Sales Associate

About the role

As a Shop Sales Associate at the Brooklyn Museum, you will be a key part of our visitor experience, representing the Museum through exceptional customer service in our retail space. This temporary, part-time position supports the Museum’s Art of Manga exhibition, running through March 7, 2027. You will play a critical role in welcoming visitors, assisting with purchases, restocking merchandise, and ensuring the shop is inviting and well-organized. The ideal candidate brings a passion for retail, the arts and Manga, has a strong customer-service mindset, and thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. This role involves both front-of-house interaction and behind-the-scenes attention to detail—whether helping a guest find the perfect gift, handling transactions efficiently, or supporting inventory and online orders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional customer service by engaging proactively with visitors to provide product recommendations and create a welcoming, memorable shopping experience, and seasonal gift wrapping.
• Maintain a professional, positive presence on the sales floor, supporting a team-oriented and guest-first environment.
• Operate POS systems to complete transactions, including cash handling, opening/closing registers, and keeping accurate records.
• Sell Museum Memberships using the point-of-sale system or available kiosk.
• Replenish merchandise, organize, and deep clean the shop space daily, ensuring displays are clean, signed, well-lit, and visually appealing.
• Fulfill online orders promptly and accurately.
• Restock and maintain Gashapon machines, and troubleshoot issues as needed.
• Stay informed about Museum programming and exhibitions to better assist visitors and connect them with related products.
• Attend product/vendor trainings and staff meetings to stay current on merchandise knowledge and visitor experience practices.
• Adhere to retail zoning and scheduling assignments, supporting smooth operations across shifts.
• Support Shop leadership in maintaining floor standards and addressing customer concerns.
• Uphold all Brooklyn Museum Shop policies and standards while contributing to a holistic visitor experience.
• Assist with stock and inventory counts as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Shop and Museum operations.

Qualifications

• Interest in Manga and Gashapon a plus.
• At least one year of retail sales experience, preferably in a museum or gift shop setting.
• Experience with POS systems and cash handling.
• Strong customer service skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and perform physical tasks as needed.
• Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with a diverse public.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to uphold Museum policies in a respectful and professional manner.
• Weekend availability and schedule flexibility.
• Fluency in a language other than English a plus.
• Familiarity with museum retail environments or art-related merchandise.

Schedule

• 3 days a week for a total of 21 hours per week is the minimum.
• Saturday and Sunday shifts are mandatory, and other shifts to be discussed/determined.
• Additional hours may be assigned/requested based on special events at the Museum.
• The First Saturday events and quarterly training session are mandatory shifts.

Pay

$24.00 per hour, non-exempt.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
• 401(k) Savings Plan and Pension Plan.
• Generous paid time off, including annual vacation leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) & Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for eligible pre-tax health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Free admission to various NYC museums and cultural institutions.
• Early access to Museum exhibitions.
• Invitations to staff-only programs, tours, and on-site engagement events.
• Opportunities to participate in community initiatives and Museum programs.
• 40% discount for staff in Museum shops.
• 20% discount at Museum café.