Join Our Team and Help Create Memorable Visitor Experiences
The International African American Museum (IAAM) is seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused Visitor Experience Café Associate to support the daily operations of our café and contribute to an exceptional guest experience. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy engaging with people, preparing quality food and beverages, and working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
As a Café Associate, you will prepare and serve specialty coffee beverages, food items, and Southern-inspired treats while providing outstanding hospitality to museum visitors. You will play a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring the café remains clean, organized, and inviting.
Perks and BenefitsCompetitive wage, paid biweekly, holiday worked payFree parking for part-time employees valued at $3,250 annuallyFree museum membership and reciprocal access to many local attractions.Free uniformKey ResponsibilitiesGuest Service & HospitalityWarmly greet guests and create a welcoming café experience.Present menus, daily specials, and product offerings.Take food and beverage orders accurately and efficiently.Deliver food, beverages, condiments, and other requested items to customers.Answer questions about menu items and provide product recommendations.Build positive relationships with guests through attentive and friendly service.Food & Beverage PreparationPrepare and serve specialty coffee drinks, teas, cold beverages, and blended beverages.Customize orders according to guest preferences while maintaining quality standards.Serve prepared foods, baked goods, desserts, parfaits, banana pudding, and other Southern-inspired specialties.Ensure all food and beverages meet presentation and quality expectations.Café OperationsProcess customer payments accurately using the Point-of-Sale (POS) system.Maintain fully stocked service stations and beverage preparation areas.Monitor inventory levels and notify management when products need replenishment.Receive, stock, and organize food and beverage supplies as directed.Assist with inventory counts and product receiving when needed.Cleanliness & SafetyClean and sanitize equipment, utensils, workstations, dining areas, and service areas.Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.Routinely monitor temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and heating equipment.Clear and reset tables to maintain an inviting dining environment.Team SupportCollaborate effectively with museum staff, volunteers, and fellow team members.Provide support to other departments and special events as needed.Adhere to all company policies, attendance standards, dress code requirements, and operational procedures.Qualifications & ExperienceRequired SkillsExcellent customer service and interpersonal skills.Strong verbal and written communication abilities.Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.Strong listening, organizational, and basic mathematical skills.Ability to handle cash and credit card transactions accurately.Dependable with reliable transportation.Commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and guest satisfaction.Preferred QualificationsPrevious barista experience.Previous food service or hospitality experience.Experience operating POS systems.Experience serving diverse audiences in a customer-facing environment.ServSafe Certification (or willingness to obtain certification).Physical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods.Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds.Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, special events, and extended hours when needed.Ability to remain calm, positive, and professional in busy or high-volume environments.Ability to perform physically demanding tasks while maintaining exceptional service standards.Why Join IAAM?At IAAM, every team member contributes to a meaningful visitor experience that connects guests with powerful stories of African American history, culture, and resilience. This position offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where hospitality, community engagement, and service excellence are valued every day.
Equal Opportunity StatementThe International African American Museum is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
eVolv Access Control Security Associate
International African American Museum (IAAM)
The International African American Museum (IAAM) is seeking professional, customer-service–focused Full-Time eVolv Access Control Associates to support the safety and security of our museum campus.
This role is responsible for operating the eVolv Express® weapons detection system, screening entrances, conducting interior and exterior patrols, and helping ensure a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all guests, staff, contractors, and visitors entering our sacred space.
As a first point of contact for many guests, security staff play a vital role in balancing hospitality, accessibility, and safety while protecting one of the nation’s most significant cultural institutions. This position directly supports IAAM’s mission to honor the African American journey through education, reflection, and remembrance.
What We Offer
Competitive Pay & Perks
Starting pay: $18.50 per hourFree employee parking (valued at over $6,000 annually)Paid Time Off
Full-Time Employees (30+ hours/week):
Up to 80 hours of vacation leave, with tenure-based increasesUp to 96 hours of paid sick leave10 paid holidaysFull-Time Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceLife InsuranceShort-Term Disability403(b) Retirement PlanComplimentary IAAM MembershipReciprocal memberships with participating museums nationwidePosition Summary
The eVolv Access Control Associates is responsible for maintaining a secure environment while delivering an exceptional guest experience. This includes monitoring access control systems, conducting patrols, enforcing museum policies, and responding to incidents with professionalism and care.
This role requires individuals who can remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and maintain strong situational awareness in a dynamic public setting.
Key Responsibilities
Operate and monitor the eVolv Express® weapons detection system and related access control equipmentConduct interior and exterior patrols across galleries, lobby areas, waterfront spaces, grounds, and parking areasScreen all guests, staff, contractors, and vendors entering the facilityVerify identification, credentials, deliveries, and authorized accessPerform secondary screening procedures in accordance with IAAM protocolsManage visitor flow to ensure safe, efficient entryProvide exceptional customer service and warmly welcome all visitorsAssist with wayfinding, ADA accommodations, and general inquiriesObserve and report suspicious behavior, prohibited items, and safety concernsRespond appropriately to incidents (medical, fire, weather, disturbances, evacuations, etc.)Support emergency response efforts and coordinate with first respondersComplete Daily Activity Reports (DARs) and incident documentation accuratelyAssist with crowd management during events, school visits, and high-traffic periodsMaintain a professional appearance and demeanor aligned with IAAM valuesPerform additional duties as assignedMinimum Qualifications
A SC SLED Unarmed Security License is REQUIREDHigh School Diploma or GEDAvailability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and overtime as neededStrong customer service and communication skillsAbility to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situationsCPR, AED, and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)Ability to stand, walk, and patrol for extended periods, including outdoorsBasic computer skills and report writing abilityStrong attention to detail and professionalism with confidential informationAbility to work independently and as part of a teamPreferred Qualifications
Prior experience in security, law enforcement, military, hospitality, or customer serviceExperience with access control or weapons detection systemsExperience working in museums, cultural institutions, hotels, or public venuesCurrent CPR, AED, and First Aid certificationWork Environment & Physical Requirements
Prolonged standing and walkingIndoor and outdoor duties in varying weather conditionsFrequent public interactionLifting, bending, reaching, and stair useMaintaining alertness in high-traffic environmentsInternational African American Museum (IAAM) Charleston, SC
About the RoleThe International African American Museum (IAAM) is seeking enthusiastic, service‑driven Visitor Experience Associates to help create a safe, welcoming, and meaningful experience for every guest. As a frontline ambassador, you will support daily on‑site operations, assist visitors throughout the Museum and the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, and ensure each guest feels informed, supported, and inspired.
If you enjoy engaging with people, thrive in dynamic environments, and want to be part of a mission‑centered cultural institution, this role is for you.
Benefits
Free parking
Free IAAM membership
Team member discount at the IAAM Gift Shop and Café
Free uniform shirts and jackets
Biweekly pay schedule
What You’ll DoDeliver an exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure
Engage with visitors, answer questions, and address concerns with professionalism
Support visitor flow throughout admissions, galleries, and the Memorial Garden
Operate the point‑of‑sale system accurately for ticketing, café, and Museum Store purchases
Handle cash transactions with precision and report any POS issues promptly
Assist with café operations, including sales and basic preparation
Maintain care and organization of Museum Store merchandise and property
Work in both indoor and outdoor locations as assigned
Support special events, including setup and breakdown
Collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth operations
Uphold IAAM policies, procedures, dress code, and attendance standards
Experience in visitor services, hospitality, attractions, museums, or similar environments preferred
Strong customer service skills, including service recovery and crowd engagement
Experience with POS, ticketing, or reservation systems preferred
Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills
Ability to work effectively with the public, staff, and volunteers
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer/typing skills
Dependability and reliable transportation
Ability to multitask, problem‑solve, and stay organized
Team‑oriented mindset and a customer‑focused approach
Fluency in another language is a plus
Ability to work extended hours during busy event periods while remaining calm and professional
Comfort standing for long periods, walking the building, and climbing stairs
Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying conditions
Ability to lift and move items up to 25 lbs
Adaptability to fast‑paced, changing environments
Ability to recognize safety alerts and respond appropriately
This description outlines the core responsibilities of the role but is not an exhaustive list. Duties may shift or expand based on operational needs.
