About Dia Art Foundation

Dia Art Foundation was established in 1974 for the purpose of collecting, commissioning, and presenting major works of art made in the 1960s onward. Today it consists of nine permanent sites across the United States and Germany, as well as three changing exhibition spaces in New York State: Dia Chelsea in the city, Dia Beacon in the Hudson Valley, and Dia Bridgehampton on Long Island. Dia is taken from the Greek word for “through” and conveys the foundation’s role as a facilitator of meaningful artistic experiences that can be encountered in single and repeated visits. 

Position summary

Dia Beacon’s Bookshop staff provides articulate information to the public as well as while protecting the interest and property of Dia Beacon. The Bookshop Attendant assists visitors with their bookshop inquiries and purchases, answers general questions about Dia Beacon and the Hudson Valley region, maintains the regular appearance and merchandising of the space, and supports the Bookshop Manager in administrative bookshop-related tasks as needed. This position requires a familiarity with Dia Art Foundation’s programming, knowledge of contemporary art, and strong customer service, merchandising, and retail skills. The Bookshop Attendant works closely with the Visitor Services team. Candidates should be well-organized and able to set a professional standard for the museum’s bookshop and entrance area. The Bookshop staff supports the Visitor Services and Development teams in providing hospitality, including welcoming groups and greeting visitors within and around the bookshop when needed.

The standard schedule will be two to three days per week, primarily Sunday and Monday, with potential for additional day.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Assist with daily store operations, sales, and opening and closing procedures
• Create a visitor-friendly atmosphere and facilitate sales
• Proficiently operate bookshop’s point-of-sales system and compile reports when needed
• Maintain physical appearance of the store, keeping the bookshop and surrounding areas organized, neat, and clean
• Assist with store merchandising
• Maintain knowledge of inventory
• Maintain knowledge of shipping and receiving policies
• Answer the bookshop telephone extension and respond to email inquiries
• Provide accurate information about Dia’s history, programming, and policies
• Use formal language and maintain a professional attitude toward Dia’s visitors
• Provide membership information
• Apprise the bookshop manager of low-stock levels for popular titles
• Assist loss-prevention
• Assist with inventory management, including the annual inventory count

Other duties and responsibilities

• Provide information about the Hudson Valley region, MTA, driving directions, etc.
• Inform visitors of Dia’s security and museum policies
• Always be ready to react in emergency situations according to the staff manual
• Assist with general maintenance
• Maintain a safe environment for the general public

Education, certification, and experience 

• Retail, hospitality, and/or customer-service experience preferred
• Work experience including merchandising in a museum giftshop or bookshop preferred
• Knowledge of and/or coursework in art history and literature a plus

Knowledge, skills, and abilities 

• Excellent interpersonal and customer-service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment
• Competency with basic math and experience working a Square for Retail register
• Experience and comfort working in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Teams
• Takes initiative in completing work with minimal supervisory directives
• Knowledge of Dia’s history, programing, and/or the Hudson Valley region a plus

Working conditions and physical demands

• Work is performed in a busy bookshop/retail environment
• Frequent standing, walking, and computer usage required
• Ability to lift at least 30 lbs required

Part-time employees are eligible for paid sick days, holiday pay, and participation in the 401(k) savings program with employer match. Employees have the opportunity to learn about Dia’s collection through presentations by curators, artists, writers, and historians. Staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations. Beacon area or Hudson Valley residency preferred.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here, and attaching a resume and letter of interest. 

This position is represented by the Technical, Office, and Professional Union, Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO. 

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports a neurodiverse workplace. Candidates with nontraditional learning or career paths and/or applicants whose qualifications differ from those listed above are encouraged to apply.