single institution of its scale, we are redefining what a museum can be.
As Director of Marketing and Communications, you will not just promote programs—you will help shape the cultural narrative of an entire region.
If you are ready to lead boldly, think creatively, and make measurable impact, we invite you to apply.
Part-Time, Non-Exempt | Pay: $16/hr (+$0.50 after 6 months)
Visitor Services Associate - Part Time
Evenings, weekends, and holidays required
Be the face of the museum! As a Visitor Services Associate, you’ll ensure every guest has an unforgettable experience — from greeting visitors and selling tickets to assisting in galleries, concessions, the Museum Store, and special events. You’ll be part of a team that brings art, science, history, and culture to life every day.
What You’ll Do:
- Welcome and assist visitors, members, and VIPs with professionalism and a smile
- Sell tickets, memberships, and Museum programs; handle cash and POS transactions
- Maintain clean, organized, and inviting spaces throughout the museum
- Support galleries, concessions, theater, Museum Store, and special events
- Provide directions, exhibit information, and accessibility assistance
- Ensure safety, security, and smooth operations of Front of House areas
What We’re Looking For:
- 16+ years old with a positive, energetic attitude
- Comfortable with cash handling, ticket sales, and customer service
- Enjoys interacting with the public and working as part of a team
- Flexible to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events
- Reliable, punctual, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Able to pass a background check and reference verification
Physical Requirements:
- Stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; lift up to 30 lbs occasionally
- Climb stairs, use office equipment, and perform repetitive hand motions
- Clear verbal communication and visual accuracy required
- Reliable transportation to and from the museum
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
Join a dynamic team where no two days are the same. From guiding visitors through awe-inspiring exhibits to helping host events that make lasting memories, you’ll play a key role in bringing the museum experience to life.
Part-time, Non-Exempt
Museum Docent- Part Time
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and special events/group tours; subject to change based on the season
Are you passionate about art, history, science, and inspiring others? Join our dynamic team as a Museum Docent! Docents are the friendly faces of our Museum, sparking curiosity and conversation through tours, activities, and interactive exhibits. Whether guiding a child through their first Museum experience or helping a visitor connect more deeply with our exhibitions, docents play a key role in creating memorable and meaningful visits.
What You’ll Do:
- Be a storyteller—interpreting exhibitions to make content accessible and engaging for all ages
- Lead interactive educational experiences in our hands-on galleries
- Participate in fun, ongoing training sessions to stay up to date on current and future exhibitions
- Support the safety and enjoyment of all guests while assisting with crowd flow and visitor engagement
- Bring energy and enthusiasm to every interaction, ensuring a welcoming experience for every guest
- Perform other duties that support the Museum’s mission and visitor services
What We’re Looking For:
- High School Diploma preferred
- A genuine excitement for sharing art, history, science, and achievement with others
- Strong communication skills and comfort engaging with visitors one-on-one or in small groups
- A positive attitude and commitment to delivering exceptional visitor service
Physical Requirements:
- Comfortable moving throughout the Museum independently
- Able to speak clearly in person and over the phone
- Basic computer skills for occasional administrative tasks
- Capable of lifting or moving objects up to 10 lbs regularly and up to 30 lbs occasionally
- Must have reliable transportation to and from the Museum
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
As a docent, you’ll become part of a passionate team that believes in lifelong learning and the power of museums to inspire. You’ll receive ongoing training, work in a vibrant environment, and make a real difference in the lives of our visitors.
If you love learning, connecting with people, and bringing stories to life—we’d love to meet you!
Part-time, Non-Exempt
Education Guide- Part Time
weekday mornings 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and occasional afternoons and weekends; subject to change based on season
Are you passionate about connecting students to art, science, history, and innovation? As an Education Guide at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, you’ll help bring learning to life through engaging field trips, guided tours, and hands-on educational experiences. Whether you’re leading a group of curious third graders or welcoming high school students in exploring new ideas, you’ll play a vital role in creating inspiring, memorable visits for all.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead fun and engaging K-12 tours throughout the Museum’s diverse exhibitions
- Spark curiosity by interpreting art, history, science, and achievement content for students and visitors
- Facilitate interactive experiences in learning spaces like the Lab, Studio, and Gathering Galleries
- Set up materials and equipment to ensure smooth and impactful field trip experiences
- Participate in regular training sessions and stay current with exhibition updates
- Ensure the safety, enjoyment, and comfort of all guests during educational visits
- Help support the Museum’s mission through additional duties as needed
What We’re Looking For:
- High School Diploma preferred
- A love for learning and enthusiasm for working with school-age students
- Great public speaking skills and confidence leading groups of children and adults
- Ability to adjust communication styles to suit a range of age groups and learning preferences
- Strong multitasking and time management skills
- A warm, welcoming attitude and a commitment to delivering exceptional visitor experiences
Physical Requirements:
- Able to walk and stand for up to 4 hours at a time during tours
- Comfortable sitting for extended periods, climbing stairs/ladders, and handling equipment or supplies up to 30 lbs
- Able to communicate clearly in person and over the phone, and use computers effectively
- Must have reliable transportation to and from the Museum
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
At the Peoria Riverfront Museum, we believe education should inspire, excite, and empower. As an Education Guide, you’ll be a key part of our mission to ignite curiosity and promote lifelong learning. You’ll work in a vibrant environment alongside passionate educators, museum professionals, and creatives who are all dedicated to making a difference.
If you’re eager to share your love of learning and want to help young minds grow—we want to hear from you!