Title: Retail Specialist

State Role Title: 

Hiring Range: $16.00 an hour

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location: MAIN MUSEUM

Agency Website: 

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

* Open to current VMFA Employees only *

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 our guests.

Job Description:

The Retail Specialist (RS) performs all the duties of a Sales Associate but takes on a more active role on the team either through visual, operational or training projects. The RS will partner with the Store and Assistant Manager to choose one of these areas to train and develop additional skills in and apply those to their daily routine. The RS will also be trained on opening the store, register changeover and posting and settling transactions. The Retail Specialist should be proficient in all Counterpoint functions and able to perform these with minimal error. The RS will also be responsible for processing returns, exchanges and departmental sales, and should be able to assist associates with any Counterpoint issues. The RS will defer to the Sales Floor Supervisor and Assistant Manager if additional support is needed handling any issues that arise.

Hour Requirements:

The Retail Specialist is a part time, non-exempt position without benefits scheduled to work a minimum of 12 hours a week and up to 1,490 hours annually (May 1-April 30) but must be available for 3 shifts a week.

Minimum Qualifications

Departmental Competencies:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekend and holidays
• Ability to read, write and comprehend directions and instructions, basic computer skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and oral communication skills, and the ability to work confidently and courteously with museum staff and the general public
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor and appearance
• Ability to function efficiently, professionally and graciously in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment providing a high standard of customer service
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently
• Ability to stand for long periods of time with scheduled breaks
• Willingness to learn about our collections, products and events
• Ability to attend trainings and meetings
• Ability to communicate with the public in person

Role Specific Requirements:

• Minimum 6 months working in the Museum Shop or equivalent experience
• Completed all onboarding training modules and any additional trainings required by management
• Proficient in all POS functions and able to perform these with minimal error including processing returns and exchanges, departmental purchases, and product lookup
• Capable of assisting associates with Counterpoint issues and training new associates on Counterpoint functions when needed
• Ability to open, close and reconcile tills and post transactions for the day
• Ability to effectively multitask on the sales floor
• Proficient in all shop policies and procedures
• Partners with management on an ongoing project in either a visual, training or operational area of the store

Additional Considerations

Previous managerial experience

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.

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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 is open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as posting may close after five business days.

Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance. VMFA is an EEO/AA and Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer.

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.