ABOUT THE COOS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Founded in 1891, the Coos County Historical Society is the second oldest historical society in Oregon. Through our mission and vision, we strive to create a better understanding of life in Coos County and Oregon’s South Coast, past and present, and our place in that life. We want everyone entering our door to feel ownership and to be inspired to share and build community around the museum.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Museums are a vital part of how we tell the stories of who we are, who we’ve been, and how we will live together. They maintain our cultural heritage and teach us about all the ways we are different and the same. Reflecting the diversity of that heritage is a critical part of the Coos County Historical Society and the Coos History Museum’s work. We work towards highlighting diversity, equity, and inclusion as key focus areas in our strategic priorities and educational programming. Inclusion is how we move toward our equity goal, and diversity describes the breadth of our experiences and perspectives.

POSITION SUMMARY

Coos History Museum seeks an engaging, energetic and detail-oriented individual to join the Visitor Services Department. Under the direction of the Executive Director, this multifaceted public-focusing career opportunity involves greeting visitors, managing the museum store, assisting with programs

and tours, working with volunteers, and organizing/promoting various museum services. To ensure success, the applicant should be approachable and collaborate well with others. 

Rate of Pay: $14.50 - 15.50 per hour (DOE)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Front Desk/Reception

● Responsible for opening and closing procedures of the museum building, galleries, and store.

● Greet visitors and provide a museum-specific introduction.

● Assist visitors with membership and general museum inquiries.

● Receive and process reservations for tour groups, events, and programs while maintaining accurate and complete records.

● Answer phones and direct calls to appropriate departments.

● Recruitment, supervision, scheduling, training, and management of front desk volunteers.

● Record and analyze visitor numbers and trends.

● Ensure the cleanliness and neatness of the museum grounds, lobby, store, and all public areas.

Museum Store Management

● Process admissions, program sales, membership, and store purchases.

● Track inventory and conduct yearly inventory of merchandise.

● Troubleshoot and update retail POS system, including new products and services.

● Assist store customers with choosing items/services that fit their needs.

● Analyze sales data and prepare detailed reports.

● Coordinate store budget, pricing, restocking, and product ordering.

● Arrange consignment and vendor agreements, purchases, and payments.

● Merchandise, refresh, and clean the store fixtures on a regular basis.

Other Duties

● Work with all museum departments to plan and execute museum events and fundraisers.

● Conduct museum docent tours and assist with educational programming.

● Assist with rental event setup and rental customer service as needed.

● Assist with marketing campaigns by creating flyers, press releases, social media posts, and other promotional content.

● Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

● To be considered: Must have the ability to work with people of all ages and must support CHM’s mission, vision, and DEI policies.

● Minimum educational requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent.

● At least two years of customer service, retail, or clerical duties.

● Money handling and/or register experience.

● Computer literate, including experience with MS Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Acrobat.

● Basic record-keeping skills.

● Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing.

● Highly motivated and demonstrates a positive image and outlook when interacting with the public.

● Demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, planning, and project management skills.

● Organized, able to prioritize, and multi-task.

● Must pass a background check.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

● Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.

● Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.

● Requires significant use of a computer, phone, and general office equipment.

● Needs adequate visual acuity and ability to grasp and handle objects.

● Requires weekend work and occasional evenings for events.

● May require occasional off-site travel.

● Must have reliable transportation.

OTHER PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

● Retail management experience.

● Store merchandising or display design experience.

● Museum or Non-Profit work experience.

● Public speaking or community engagement experience.

Benefits include: One week (40 hrs.) paid time off per year, effective after six-month probation period is completed; up to ten paid Federal Holidays off per year; free museum membership; program passes; 15% discount in museum store; professional development opportunities.

Note: We are happy to consider accommodations for the position. We believe in cultivating an environment where there is diversity of perspectives, in hopes that we can all thrive in an inclusive environment. The Coos History Museum is an equal-opportunity employer.

How to Apply: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Apply through Indeed - OR - Send cover letter, resume and 2 references to Coos History Museum Executive Director, Heather Christenbury at  [email protected]