Title: Retail Sales Associate
State Role Title: Retail Specialist I
Hiring Range: $14.00 / hour
Pay Band: 1
Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Location: MAIN MUSEUM
Agency Website: vmfa.museum/jobs
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
** This is a re-advertisement**
The Sales Associate position is a part time, non-exempt position without benefits scheduled to work a minimum of 10 hours a week and up to 1,450 hours annually (May 1-April 30)
About us:
The VMFA is a state supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all. As an extension of the museum, the shop is committed to offering high end, unique products that complement the museum’s collection; and providing consistent and exceptional service to all of our guests.
Diversity and Inclusivity:
Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of what we do at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and we are committed to upholding these values in our retail and foodservice operations. As an extension of the museum’s mission to enrich the lives of all, our Enterprise Operations are passionately dedicated to opening the museum’s doors to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders and abilities.
About the role:
A VMFA Shop Sales Associate’s primary role is to provide the highest level of product knowledge and service to guests visiting the museum. Sales Associates report to and partner with management, who will delegate tasks to help accomplish the shop’s goals. Sales Associates should adhere to all VMFA Shop Policies and Procedures and are responsible for maintaining a balanced cash drawer, completing mandatory training and maintaining a clean, well presented sales floor. Sales associates will work alongside our staff and volunteers to promote a positive, inclusive and friendly environment.
Sales Associate Requirements:
● Minimum of 10 hours per week
● Arrive on time for shifts and alert a manager as soon as possible if unable to do so
● Provide knowledgeable and outstanding service to all guests
● Partner with management to resolve and accommodate customer requests/issues
● Knowledgeable on museum exhibitions, programs and shop events
● Actively learn about shop products to better engage with customers
● Keep up to date on all training handbooks/guides and completes mandatory training sessions
● Strictly follow the VMFA Shop cash handling procedures
● Knowledgeable in Counterpoint/ computer-based point of sale system, processing sales and returns, and opening/closing a register
● Proficient with the Museum’s membership program and selling regular and gift memberships
● Maintaining a clean, well-stocked sales floor
● Be attentive on the sales floor to uphold loss prevention protocols and minimize shrinkage
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess excellent customer service skills and a welcoming demeanor in order to successfully engage and interact with a diverse audience.
Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
Ability to operate calmly, professionally and graciously in a fast paced, high- pressure environment
Ability to read, write, comprehend and follow directions and instructions. Finger and hand dexterity; Ability to reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear; able to stand or walk for up to 10 hours
Minimum of 10 hours per a week with availability for nights, weekends and holidays
Additional Considerations
Previous retail or museum experience preferred
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Select candidates must pass a criminal history background check
Please submit three (3) references. Provide full name, phone number, and email address. References may be attached in a separate document in the “other” field in the portal; or they may be included with the resume or cover letter.
Professional references are preferred. Other reference types will also receive consideration. References should be able to attest to your knowledge, skills and abilities, especially qualifications relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Interested individuals must submit an online application. Posting may close after five(5) business days.
Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources Services
Phone: please email
Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.