HOURS

Reading Room
Mon-Thurs: 9:30am-4:30pm

Genealogy Institute
Mon-Thurs: 9:30am-4:30pm

Free Exhibit Spaces
Sun–Thurs: 9:30am–4:30pm
Fri: 9:30am-3:30pm
Sat: Closed

Ruth's Bookstore
Sun–Thurs: 10:30am-6:30pm
Fri: 10:30am-4:00pm

Make sure to check our holiday closures prior to visiting.

Last entry to the Center for Jewish History Exhibitions, Reading Room, and the Genealogy Institute is 30 minutes before closing. The last call to page items in the Reading Room and Genealogy Institute is 3pm.

Employment Opportunities

The Center for Jewish History is home to five partners—American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The partner collections total more than five miles of archival material and span nearly a thousand years of history. When the Center opened its doors as the new "Library of Congress of the Jewish people," it made a commitment to preserve the treasures that live within its walls and make them accessible to scholars, students, and diverse audiences. The Center relies on philanthropic support to do this work.

The Center is currently looking to fill the following position/s:

The Visitor Experience Associate will join the Visitor Experience team at an especially exciting time at the Center, as we open Anne Frank: The Exhibition, a major new work from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and Ruth’s Bookstore, our newly constructed gift shop. Under the supervision of the Manager of Visitor Experience, the Associate will play an integral role in welcoming thousands of new visitors through our doors, and ensuring the highest level of service for museumgoers, researchers, staff, and other guests.

Salary: $17.50/hour

Responsibilities

  • Welcome all visitors to the Center at the front desk.
  • Provide information to visitors on exhibitions, programs, the Reading Room and Genealogy Institute, membership and donations, the bookstore, space rentals, and other Center and partner offerings.
  • Answer phone and email inquiries, and direct calls and emails to appropriate staff.
  • Sell exhibition tickets on eTix in person, and reserve slots for group visits over the phone and email.
  • Resolve problems in a professional and timely manner to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Greet guests of employees and inform employees of their guests' arrivals.
  • Maintain a well-informed, working knowledge of current and upcoming exhibitions and programs.
  • Assist with general administrative tasks including visitor statistic tracking, restocking supplies and print materials, and keeping the front desk organized and tidy.
  • Sort and distribute incoming mail and prepare outgoing mail for Center and partner staff.
  • Look up and update membership statuses on Blackbaud NXT.
  • Support ticketing, coat check, and bookstore staff as needed.
  • Direct traffic in the Lobby as needed, ensuring the efficient and safe flow of visitors.

Qualifications

Required
  • Proven experience in customer service or visitor experience.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with visitors, team members, and stakeholders at all levels.
  • Ability to use computer software with ease and comfortability learning new software.
  • Ability to remain calm and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • A passion for assisting members of the public and providing outstanding visitor support.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by front desk needs.
Preferred
  • Experience in a museum or cultural institution front desk or visitor experience role.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Knowledge of visitor experience trends, technologies, and best practices.
  • Special interest in museums, cultural institutions, history, and/or Jewish culture.
  • Familiarity with Blackbaud or other donor CRM software.

Physical Demands

The employee will need to sit or stand in one place for extended periods of time, use a computer, and communicate verbally. The front desk is wheelchair accessible, as are all floors and most restrooms in the building.

The Center for Jewish History is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to hr@cjh.org. No phone calls please.

In today’s competitive retail environment, superb customer service and staff who are intimately familiar with the product they are selling are critical to achieving the Retail Strategic Objectives. Friendliness, composure, the ability to work as a team, and open-mindedness are qualities all Ruth’s Bookstore staff should possess. They must be professional, results oriented, and knowledgeable about the merchandise, and able to communicate this information to the customer. In addition, the Store staff must have a demonstrated sales ability, a facility with computers, and a comfort with financial transactions. An appreciation for maintaining a visually inspiring store at all times will be part of every staff member’s profile.

In their role as floor staff, they form an important link in the feedback loop of communication to the Retail Manager regarding Shop visitors’ comments, criticisms, and suggestions.

Role Overview

Sales Associates report directly to the Retail/Floor Manager and represent the Center for Jewish History by providing excellent customer service and maintaining courtesy toward visitors. They greet and assist customers in a friendly, professional manner as outlined in the Store Training Manual. Sales Associates must be knowledgeable about the products and relevant background information to help customers appreciate the value of the items offered. As frontline staff at the Center for Jewish History, Sales Associates should be fluent in the services the Center provides and promote the Center’s mission, exhibitions, educational and public programs, special events, and membership sales.

Salary: $17.50/hour

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

  • Assisting Floor Manager with all sales floor initiatives.
  • Supporting the opening and closing of the store, and the handling of the end of day reconciliations.
  • Performing accurate sales transactions to ensure cash handling and inventory control.
  • Being knowledgeable of store sales goals and actively participate in the achievement of sales goals.
  • Providing exceptional customer service, including greeting visitors, processing transactions, wrapping purchases, and sharing product knowledge.
  • Answer product questions knowledgeably and educate Shop visitors on the materials and processes involved in the making of the artist-made merchandise in order to assist customers in appreciating the value of the merchandise presented.
  • Being knowledgeable in the procedures for special orders, as well as the shipping policies and procedures of the Shop.
  • The maintenance, upkeep, and re-stocking of the sales floor.
  • Being responsible for maintaining the high visual standards of the Store through restocking and the overall upkeep of the sales floor.
  • Answering product questions and educating visitors about the materials and processes behind the merchandise.
  • Packing and gift-wrapping purchases in alignment with the Store and Center’s image as specified by the Director of Retail Operations.
  • Understanding procedures for special orders, shipping policies, and other store operations.
  • Maintaining high visual standards through restocking and ensuring the sales floor is tidy.
  • Responsible for maintaining clear consistent levels of customer service on the sales floor  that reflects favorably on the Center and the Bookstore, including greeting visitors, efficient transaction processing and wrapping at the register, product knowledge, and coordinating staff breaks and lunches as scheduled.
  • Building an ongoing and loyal clientele through the delivery of consistent levels of customer service that reflect favorably on the Museum and store.
  • Performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Experience in a similar role
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with visitors, team members, and stakeholders at all levels
  • Proficiency in computer applications
  • Ability to remain calm and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by Store schedule.
  • Knowledge of trends, technologies, and best practices in the retail field.
  • Interest in and knowledge of Jewish history and culture.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, move around the Center building (all floors accessible by elevator). The employee is occasionally required to lift weight boxes (up to 30 lbs.) and furniture (rolling tables, chairs, etc.).

The Center for Jewish History is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

The Center for Jewish History is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@cjh.org. No phone calls please.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about art, history, and culture to play a crucial part in the guest experience for Anne Frank The Exhibiton, presented by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Join our team and help visitors connect with the museum’s unique offerings while providing exceptional customer service.

Salary: $17.50/hour

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

  • Greet visitors upon arrival with a welcoming demeanor.
  • Give visitors directions and instructions on procedures.
  • Scan tickets and admit visitors into exhibit.
  • Answer questions, provide information about the exhibit and the Center, and direct visitors to facilities.
  • Manage traffic flow of visitors throughout the building and on the entry line into exhibit.
  • Assist with crowd control during peak periods and support emergency response efforts as needed.
  • Address ticketing and customer concerns with professionalism.
  • Monitor the inventory of printed tickets, promational materials, and related supplies.
  • Coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless guest service and satisfaction.
  • Ensure compliance with museum policies and procdedures related to safety and security, monitor for concerning activity, and alert supervisor or Security team when necessary.
  • Perform additional tasks and support the Visitor Experience team as needed, including coat check.

Required Qualifications

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage visitors professionally.
  • Can-do attitude; willingness to work collaboratively, and support team members.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
  • Flexible availability, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.
  • Hospitable and friendly with people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience in customer service, retail, or ticketing.
  • Basic computer skills, with experience in ticketing software or point-of-sale (POS) systems.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, including outdoors in varying temperatures.
  • Ability to work effectively in a high-traffic environment.

The Center for Jewish History is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

The Center for Jewish History is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@cjh.org. No phone calls please.

The Coat Check Attendant is responsible for providing exceptional customer service by managing the coat check area, ensuring the safe and organized storage of visitors' personal belongings, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere at the Center. This role is key in enhancing the visitor’s experience by ensuring that guests feel comfortable and that their personal items are securely stored while they enjoy the exhibits.

Salary: $17.50/hour

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

  • Greet visitors upon arrival and assist with the collection, tagging, and secure storage of coats, bags, umbrellas, and other personal belongings.
  • Issue claim tickets to visitors upon check-in and retrieve items upon their return, ensuring each visitor receives the correct items.
  • Explain policies and procedures to visitors, answer general questions, and give directions.
  • Maintain a friendly, welcoming, and professional demeanor to enhance the experience for all museum visitors.
  • Monitor the coat check area to ensure items are safely stored and the area remains tidy and organized.
  • Promptly address any questions or concerns from visitors regarding their belongings.
  • Follow all safety and security guidelines for handling and storing personal items, reporting any suspicious behavior or incidents to security personnel.
  • Assist with coat check services during special events or opening receptions, handling increased volume in a fast-paced environment.
  • Perform additional tasks and support the Visitor Experience team as needed, including ticket scanning for exhibits.

Qualifications

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a positive and friendly attitude.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently, and remain calm and professional in a busy environment.
  • Can-do attitude; willingness to work collaboratively, and support team members.
  • Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.
  • Previous experience in customer service or hospitality is preferred but not required.
  • Hospitable and friendly with people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Light lifting and carrying required (assisting with coats and bags).
  • Ability to bend and reach for storing and retrieving items as needed.

The Center for Jewish History is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

The Center for Jewish History is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@cjh.org. No phone calls please.

Health Coverage at the Center

Legal Compliance: This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.