Store Associate

Friends of the High Line is seeking dynamic and experienced Store Associates to join its flagship retail store.  The High Line Shop, launching in April 2026 and located in a high-visibility, high-traffic area of the park, will blend commerce, culture, and community.  All proceeds from the store will support the maintenance, operations, and programming of the High Line.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a new kind of retail experience in New York City.  Beyond strengthening the long-term financial resilience of the park, the High Line Shop will elevate the visitor experience. 

Store Associates, working with and reporting to the Store Manager and Store Supervisor, will work to achieve optimal customer conversion and ensure that the store is a vibrant, mission-aligned extension of the High Line experience.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: driving sales and maximizing store profitability, delivering exceptional customer service, assisting with e-commerce fulfillment, and acting as an ambassador for the High Line.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and maintain an extraordinary customer experience
• Implement strategies to drive traffic, maximize sales, and achieve store performance targets
• Ensure the store is impeccably maintained and organized, following visual merchandising standards, brand guidelines, and product rotations
• Create a warm, inclusive, and informative retail environment that reflects the diverse audience of the High Line
• Contribute to a positive team culture rooted in hospitality, respect, inclusivity, and enthusiasm for the High Line
• Maintain a working knowledge of products and retail partnerships, as well as the High Line’s broader history and art, horticulture, and cultural programming
• Resolve customer concerns with professionalism and care, escalating to the Store management when appropriate
• Assist with e-commerce fulfillment including managing and organizing inventory, processing shipments, and monitoring and responding to customer inquiries and concerns

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a retail or hospitality role
• Demonstrated ability to work in fast paced environment
• Outstanding communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills
• Warm, engaging presence and a strong commitment to the highest standards of hospitality and customer service
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Passion for the arts, design, sustainability, parks, and cultural storytelling
• Enthusiasm for public engagement, education, and tailoring communication to diverse audiences
• Desired qualities: attention to detail, calm under pressure, adaptable, good-humor, dependable/reliable, team player, initiative, sales-personship, eye for visual merchandising, ability to multi-task

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable working in a mixed indoor/outdoor environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Capacity to lift and move products up to 40 lbs regularly

This is a part-time, non-exempt position. Seasonal, year-round, and flexible-schedule positions are available. The hourly rate for this position is $22.00/hour.  

This is an onsite role, located on the High Line in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District in New York City.  The High Line Shop will be located in a covered, open-air section of the park.  Store Associate positions require flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours to support occasional special events and park programming.  The High Line Shop will be open 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Target Start Date: April 21, 2026

Benefits

• Paid Time off, including sick time off and paid holidays

• Discounts Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with Vendor at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to Whitney Museum
• Commuter benefits
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program

About Friends of the High Line:

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line. Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City. Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement:

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

If you have a disability and need help with the application process:

• Email peopleandculture@thehighline.org to request accommodations (like alternative formats, extra time, etc.)

Important clarification:

• This email is ONLY for requesting disability accommodations
• Resumes sent to this email won't receive special treatment in the selection process
• The only special consideration will be providing the specific accommodation you need to complete the application fairly