Sales Assistant

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

BENEFITS

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package: 

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

POSITION SUMMARY

Serves as an ambassador of the Museum, creating a friendly, welcoming environment and consistently provides exceptional service to all guests.  Greet and engage guests in conversations for purposes of sharing and selling museum store merchandise related to the Art Institute’s collections and exhibitions.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides a warm, welcoming greeting, is friendly and approachable, and resolves conflict in a professional and courteous manner
• Deliver excellent customer service that helps to develop and cultivate strong buying relationships to achieve service and sales goals
• Cross-selling products to increase customer satisfaction and business revenue
• Work with guests to determine their needs and be able to recommend appropriate products
• Assist in ensuring that the merchandise is maintained throughout the day by keeping the display area clean, ensuring proper pricing is displayed and restocking of merchandise
• Participate and use available product knowledge training to stay up to date on product features and how it relates to the collection and exhibitions of The Art Institute of Chicago.
• Operates point–of-sale system with accuracy to ensure proper protocols, including correct software usage, accurate data capture, and consistent messaging in communication is made with guests
• Follows inventory control procedures and guidelines with cash and merchandise handling
• Effectively and accurately provides information to guests regarding museum policies, exhibits, collections, special events and programs

QUALIFICATIONS

• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and before or after hours as needed
• High school diploma or GED 
• Must have a basic knowledge of customer service best practices and possess good communication skills
• Experience in cash handling and utilizing computerized point of sale systems with high level of accuracy
• Prior experience in a customer-service, retail, or related field requiring effective sales techniques and a positive demeanor
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and interface effectively with visitors in both conveying information and listening to questions / concerns
• Ability to read, write and effectively communicate with customers, peers and management
• Enjoy working with the public
• Possess great interpersonal skills with the ability to achieve set goals
• Maintain professional appearance and communications at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Act as a team player who works well with others and shows courtesy and respect to guests and colleagues
• Able to perform basic financial calculations
• General interest in the Arts
• Be well organized and thorough with close attention to detail and follow-through
• Develop a working knowledge of the art in the permanent collection

Physical Requirements

• Requires standing up to 5 hours at a time
• Requires regular lifting of objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• General mobility, including frequent movement throughout the museum, including kneeling, and bending.

Salary Grade 2

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.