Collections Management Intern

The Rosenbach Museum & Library is seeking an upaid collections management intern for the summer of 2010. The collections management intern will work with Collections Department staff; possible projects may include scanning, transcribing, and uploading Civil War documents for a civil War 150 web project; creating a user’s guide to the museum’s historic newspapers; conducting object research; installing and deinstalling exhibits and assisting with other departmental work as needed.

Applicants must be detail-oriented and able to work efficiently and independently. Previous experience in object handling is strongly preferred. Preference will be given to students currently enrolled in a graduate program in Museum Studies or related field. The start date, scheduling, and duration of the position are flexible, but the intern should be willing to commit a minimum of three days per week for six weeks. Although the Rosenbach cannot offer compensation, we are willing to work with the applicant’s institution to arrange course credit. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and list of three references by mail or e-mail by March 26 to Kathy Haas, Assistant Curator at khaas [at] rosenbach [dot] org

The VSA position has been filled. Please check back for future employment opportunities.

Visitor Services Assistant

The Rosenbach Museum & Library, a dynamic museum in Center City Philadelphia, is seeking a Visitor Services Assistant. The VSA reports to the museum’s Director of Education. When stationed at the concierge desk, the VSA welcomes visitors to the museum and processes admissions. When stationed in the museum shop, the VSA assists and sells merchandise to customers, maintains the cash registers—including point-of-sale software and inventory database—and records procedures for the use of same, fulfills internet and telephone sales, and generally assists the Shop Manager in ensuring that the shop runs smoothly.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualified candidates must be organized, outgoing and energetic with excellent customer service, communication and computer skills. Two years customer service and retail experience is desired. Experience with Quick Books is ideal, but other PC-based point-of-service systems acceptable. Experience working in a museum setting is desired. An interest/background in art and literature is a plus.The museum particularly welcomes applications from diverse or underserved communities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform concierge desk duties including welcoming visitors, explaining museum offerings, and processing admissions
• Prepare museum for visitation at beginning of day and close at end of day.
• Maintain organization & appearance of lobby area, including concierge desk, coat room, restroom area and brochure rack
• Schedule specific tours and breaks by the museum’s volunteer docents
• Answer phone and provide general information to callers, or route calls to other staff members as appropriate
• Generate reports of daily admissions and shop sales
• Assist customers and process sales in museum shop, online, and over the telephone
• Reconcile and “close out” shop registers
• Assist the shop manager with the updating of the shop’s website
• Assist the shop manager with maintaining the inventory database
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or shop manager, including staffing special events and professional errands

Full-time and part-time availability. Weekends and evenings required.

To apply: please send a cover letter and resume to Emilie Parker at eparker [at] rosenbach [dot] org. No phone calls please.