Kristen Christian
Midlothian,VA
Summary
Operations Manager and Museum Professional with a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies and Virginia certification to teach Visual Arts PreK-12 (valid until 2029). Demonstrates experience in art and design within educational and non-profit sectors, with a specialization in developing impactful programming. Known for exceptional skills in building relationships and understanding the wants and needs of individuals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Part-Time Operations Manager
Vocal Type Co.
03.2023 - Current
- Customer Service and Communication: properly answer general, license, and font related email inquiries; communicate with founder, clients, and team members to ensure project requirements are clear and understood
- Operations Management: manage email correspondence with prospective clients; provide founder with project movements and updates; set project deadlines; schedule meetings, and assist in managing daily operations calendar indicating project priorities
- Additional Duties: research of CRM systems to optimize workflow and productivity; build and maintain client relationships, while addressing individual needs and concerns
Visitor Experience and Programs Manager
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
06.2022 - Current
- Front Desk Management: train, supervise, and manage two part-time employees in front desk responsibilities, museum exhibition interpretation, wayfinding, visitor experiences and interactions; collection of visitor analysis and data
- Tour Coordination: schedule and present educational (K-12 and college) tours, general and private tours, community partner or business tours; assisted creation of two-page visitor self-guided “highlights” and audio tours
- Program Development: created and implemented, or assisted in 80+ exhibition and mission-driven programs such as gala fundraisers, panel discussions, lectures and presentations, book talks and signings, film screenings, PechaKucha RVA events, workshops, “Coffee + Conversation with a Designer,” design demonstrations, university and classroom collaborations, Open House and Holiday Market events, and exhibition interactives
- Volunteer Coordination: organize, train, schedule, and communicate with Branch Museum volunteers for various events and programs throughout the calendar year
- Community Partnerships: successful identification of key stakeholders to foster mutually beneficial relationships, and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport, resulting in enhanced community support and positive outcomes for the museum
- Technology Proficiency: online ticketing systems, visitor data management systems, social media platforms, and website editing; basic sound system, projector and presentation set-up; general trouble-shooting set-up for livestreaming programs online (for example: Classy, Constant Contact, Canva, WordPress, Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook)
- Additional Duties and Collaborative Efforts: develops program and visitor experience department budgets; identifies revenue-generating opportunities; works closely and collaborates with all museum departments and the Board of Trustees
Tour Guide
Virginia State Capitol
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Research: researched history pertaining to the Virginia State Capitol structure and its extensive collections
- Public Engagement: provided engaging specialty and regular guided tours to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, while interpreting objects on display within the original 1788 Capitol, the 1906 East and West Wings, and the 2007 underground spaces
- Communication: communicated with community partners, educators, senior living facilities staff, out of state tour groups, Delegates and Senators offices’, and others to convey Capitol tour details, as well as schedule guided tours, through an online management system
Gallery Assistant
Stewart Art Gallery
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Customer Experience: assisted with installation and deconstruction process for seven exhibitions, including maintaining clean and organized gallery space, ensuring optimal presentation of artwork; answered inquiries from potential buyers, collectors, and visitors; provided welcoming and informative gallery experience to enhance visitor engagement
- Working Knowledge: appropriately handled, arranged, and cleaned various art objects, including paintings, glass, and ceramic works
- Communication: communicated with exhibited artists, answering exhibition and gallery-related questions and details regarding studio processes
- Operations: managed gallery inventory database, sold, and logistics of packaging artwork for customers and artists
- Collaborative Efforts: supported gallery manager in planning of seven “First Friday” art events for exhibited artists and Gloucester County community
Elementary Art Teacher | High School Art & Yearbook Teacher
Acquinton Elementary | Craig County High School
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Working Knowledge: Effectively developed and taught art-based lessons to 500+ 3rd through 5th graders and 100+ 9th through 12th grade students, while integrating Virginia Standards of Learning cross-curricular content
- Goal Creation, Measurement, and Assessment: assessed students’ growth and knowledge by setting short and long-term goals
- Instructional Flexibility: Appropriately adjusted instruction in response to students’ evolving needs and timeframes
- Operations: effectively budgeted and managed art department resources through annual art fundraisers and art supply drives
- Additional Duties and Collaborative Efforts: mounted, labeled, and exhibited student works of art for four separate county-wide art shows, collaborated with teachers, administrators, and community leaders on art-related programs and events
Education
Master of Arts - Museum Studies
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Art Education
Radford University
Radford, VA05.2014
Skills
- Fine Art & Design
- Client Relations
- Community Partnerships
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Leadership
- Collaboration
- Communication
Professional Development
VisitAble Advocate Certificate
2024-2025
VA NOMA Project Pipeline Camp Volunteer | Brightpoint Community College
July 2024
Art Contest Juror | Monumental Honor at Virginia War Memorial
June 2024
Virginia History Day District 8 Judge | VMHC Event
February 2023
Virginia Association of Museums Conference
2022
Gloucester Arts Festival Volunteer
2021
Acquinton Elementary Employee of the Month
April 2019
Professional References
Provided Upon Request
Timeline
Part-Time Operations Manager
Vocal Type Co.
03.2023 - Current
Visitor Experience and Programs Manager
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
06.2022 - Current
Tour Guide
Virginia State Capitol
11.2021 - 06.2022
Gallery Assistant
Stewart Art Gallery
09.2019 - 03.2020
Elementary Art Teacher | High School Art & Yearbook Teacher
Acquinton Elementary | Craig County High School
08.2015 - 06.2019
Master of Arts - Museum Studies
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Science - Art Education
Radford University
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