Part-Time Weekend Shop Associate

Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff, the Part-Time Weekend Shop Associate is responsible for operation of the Museum Shop and Visitor Services on Saturdays and Sundays. Flexibility in schedule is required. The Museum Shop is open to the public Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. (It is required that the shop is kept open until the last tour leaves in case guests want to visit the shop after their tour). The Shop Associate will work 9:30 am – 4:30 pm on weekends to accommodate the shop hours. This position must work less than 40 hours a week.

Education & Experience
High School enrollment, diploma or GED required. Previous retail or customer service experience is a plus. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals and groups, highly desirable.
• Ability to multi-task and to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively with donors, volunteers, and paid staff at all levels.
• Adaptable to policy and procedure changes.
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team.
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office required or ability to quickly and efficiently learn HSM’s programs.
• Knowledge of and interest in art history, particularly Impressionism, a plus.

Visitor Services Responsibilities 

• Greet and direct visitors, answer questions about the museum, the collection, grounds, and upcoming events
• Serve as an ambassador in this capacity as the first point of contact most visitors have with HSM.
• Provide visitors with information about the tour – where and when it begins, how long it lasts, where restrooms are, etc.
• Direct inquiries, as appropriate, to relevant staff members
• Accurately process museum admissions via the register using the Point of Sales System (POS) in order to collect admission fees and record the number of visitors to Hill-Stead
• Inform the security guard on duty of how many visitors are going on each tour in a timely manner
• Ensure that trail maps, program guides, membership forms etc. are available for customers in the museum shop
• Answer the phone and transfer calls to appropriate staff members

Retail Responsibilities

• Accurately process merchandise sales, returns, and other shop transactions via the register using POS
• Give appropriate discounts as necessary
• Promote and sell Museum Memberships and other programs offered by the museum
• Assist customers in a friendly and helpful manner
• Undertake general merchandising activities: restocking shelves, labeling and pricing merchandise, and conducting inventory
• Stay informed of, implement and maintain new shop procedures
• Stock shelves and maintaining the overall appearance of the store
• Additional shop duties as assigned