Museum Store Sales Associate

Description

Reports to: Director of Retail

Type of Position: Hourly/non-exempt

Schedule: 25 hours per week, with the ability to work weekends required (This is not a seasonal position. We are looking for individuals that are available year round.)

This is an onsite, Boston-based position. Local candidates strongly preferred.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values

Isabella Stewart Gardner believed that art had the power to change lives and she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum setting to do so. Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; it’s a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. Through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances we strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions by engaging diverse voices and community members.

Our Core Values are:

• Creativity is our Legacy
• Community is our Purpose
• The Collection is our Catalyst
• Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion are our Commitments

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with our local communities and artists, expand and diversify our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to creating both an inclusive work culture and a welcoming visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museum’s core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella’s promise for the Museum to be a place for “the education and enjoyment of the public forever.”

Department and Position Overview:

Gift at the Gardner, a unique destination spot within the visual splendor of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, inspires the senses with products that reflect the Museum’s mission, its historical collection, our relationship with contemporary artists, music, and landscape.

The Museum Store Sales Associate will partner with the Director of Retail and colleagues to help our customers find the perfect memento for their visit to the Gardner Museum. The Sales Associate will be knowledgeable about the products presented, fluent in the services that the Museum has to offer, and will promote the Museum’s mission, exhibitions, programs, and special events. As a representative of the Museum, the Sales Associate will maintain the highest level of courtesy and service to the visiting public. The hourly rate for this position is $19.00.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Customer Service:

• Arrive on time for all assigned shifts
• Create a welcoming experience for customers by providing excellent customer service
• Prepare the store for daily opening and closing in a safe and efficient manner; count cash drawers, ensure POS equipment is properly working, replenish back stock of products and all other store supplies
• Assist with in-person transactions, online order pick-ups, and phone special orders
• Maintain merchandise displays and store appearance, ensuring the sales floor is fully stocked and visually inspiring
• Remain knowledgeable about store sales goals and actively participate in achieving those goals
• Demonstrate knowledge about the store’s products and policies, as well as exhibitions and programs happening in the Museum.

Demeanor and Interpersonal Relationships:

• Warmly engage customers and ask open-ended questions to uncover their needs
• Be a friendly and approachable presence to all customers in our store and courteously respond to all inquiries
• Utilize sales talents to excite customers about our product assortment and close sales
• Remain calm and patient during peak traffic times

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Assist the General Manager and colleagues in administrative activities related to store operations and setting up for special events and special sales
• Communicate with colleagues in a joint effort to close sales and maintain flow of merchandise as a team

Problem Solving:

• Possess a solutions-oriented approach to customer inquiries
• Be able to think on your feet to troubleshoot minor problems; ask for help from General Manager or colleagues when necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Outstanding customer service background
• Prior professional retail sales experience; prior luxur