Museum Store Sales Associate

Reports to: Store Manager

Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, part-time

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 so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” 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. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists, broaden our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and 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 to serve the public and be a resource for the city.

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 Store Manager 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 $20.00.

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 Store 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 Store Manager or colleagues when necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Outstanding customer service background
• Prior professional retail sales experience; prior luxury goods experience a plus
• Ability to work well in a team environment; exceptional interpersonal skills
• Proactive; able to multitask and prioritize
• Reliable and prompt
• Comfortable and competent working with numbers/figures
• Familiarity and comfort with using POS systems
• Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds; ability to climb ladders
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• This is not a seasonal position. We are looking for individuals that are available year round and will not consider applicants that can only work during the summer.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Must complete a pre-employment background check to the Museum's satisfaction.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age (40 or older), disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, ancestry, or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founder's legacy, the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration, excellence, belonging, and a diversity of perspectives and experience.

Request An Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who are unable to fully access ISGM's online application system may contact us at hr@isgm.org for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.