Sales Associate

Sales Associate 

Museum overview 

The Brooklyn Museum is a world-renowned cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing art, history, and heritage. Our mission is to bring people together through art and experiences that inspire celebration, compassion, courage, and the will to act. Our vision is to serve as an institution where art is a powerful force for personal transformation and social change.  Celebrating our differences and learning about our diverse communities through our collections, exhibitions, and programming are at the core of who we are and what we do. We are committed to creating and cultivating a diverse community of talented, passionate people who are inspired to make the Museum an important hub of community activity and a great global destination. Our staff have the opportunity to grow their professional skills and work collaboratively with colleagues they admire and respect. Read more about our story here.

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. You’ll be part of a collaborative team working to enhance the overall Museum experience through the Brooklyn Museum Shop.

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

Start date: Immediately

Department: Merchandising

Reports to: Director of Visitor Services

Hourly Rate: $24.00 per hour

Position type: Part-time, Temporary

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Union status: Union - UAW Local 2110

Term: Through March 7, 2027  

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/determine. Additional hours may be assigned/requested based on special events at the Museum. The First Saturday events and quarterly training session are mandatory shifts.  

Benefit Offerings

The Museum provides competitive compensation along with generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees. Individual benefit offerings may vary based on position type and union status.

• 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 Assistant 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
• All positions are based in Brooklyn, New York, with some eligible for a hybrid work schedule (three days on-site / two days remote)

Apply Today

We recognize that it’s unlikely that any candidate will meet 100% of the desired qualifications for a role. If much of this job description resonates with you, we strongly encourage you to apply today. We’re committed to welcoming candidates with a wide range of experiences and perspectives – especially those who see themselves contributing to our mission to bring people together through art and experiences that inspire celebration, compassion, courage, and the will to act.

If you have questions about our online application system, please contact us at [email protected]