Museum Shop Assistant

For questions about the position or application process, contact recruiting-u.

The Museum Shop Assistant enhances the visitor experience at SCMA by providing exceptional customer service and helping create an inclusive, welcoming environment. Working closely with Museum Shop and the entire Visitor Experience staff, this role engages visitors in a friendly and positive manner while supporting the daily operations of the Museum Shop.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with people, has an interest in art and museums, and is committed to creating meaningful visitor experiences. This role has a weekly schedule of 10 hours and weekend availability is required.

Note:
This is a casual (non-benefitted) position.

• Provide exceptional customer service and serve as an integral member of the SCMA Visitor Experience team.
• Welcome and assist visitors in the Museum Shop by offering product recommendations, answering questions, and sharing information about merchandise, exhibitions, and museum programs.
• Process sales using the point-of-sale (POS) system, including cash handling and daily register reconciliation.
• Open and close the Museum Shop and operate the cash register/POS system.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting shop environment.
• Restock merchandise and maintain attractive product displays.
• Perform light data entry and inventory-related tasks in the POS system.
• Support Visitor Services as needed, including greeting guests and assisting with museum admissions.

• Friendly, personable, and engaging with visitors of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Interest in art, museums, and visitor engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling cash transactions.
• Availability to work weekends.

Hourly rate: $17.50 - $18.00 per hour (based on experience).

Position Type: Fixed Term, Part‑time. Weekly schedule: 10 hours; weekend availability required.

Hours:

10:45 am - 4:15 pm, Tuesday‑Sunday, plus one Friday evening per month. Additional hours for special events may occur sporadically.

Training and orientation: This is an on‑site only position within the museum's operating hours.

Application instructions: Please submit a cover letter and answer the prompt: "What was the last gift you gave someone and why did you choose that item for that person?"

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, Smith College provides reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process.

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination. Smith College’s employment practices are committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff, and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.