Job Title: Visitor Experience Associate (VEA) - Part Time

Department: Retail & Visitor Services

Reports to: Director of Retail & Visitor Services

Hourly Wage: $15.00 per hour

History saved and preserved is the foundation for strong, vibrant communities and future generations. The Detroit Historical Society’s mission is to tell Detroit’s stories and why they matter. Founded in 1921, the Society has been bringing together diverse voices and communities around the stories of the region to find their place in the present and inspire the future for over one hundred years. Located in Detroit’s cultural district, the Society administers and develops exhibitions and programming for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and our Collection Resource Center at Historic Fort Wayne. The team cares for over 250,000 artifacts in its collection and relies on a staff of over sixty individuals to help continue to bring Detroit’s vibrant stories to life.

Position Description

At the Detroit Historical Society, our Visitor Experience & Retail team assists with creating wonderful guest experiences and memories at our museums. The Visitor Experience Associate position provides a unique opportunity to engage with customers at the Detroit Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which showcase our expertly curated and locally themed gift shops. In this role you will demonstrate your exceptional hospitality skills, engage with our community, and learn the key principles of retail operations.

The Visitor Experience Associate (VEA) supports the Detroit Historical Society’s mission, strategy, and DEAI goals by providing exceptional hospitality and visitor experiences to all individuals and groups visiting the museum. The VEA sells admissions, memberships and Museum Store merchandise, answers questions, and provides visitors with access to amenities.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide a warm and welcoming greeting, be friendly and approachable, and resolve conflict in a professional and courteous manner.
• Facilitate the daily sale of museum admission tickets, event and program tickets, and
• Ensure accurate processing of financial transactions, balancing of cash drawers, and preparation of
• Operate point–of-sale system with accuracy to ensure proper protocols, including correct software usage, accurate data capture, and consistent messaging/communication is made with guests.
• Sell and restock museum store merchandise, organize and rearrange store displays, replenish general store supplies as needed, and maintain cleanliness within the store.
• Assist with inventory intake, routine inventory and price checks, and packaging/shipping of online
• Deliver inventory to different locations including Somerset Mall (Troy, MI) and local deliveries within
• Stay up-to-date on product features, recommend appropriate products to customers, and maintain knowledge of how they relate to the collection and exhibitions of the Detroit Historical Museum/Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
• Deliver excellent customer service that helps to develop and cultivate strong buying relationships to achieve service and sales goals.
• Introduce promotions and opportunities to
• Effectively and accurately provide information to guests regarding museum policies, exhibits, collections, special events and programs.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of museum operations, as well as its history, exhibitions, and membership

General Responsibilities

• Promote and process memberships and assist with membership mailings and database
• Maintain work areas—front desk, gift store, employee break room and volunteer
• Monitor museum security cameras and perform routine walkthroughs of gallery
• Assist with exhibit opening and closing
• Attend meetings as
• Perform other duties as assigned, directed, or as required to facilitate Society