The Noguchi Museum—chartered as Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum—was founded and designed by acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) for the display of his life’s work. Opened in 1985 and located in Long Island City, Queens, in a converted industrial building with a serene outdoor sculpture garden, the Museum is considered to be one of Noguchi’s greatest achievements. Today, the mission of the Museum is to advance the understanding and appreciation of Noguchi’s art and legacy. It manages the world’s most extensive collection of Noguchi’s artworks in addition to his complete archives and Catalogue Raisonné. Through its rich collection, exhibitions, and programming, the Museum facilitates scholarship and learning for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The Noguchi Museum is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other criterion specified by federal, state or local laws, in the administration of its employment policy. The Museum considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for benefits including a generous health insurance program including medical, dental, and vision, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with company match, paid time off, and other benefits.
Part-time employees receive pre-tax commuter benefits, as well as paid time off based on tenure, starting with three days per year.
The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum seeks a Shop Sales Associate (Part-Time) with customer service and sales experience for its Museum Shop. This position is integral to the Museum’s retail operation, executing the day-to-day operations of the Museum Shop, including sales of works designed by Isamu Noguchi—most significantly his Akari light sculptures—as well as other design objects.
The ideal candidate combines a retail background with a knowledge of 20th century art design and craft, and is comfortable in a range of contexts: from answering general questions from visitors, providing in-depth information about the Museum, to assisting interested visitors in choosing Akari for their homes or clients. Knowledge of Noguchi, the Museum, its collection, and mission, is essential to this position.
This position reports to the Manager of Retail and Merchandising and also works closely with the Director of Retail and Merchandising, the Akari and Design department and the Visitor Services department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Learns and provides knowledge to visitors interested in Akari light sculptures, a complex and historically rich work series created by Isamu Noguchi starting in 1951
- Provides further information to visitors on Noguchi’s life, other industrial designs, and overall body of work, as well as detailed information on other products sold in the Shop (artist/designer, country of origin, material, history, technique, etc.)
- Executes all aspects of sales to visitors, from introduction to the Shop to processing of sales, with a friendly and helpful approach, and works with Manager and Director of Retail and Merchandising with advanced sales assistance as needed
- Upkeeps Shop space, routinely organizing inventory, preparing boxes, bags, and packaging for merchandise, and straightening on the floor
- Maintains an organized back stock of Akari, products, and packaging, between the storage within the Shop space and back-of-house storage
- Participates in monthly cycle counts and biannual physical inventory counts
- Communicates with members of the Akari & Design department, which specializes in online sales and warehouse operations, on handling customer inquiries when needed
- Contributes to a positive atmosphere of teamwork with other Shop Associates and the Manager and Director of Retail and Merchandising, working together on all tasks through the day
Experience, Skills, and Qualities
- Two-plus years of retail experience preferred, particularly in the arts and design industries
- Excellent customer service skills
- Self-motivated, passionate about art and design
- Retail accounting experience, including handling cash and using retail point-of-sale systems (Shopify is used at the Museum)
- Ability to work both independently and also under closer, hands-on management, with careful attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- General flexibility in scheduling, to assist in coverage and shift changes as needed
- Skilled in Google app suite (Docs/Sheets)
- Ability to lift 20 to 30 pounds (books or other inventory)
The Museum Shop Sales Associate position is part time and located at The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens. The Museum is currently looking for an employee to work two days per week, and some weekend availability is preferred for scheduling and shift coverage. Work schedule is consistent week-to-week, with coverage as needed for vacations/sick days. Work days are 8 hours per day, currently scheduled for 10:30 am–6:30 pm (the Museum is open 11 am–6 pm), which includes a one-hour paid meal break.
The health and safety of our community is our first priority. As such, The Noguchi Museum strongly encourages all staff members to be fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Compensation
Compensation for the position is $28 per hour, with increases based on time worked at the Museum, beginning after three years. Part-time employees also receive pre-tax commuter benefits, as well as paid time off based on tenure, starting with three days per year. Employees also receive accrued paid sick days and employee discounts on merchandise for sale at the Museum, among other benefits.
To Apply
To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter as a single PDF to jobs@noguchi.org with the subject line “Museum Shop Sales Associate Position.” Applications can also be mailed to:
The Noguchi Museum
Shop Sales Associate Position
32-37 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City, NY 11106