SUMMARY

The Retail Sales Associate supports retail management of the Corning Museum of Glass (“Museum”) in The Shops, delivering world-class customer service, assisting visitors in the selection of appropriate merchandise and providing accurate information about the Museum’s offerings. Assists in the daily operations of the shops including inventory control, housekeeping and operation of the Point of Sale (“POS”) equipment.

This position would be Part-Time or Seasonal with hours varying based upon business needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential functions denoted with *)

Sales

• Ensure responsive customer service and sales in assigned area.*
• Provide visitors with information about the retail assortment, facility services and local attractions.*
• Operate all POS equipment and accurately perform all related transactions.*
• Execute procedures associated with opening and closing of The Shops.*
• Provide visitor feedback to Retail management and buying staff regarding existing merchandise and considerations for new merchandise.
• Maintain merchandising standards as directed.*
• Utilize POS reports to recommend adjustments to the merchandising plan.*
• Prepare warehouse transfer requests for approval.
• Ensure that all stock and paperwork are maintained in accordance with inventory control policies and procedures.*
• Assist preparation and execution of annual physical inventory.
• Executes emergency evacuation responsibilities appropriately and accurately, if trained.*
• Could perform other tasks or duties at both Museum and Storage Facility locations when required, if trained.*

General

• Actively and intentionally support the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Actively support the Museum’s Advancement initiatives.
• Adhere to all safety, housekeeping, customer service and accounting policies and procedures.*
• Protect and control all Museum assets against damage.*
• Adhere to all PCI compliance guidelines.*

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in retail sales desired.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office suite of products; knowledge of or ability to learn Counter Point POS.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Respect and exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Corning Museum of Glass in all interactions with colleagues, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Represent the Museum in a professional manner.
• Adhere to all prescribed organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Operate POS equipment accurately and utilize functionality appropriately to the level the position requires.
• Display excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Work with people from a variety of cultures; maintain an appropriate voice for diverse audiences.
• Handle stress of high customer demands in a hospitality environment.
• Handle multiple tasks under the pressure of deadlines.
• Work independently and as part of a team; strong collaboration skills.
• Some weekends, evenings and holidays required; flexibility in hours necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to operate/use equipment, communicate, and detect/distinguish. The employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position, move about, and reach. The employee is occasionally required to ascend/descend, position oneself, and detect/distinguish. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is frequently required to move/transport up to 25 pounds.

The work environment is usually indoor climate controlled. The work environment is occasionally indoor not climate controlled (may be asked to assist at loading dock from time to time) and exposed to odors, fumes, airborne particles (cleaning supplies). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. However, sound changes seasonally with peak season. On average, the working environment is typically between moderate and loud.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

The employee shall be fully acquainted with and comply with all safety policies and procedures of the Corning Museum of Glass.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintain confidentiality of information related to the Corning Museum of Glass and employees that may be encountered, either formally or informally, during the normal course of business.

DISCLAIMER

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the Corning Museum of Glass as the needs of the Museum and requirements of the job change.

About The Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) was established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) as a gift to the nation commemorating the company’s 100th anniversary. CMoG is an independent not-for-profit museum dedicated to exploring a single material: glass. Welcoming more than 300,000 annual visitors from around the world, the Museum's campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the premier glassworking schools in the world.  CMoG was named by the New York Times among the U.S. museums to see for 2025, and Newsweek readers voted CMoG one of the Top 3 Best Art Museums in America.

Glass is a versatile, ancient material that is still being explored and understood by artists, scientists, and historians today. The story of glass is a story about art, history, culture, technology, science, craft, and design. 50,000+ objects representing more than 3,500 years of history are included in the Museum’s collection—ranging from a portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to a 200-inch telescope lens to contemporary sculpture. The Museum regularly publishes journals, educational videos and scholarly publications—many of which can be accessed online from anywhere in the world. 

We believe that prioritizing diversity, opportunity, belonging, and accessibility strengthens our Museum and enhances our ability to connect with all communities. We are actively fostering an inclusive culture that values and respects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Creating a culture of belonging is central to our mission and helps ensure the Museum is welcoming to all.