POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Retail Manager, the Retail Associate serves as a key ambassador of the museum brand, delivering an elevated guest-centered experience within a thoughtfully curated retail environment. This role combines exceptional customer service with strong sales support, engaging visitors through meaningful storytelling, guiding purchases with intention, and ensuring every interaction reflects the artistry and mission of the museum.
With a strong command of POS operations, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, the Retail Associate ensures seamless transactions, visually engaging merchandising standards, and a boutique experience that extends the museum journey beyond its walls.
The Retail Associate is available as both a full-time and a part-time opportunity.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as first point of contact providing a welcoming, attentive and personalized retail experience that anticipates guest needs and supports exceptional service
Engage guests with product knowledge, connecting merchandise to exhibitions, artists, and cultural narratives
Operate POS systems with accuracy and discretion, ensuring a smooth, polished transaction experience
Uphold high merchandising standards, ensuring displays are aesthetically balanced, and aligned with the museum standards and brand
Support pricing, packaging, and inventory accuracy with strong attention to detail, thoughtful presentation and care
Respond to guest inquiries and concerns with professionalism, confidence, and thoughtful solutions
Collaborate with team members to achieve sales goals while preserving a cohesive, elevated, guest centered environment
Support opening and closing procedures, while maintaining a polished, inviting, and retail space aligned with the museum’s visual standards
QUALIFICATIONS
Customer-facing and/or sales experience in premium retail, hospitality, cultural, or service- oriented, high-touch environments preferred; open to all experience levels and candidates with transferable experience are encouraged to apply
Experience within an arts and cultural organization or high-volume setting with elevated guest service standards desired
Demonstrated ability to drive sales through thoughtful product recommendations, relationship building, and conversion techniques
Understanding of retail operations, including inventory management, quality assurance, and RFID inventory systems
Proficiency in POS systems; experience with Shopify or Square is a plus
Strong attentionto detail, with the ability to maintainvisually compelling, gallery-inspired merchandising displays
Exceptional communication skills with a polished and professional presence
Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and special museum programs, exhibitions, and events
CORE COMPETENCIES
Analytical Rigor:Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, andidentifyingbest-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, asappropriate, into the decision.
Courageous Communication:Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals.Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
Collaborative Excellence:Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences.Identifiesothers' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, andvaluesfeedback from team, peers, and leaders.
Adaptive Resilience:Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
Inclusive Interaction:Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered toparticipateand contribute freely
