Seasonal Retail Operations Associate

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parking benefits

Free MCA exhibitions

Free admission to events

Store discounts

Library access

Curator-led tours

Discounted cultural access

MCA Stage discounts

Dining discounts at Marisol

Job summary

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is seeking three Seasonal Retail Operations Associates in Chicago, IL. The role focuses on receiving, stocking, and processing of retail and e‑commerce orders, with duties spanning merchandise handling and backroom organization.

Applicants should have 1 year of stocking/merchandising experience and be able to lift up to 50lbs. The position is part‑time and temporary, with responsibilities including shipping, stock management, and store display upkeep.

Qualifications

• 1 year of stocking & merchandising experience, including familiarity with shipping services (UPS, USPS).
• Basic math and English skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs, climb ladders, and navigate stairs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with receiving, marking, and stocking of daily merchandise for retail and e‑commerce in a consistent, organized manner.
• Process outbound customer orders for shipping promptly and accurately.
• Maintain neat backstock locations and processing areas.
• Maintain and upkeep equipment used for merchandise processing and display pieces.
• Support store ops by restocking supplies and assisting with in‑store shipping orders as needed by supervisor.
• Keep workspace clean; sweep, trash removal, recycling.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Retail Operations.

Skills

Stocking & merchandising

Shipping services familiarity

Basic math

English language

Physical ability 50lbs

Operate freight equipment

Operate office equipment

Teamwork & independence

Mobility in store & museum

Tools

Scales

Carts/Pallet jacks/Hand trucks

Box cutters & screwdrivers & hammers

POS systems & printers

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Seasonal Retail Operations Associate

Part-Time Temporary Chicago, IL, US

We have three openings for Seasonal Retail Operations Associates to support the Retail Experience department at MCA Chicago. Reporting to the Associate Director of Retail Operations, the Associates will assist with receiving, marking, and stocking merchandise and supplies for retail and e-commerce stores in a consistent, organized, and efficient manner, and with timely, accurate processing of all outbound customer orders. To be successful in this role, you must:

• Assist with receiving, marking, and stocking of all daily merchandise and supplies for retail and e-commerce stores daily in a consistent, organized, and efficient manner.
• Process all outbound customer orders for shipping in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain neat and orderly backstock locations and processing areas.
• Maintain and upkeep equipment used for merchandise processing, display, and order fulfillment (ex: scale, label printers, hand trucks, store display pieces).
• Assist with store operations as needed by restocking supplies, replenishing merchandise, and assisting with in-store shipping orders, when assigned by the Associate Director of Retail Operations.
• Maintain a clean workspace by sweeping the floor, removing garbage, and recycling as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Retail Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 1 year of stocking and merchandising experience, including familiarity with shipping services (UPS, USPS).
• Basic math and English skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs, climb ladders, and navigate stairs.
• Ability to operate and maintain freight management equipment including scales, carts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
• Ability to recognize and safely use hand tools including box cutters, screwdrivers, and hammers to assemble and disassemble store displays or shelving.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment including computers, point-of-sale systems, printers, copiers, and/or telephones.
• Ability to work well within a team as well as independently.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time as scheduled.
• Ability to handle fragile objects safely.
• General mobility throughout the Store and museum.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE:

• Paid time off.
• Pre-tax, reduced-rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
• Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
• Free admission to many special and member events.
• Reduced-price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
• Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
• Access to our onsite library.
• Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
• Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.

This role has a tentative start date of 10/18/2026 and a tentative end date of 12/31/2026.

We have three openings for Seasonal Retail Operations Associates to support the Retail Experience department at MCA Chicago. Reporting to the Associate Director of Retail Operations, the Associates will assist with receiving, marking, and stocking merchandise and supplies for retail and e-commerce stores in a consistent, organized, and efficient manner, and with timely, accurate processing of all outbound customer orders. To be successful in this role, you must:

• Assist with receiving, marking, and stocking of all daily merchandise and supplies for retail and e-commerce stores daily in a consistent, organized, and efficient manner.
• Process all outbound customer orders for shipping in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain neat and orderly backstock locations and processing areas.
• Maintain and upkeep equipment used for merchandise processing, display, and order fulfillment (ex: scale, label printers, hand trucks, store display pieces).
• Assist with store operations as needed by restocking supplies, replenishing merchandise, and assisting with in-store shipping orders, when assigned by the Associate Director of Retail Operations.
• Maintain a clean workspace by sweeping the floor, removing garbage, and recycling as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Retail Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 1 year of stocking and merchandising experience, including familiarity with shipping services (UPS, USPS).
• Basic math and English skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs, climb ladders, and navigate stairs.
• Ability to operate and maintain freight management equipment including scales, carts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
• Ability to recognize and safely use hand tools including box cutters, screwdrivers, and hammers to assemble and disassemble store displays or shelving.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment including computers, point-of-sale systems, printers, copiers, and/or telephones.
• Ability to work well within a team as well as independently.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time as scheduled.
• Ability to handle fragile objects safely.
• General mobility throughout the Store and museum.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE:

• Paid time off.
• Pre-tax, reduced-rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
• Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
• Free admission to many special and member events.
• Reduced-price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
• Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
• Access to our onsite library.
• Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
• Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.

This role has a tentative start date of 10/18/2026 and a tentative end date of 12/31/2026.

Part time. Schedule determined by department and operational needs; may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position is not eligible for hybrid work arrangement per the Remote Work Policy.
Up to 20 hours per week.