About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The Visitor Experience Shop Lead is primarily responsible for ensuring that all visitors to the Studio Museum in Harlem’s Shop feel welcomed and engaged in the Museum's mission. Along with the Retail and Product Development Manager, this role involves working closely with the Visitor Experience management team and Visitor Experience Associates to ensure that sales staff are up to date with shop operations and products. The Visitor Experience Shop Lead will also be responsible for the upkeep and display of shop stock.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Operations and Experience

• Maintain excellent compliance with protocols for handling cash, credit card, and electronic transactions and personal information.
• Practice excellent customer service to ensure a great experience for all visitors to the shop.
• Interact with members of the VE team to instill enthusiasm with shop products and be the point person for questions regarding shop products.
• Keep track of shop inventory and communicate restocking needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications  

• Superior interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Shopify and Microsoft Office suite.
• Confident, self-directed, and highly motivated.
• Able to maintain their composure and think and communicate clearly in emotionally charged and emergency situations.
• Outgoing, people-centered personality.
• Proficiency in ASL or foreign language a plus.
• Able to work weekends and evenings as required to fulfill responsibilities.

Education and Experience 

• At least 3 years’ experience in customer-facing role in hospitality or retail, preferably in a museum or nonprofit environment.
• Experience with cash handling protocols.

Physical Demands 

• This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.
• The regular work week for this position will be 5 days, including Saturdays and Sundays, and may include holidays as required to fulfill responsibilities.
• Both the administrative offices and the Museum are wheelchair accessible. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Work Environment 

• Able to sit or stand for long periods.
• Able to climb several flights of stairs.
• Able to lift a minimum of 15 pounds.

Compensation

$30 per hour

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.