Part Time Welcome Associate, Center for Brooklyn History

Drawing on its unique collection of physical and digital primary source materials and artifacts, the Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) inspires discovery, advances research, and preserves the history and cultural heritage of Brooklyn’s diverse communities. Created in 2020 by the merger of the Brooklyn Historical Society and Brooklyn Public Library’s Brooklyn Collection, CBH is now part of the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) system. As part of its mission to provide the people of Brooklyn with free and open access to information, CBH does not charge admission or fees for any of its programming. 

CBH seeks a part-time Welcome Associate with visitor service experience to join our Welcome Services team. Welcome Associates staff the Welcome Desk; greet and orient visitors to CBH; connect patrons to CBH and BPL resources, programs and community partners; provide information about CBH’s building and exhibits; and facilitate retail transactions at the Shop at CBH.  

Welcome Associates are committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and engaging environment for all patrons who visit CBH so that they are inclined to explore its resources and learn more about the history of Brooklyn. CBH attracts a wide variety of visitors, including:  

• Patrons visiting the Othmer Library to meet with staff, conduct research, and use its space for quiet work; 

• Locals and tourists visiting CBH for exhibits or to learn about the history and architecture of 128 Pierrepont Street; 

• Patrons using the Great Hall for quiet work or meetings;  

• Shoppers and browsers at the CBH store; 

• School groups, students and families participating in class visits and educational and family programs;  

• Attendees to public programs and special events in the Great Hall or Othmer. 

The Welcome Associate is a part-time position of up to 19 hours per week, reporting to the Welcome Services Coordinator. The schedule will require availability on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between the hours of 9am-6pm. However, additional shifts may be scheduled during CBH’s regular open hours (Monday through Saturday) and during public programs on evenings and weekends. 

 
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. 

 
Qualifications:  

• HSD required; BA/AA a plus 

• 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 

• Interest in and knowledge of local cultural institutions, interest in NYC history a plus 

• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office; experience with Shopify a plus 

• Ability to commit to a regular schedule; ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary 

• Proficiency in languages other than English a plus