Part Time Welcome Associate, Center for Brooklyn History

Brooklyn Public Library•New York, NY

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Brooklyn History (CBH), part of the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) system, is seeking a part-time Welcome Associate with visitor service experience to join its Welcome Services team. CBH's mission is to inspire discovery, advance research, and preserve the history and cultural heritage of Brooklyn's diverse communities through its unique collection of primary source materials and artifacts. CBH offers free programs and does not charge admission fees. The Welcome Associate will staff the Welcome Desk, greet and orient visitors, connect patrons to CBH and BPL resources, provide information about the building and exhibits, and handle retail transactions at the Shop at CBH. The role is crucial in creating an inclusive, safe, and engaging environment for all patrons, encouraging them to explore CBH's resources and learn about Brooklyn's history. The position is part-time, up to 19 hours per week, reporting to the Welcome Services Coordinator. The schedule requires availability on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between 9 am-6 pm, with potential for additional shifts on Mondays through Saturdays, and during evening and weekend public programs.

Requirements

HSD required
Experience in retail sales, visitor services, community outreach, or the hospitality industry (including restaurants and hotels)
Strong customer service skills and courteous, professional manner
Ease with dealing with the public
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team, including archivists, librarians, historians, custodians, maintainers, public safety officers and volunteers
Flexibility, problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing needs
Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office
Ability to commit to a regular schedule
Ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary

Nice To Haves

BA/AA a plus
Interest in and knowledge of local cultural institutions, interest in NYC history a plus
Experience with Shopify a plus
Proficiency in languages other than English a plus

Responsibilities

Create a welcoming experience for patrons and visitors
Maintain a neat and organized Welcome Center
Greet patrons, answer questions and orient visitors to CBH and the guidelines around use of the space
Answer phone calls, responding to routine inquiries and directing calls to the appropriate department or staff member as needed
Complete opening and closing checklists at start and end of each shift
Provide patrons with self-guided tour materials
Facilitate retail purchases at the Shop at CBH, answer questions about merchandise and facilitate returns and exchanges as necessary
Maintain a neat and organized sales floor by straightening and replenishing merchandise on as needed
Staff the Welcome Desk during after-hours public programs and events organized by the Director of Programs
Attend and participate in meetings and trainings on CBH resources, offerings and exhibits as well as harm reduction, public health and safety, and restorative practices in museum spaces
Direct vendors, delivery and other related service personnel who are visiting CBH in an official capacity
Accept mail and packages and direct to appropriate staff
Other tasks as directed