Shop Sales Associate (Part-Time)

Company Description

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

Job Description

The Shop Sales Associate role at the Portland Art Museum serves as a frontline representative of the Museum, providing exceptional customer service and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment for all visitors. This role supports the Shop’s mission by assisting guests with merchandise selection and purchases, while also sharing information about current exhibitions, programs, and membership opportunities. As a key contributor to the shop’s daily operations and sales performance, the Sales Associate maintains product knowledge, participates in merchandising and inventory tasks, and upholds loss prevention and security protocols. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, a team-oriented mindset, and a genuine enthusiasm for engaging with the public in support of the Museum’s mission and values.

In this role, you will

• Welcomes and assists shop customers with merchandise information and purchases.
• Champions a welcoming and inclusive visitor experience that reflects the Museum’s core values. Ensuring every guest is welcomed and respected, with a focus on creating an environment that is open and accessible to all.
• Acts as a Museum ambassador, engaging with visitors about current exhibitions, programming, and membership opportunities to enhance the overall visitor experience.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Museum exhibitions, artists, and merchandise to help visitors make meaningful purchases that reflect their experience.
• Actively participates in achieving team sales goals.
• Follows loss prevention protocols and maintains awareness of shop security at all times.
• Operates the electronic cash register, POS system and reconciles the cash drawer.
• Reads Museum emails and communicates via email to management when needed.
• Merchandise displays under the direction of shop management.
• Promptly tickets merchandise in collaboration with the shop team.
• Checks daily sales reports and restocks accordingly.
• Notifies management of high demand items for replenishment.
• Collaborate effectively with shop and visitor services teams to ensure smooth daily operations and a seamless visitor experience.
• Assists with annual inventory or stock counts as needed.
• Pulls orders and assists with packaging and mailing of ecommerce sales.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of retail sales experience or customer service. Boutique or specialty store experience is a plus.
• Interact with customers in a proactive and welcoming manner, provide excellent customer service to all Museum constituents to promote sales.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and perform duties effectively under time constraints.
• Skilled in multitasking.
• Adhere to the Museum Shop dress code of business casual attire.
• Experience using POS (point of sale) systems.
• Visual merchandising experience is a plus.
  
  

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.

Job conditions & physical activities

• Schedule/Hours:
• 19-29 hours per week
• Museum operating hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.
• Please note that shifts may begin before opening and/or extend beyond closing hours.
• Availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts and ability to be flexible with schedule
• Onsite/Not Remote
• Occasional lift/carry/push/pull up to 15 lbs
• Continuously stand, walk, bend, use of fingers and handling of objects
• Continuously reaching and grasping
• Frequently communicating with visitors and colleagues
• Continuous repetitive motion of hands/wrists
  

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

Benefits

• This role is non-exempt and part-time
• The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade B ($16.30 minimum - $18.28 midpoint - $20.26 maximum), based on experience
• Accrued sick time
• Employee perks and discounts
  
  

Application Process for Shop Sales Associate

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.

Application deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.