Visitor Services and Shop Assistant

01-Apr-2024

Harvard Art Museums

65334BR

Job Summary

Come join the dedicated team at the Harvard Art Museums as a part-time Visitor Services and Shop Assistant. The Harvard Art Museums are a busy and exciting destination for a range of visitors from both the university campus and the wider public community who come to experience one of the premiere art collections in the country. Visitor Services and Shop Assistants are responsible for greeting and orienting visitors, providing information about events, exhibitions, interpretive materials, programs, and policies, generating visitor data and revenue through museums shop sales, and providing logistical support for events and public programs. Visitor Services and Shop Assistants are expected to engage with all visitors and colleagues in a professional and courteous manner and to provide the highest level of customer service. This position requires scheduling flexibility to work evening hours and some holidays, including staffing the monthly Late Night event.

Regular Schedule:  Sunday, 1-5:30 pm, Wednesday, 9:30 am-2:00 pm, Thursday, 1-5:30 pm*, Saturday, 9:30 am-5:15 pm (25 hours per week). *One Thursday each month until 9:00 pm; exact start time to be determined.

Position Description

Welcoming And Assisting Visitors

• Admit and greet visitors and provide assistance and information on general policies, wayfinding, building amenities, exhibitions, programs, membership opportunities, and other Harvard information as appropriate.
• Inform visitors about interpretive materials and assist visitors with accessing materials on iPads and other mobile devices.
• Gain knowledge and keep informed of all museum programming and events
• Promptly and courteously answer main information line for the museums and direct calls as necessary.
• Welcome and process group visits using the electronic reservations system.
• Be familiar with data and information the museums track; ask pertinent questions to gather data; input data using computerized Point of Sale System (POS).
• Provide logistical support for events and public programs.
• Assist with crowd flow and crowd management, including with timed ticket entries for special events and other programs.
• Assist visitors with lockers, storage needs, docent stools, wheelchair and stroller needs.

• Use POS to process attendance information appropriate for the visitor category, following departmental policies and procedures.
• Proactively engage with museum shop visitors to ascertain their needs and offer appropriate merchandise or publication suggestions.
• Keep informed about vendors and products to answer inquiries and assist customers to make merchandise and publications purchases.
• Accurately and efficiently process all merchandise sales using POS, upholding the museums and University Information Security and Credit Card Compliance policies.
• Restock the shop merchandise, report needs for products and supplies, maintain the shop cleanliness, organize displays and storage, and assist with inventory control, both manually and electronically.
• Accurately reconcile daily receipts using POS System and prepare deposit reports based on cash received as well as credit card slips and checks.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures of the museums.
• Be aware of surroundings and raise concerns and issues with supervisor immediately to resolve problems, such as furniture out of place, malfunctioning equipment, etc.
• Report operations issues to appropriate staff on a timely basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role.

Minimum of one year of related experience working in a public service environment operating a computerized cash register/point of sale system.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Demonstrated customer service and interpersonal skills needed (pleasant, resourceful, engaged, patient, and professional demeanor).  Retail and admissions experience strongly preferred.  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  Possess and exhibit a helpful, calm and friendly demeanor.  Must be detail-oriented, reliable, and punctual.  Technological aptitude including familiarity with mobile devices.  Ability to work effectively with the public in a fast-paced high-volume atmosphere.  Ability to identify and carry out projects independently during slow times.  Interest in the museums and art a plus.  Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.  Multilingual preferred.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 25lb. Able to walk, stand, stop, push and pull; must be able to reach and work about the shoulder, climb ladders, lift, kneel, twist and squat.

Additional Information

Requires appropriate attire as described by the department.  Must present a clean, neat and professional image at all times.  The Harvard Art Museums are open year-round, so this position will be scheduled to work on some holidays and during the university’s winter recess. Requires participation in customer service training.

Please submit a cover letter with the application.

Occasional additional weekend/evening work may be required.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position is based on-campus, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403016 Staff Assistant I-Specialist

Department

Visitor Services

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Sunday, 1-5:30pm, Wednesday, 9:30am-2:00pm, Thursday, 1-5:30pm*, Saturday, 9:30am-5:15pm (25 hours per week). *One Thursday each month until 9:00 pm; exact start time to be determined.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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