Sales Associate

Position Summary

Our Sales Associate helps create a welcoming and engaging visitor experience by serving as an ambassador for both the Museum Shop and the Des Moines Art Center. Through a commitment to meaningful visitor engagement, thoughtful guest interactions, and strong product knowledge, this person will assist visitors in finding and purchasing merchandise that connects to and enhances their Art Center experiences. The Sales Associate contributes directly to the daily operations of the Museum Shop and helps ensure that every guest interaction reflects the Art Center's commitment to hospitality, accessibility, and community engagement. This person will work 15-20 hours per week on average.

Reporting Relationship

The position reports to Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Provides elevated customer service, operates the shop's point-of-sale (POS) system, charges proper sales totals, completes daily sales reports, and consults with the Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor on daily sales and inventory.


• Curates new Art Center Memberships and cultivates relationships with existing Art Center Members.


• Is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the shop and creating sharp and effective displays under the guidance of the Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor.


• Facilitates supply chain oversight: checking in shipments, confirming quality, and entering merchandise accurately into the POS system.


• Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adhere to Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and other organizational policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Has demonstrated interest in and/or a desire to learn about retail operations


• POS, accurate cash handling, inventory management, and product merchandising experience preferred


• Ability to learn about products offered by the Museum Shop and tie them back to guest needs and experiences. This includes skillfulness in sales techniques, sharing information about product lines with guests, and customer service.


• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software


• Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process and makes timely decisions.


• Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; and supports everyone's efforts to succeed

Required Education, Experience and/or Certification

• High school diploma preferred


• Experience working in an environment with established customer service, presentation, or hospitality standards preferred

Work Environment

• Indoor work environment with occasional outdoor work for specific events

Physical Factors

• Medium physical work required: standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion


• May need to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently. The ability to climb a ladder is required.

Equipment Used

• Cleaning supplies, photocopier, calculator, cash register, PC and PC software, handcart, dolly, hammer, screwdriver, box cutter

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment & advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center's policy to hire & promote qualified individuals based on their interest, aptitude, and qualifications, and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity, national origin, race, or skin color; gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal, State, or Local law.

Contact Information

Jessica McGlynn, People and Culture Manager, is the Art Center's recruiter for this role. Please reach her at [email protected] with questions!