Pop-Up Shop Assistant-Seasonal

McCormick Foundation; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The McCormick Foundation is seeking a Guest Services Information Desk Coordinator for Cantigny, responsible for providing exceptional visitor experiences. The ideal candidate will assist guests, answer inquiries, and promote park attractions, while creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. Fluency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1 year customer service experience required.
• Fluency in English and Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of park's layout and events is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and provide accurate information about the park.
• Process registrations for events, tickets and merchandise sales.
• Handle visitor feedback and ensure a positive experience.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Fluency in Spanish

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Description

Cantigny

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation envisions a Chicagoland comprised of thriving communities where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to succeed, without regard to income, race, ethnicity, gender, or ZIP code. We invest in people and organizations across the region to develop educated, informed, and engaged communities.

The Foundation was established in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Foundation’s philanthropic investments of more than $1.8 billion to date, are currently focused on Chicago's South and West Sides and the following issues: early childhood education, public safety, community development, veterans, and journalism.

The Foundation’s Board also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick's 500-acre estate in Wheaton, Illinois, which encompasses a park, formal gardens, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, and a 27-hole public golf facility. Learn more at mccormickfoundation.org, cantigny.org, fdmuseum.org, and cantignygolf.com.

Position Summary

We are seeking an energetic and engaged guest services information desk coordinator to join our team and provide an exceptional experience for our visitors at Cantigny. As a guest services information desk coordinator, you will play a crucial role in guiding visitors to various events, gift shops, attractions, and facilities within the park. Your primary responsibility will be to assist visitors by providing accurate and helpful information and ensuring their visit is enjoyable and memorable. Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred, but not mandatory, for this role.

Essential Functions

• Greet visitors and provide a warm welcome, ensuring a positive first impression.
• Represent Cantigny in a professional, positive, and helpful manner.
• Assist visitors in navigating the park, providing directions to events, gift shops, activities, and facilities.
• Answer visitor inquiries regarding event schedules, locations, ticket prices, and general park information.
• Accept and process all in-person and phone registrations for all but not limited to; educational classes, special events, admission/parking tickets, photo permits, season pass, honor club and merchandise sales.
• Promote park amenities, including the museum, golf course, gardens, and other attractions.
• Provide information on the history, significance, and highlights of the park and its features.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all park events, exhibits, promotions, and services.
• Stay up-to-date with any changes in park operations, schedules, or closures and communicate them to visitors.
• Handle visitor feedback and complaints professionally and efficiently, escalating issues as necessary.
• Collaborate with park staff to ensure a seamless visitor experience and effective teamwork.
• Maintain a neat and organized guest services area, including information desks, brochures, and maps.
• Actively contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• Maintains merchandise appearance throughout the Cantigny Shops to maximize sales.
• Maintains displays and stock levels to the standards prescribed by the Visitor Center and Volunteer Manager.
• Makes concerted effort to minimize inventory loss through shrinkage at Cantigny Shop locations.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Education: High School Diploma

Experience: 1 year customer service experience required, experience in Visitor Services at cultural institutions or in the tourism industry preferred.

Skills:

• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish, strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse groups of visitors.
• Strong customer service skills and a genuine passion for providing exceptional visitor experiences.
• Knowledge of the park's layout, events, and attractions is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours based on the park's event schedule.
• Maintain a professional and presentable appearance. • Display high proficiency in computer technology.
• Must be self-directed, organized, patient, creative and energetic with excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Must become trained in First Aid, C.P.R., Automated External Defibrillator and Praesidium Safety and maintain valid certification.

Working Conditions

This is a seasonal role with a varied schedule, which requires working evenings and weekends. Work is performed in Cantigny buildings and on Cantigny grounds in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cantigny and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.