Visitor Assistant (Part time)

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library (HSM&L) is seeking a part-time Visitor Assistant (VA) to support operations in the museum shop.  The VA plays a key role in creating a positive and engaging experience for all visitors, answering questions about merchandise, membership, programs, exhibitions on view, and the permanent collection. Successful candidates are professional, friendly, interested in the arts and  open to ongoing training from Museum Education about artists, exhibitions on view and the Washington Heights community. 

The schedule is: Thursday and Friday: 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM;  Saturday and Sunday: 12 PM to 5:00 PM. The Visitor Assistant reports to the Operations Manager. 

Responsibilities 

·        Welcome visitors to the shop, answer inquiries about merchandise, exhibitions, programs, and membership. 

·        Process cash and credit card transactions, and open and close cash drawers. 

·        Maintain clean and organized workspace meeting high standards of merchandise presentation. 

·        Stay informed about daily programming and other offerings, including membership and events. 

·        Ensure all informational materials are readily available in the shop and at the museum entrance. 

·        Handle visitor concerns, comments, and complaints in a respectful and diplomatic manner.

·        Keep supervisor informed of visitor feedback, positive or negative. 

·        Restock inventory. 

Requirements 

·        Ability to work Thursday through Sunday plus occasional extra hours for special events. 

·        Available to work weekends  and some holidays. 

·        Previous customer service, sales or related experience.

·        A team player with excellent communication skills.

·        Professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.

·        Ability to work independently and respond to issues as they arise.  

·        Excellent communication skills and a team player. 

·        Proficiency in point-of-sale systems. 

·        Ability to lift, move boxes of materials and/or stanchions (Up to 20 pounds) 

Preferred Skills 

·        High School Diploma or the equivalent preferred. 

·        Interest in art history, museums/cultural institutions. 

·        Spanish language proficiency a plus. 

About the Hispanic Society Museum & Library

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library was founded in New York City in 1904 by Archer M. Huntington with the purpose of advancing the study and appreciation of the art, literature, and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines. Today, the museum and library collections from antiquity through the early 20th century are widely recognized as the most comprehensive in scope and quality outside of Spain. Museum highlights include numerous masterworks by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Sorolla; sculpture by Pedro de Mena and Luisa Roldán; Latin American paintings by Vázquez, López de Arteaga, Rodríguez Juárez, Arrieta and Campeche; as well as masterpieces in all areas of the decorative arts. Recent additions include works by Jose Clement Orozco and Pablo Picasso.

EEO Statement

The HSM&L is an equal opportunity employer. The HSM&L does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

Send resume with a paragraph about a recent shopping experience. Email materials to [email protected]. Please write “Visitor Assistant” in the subject line of email.