Since 1981, Ten Thousand Villages Lincoln has brought unique, handmade, fair trade items to the Lincoln community and surrounding area through two sales channels; a brick and mortar location and a smaller offsite-sale program. We are looking to continue to grow our off-site program through alternative venues, including festivals, faith communities, schools and other locations. We are currently seeking a self-motivated person who can work independently to research potential off-site markets and educational opportunities, as well as handle the coordination of staffing and sales at the actual events.
The primary roles of this position are:
1. Directly increase purchases from our artisans through off-site and in-store events and outreach education.
2. Educate about the greater mission of Fair Trade and Ten Thousand Villages’ role as part of Fair Trade as a whole.
All duties should be carried out to contribute to company-wide growth in sales and profits, increased productivity, and increased purchases from artisans while keeping expenses within budget.
Position is part-time (average of 25 hours per week); Starting Wage: $11/hour with regular raises given based on positive performance reviews
Duties:
Offsite Sales and Outreach (60%)
Actively seek out opportunities for both off-site and on site sales(Community Shopping Events) as well as maintain and grow existing events
Coordinate all event logistics to understand needs for event (parking, display restrictions, tabling, chairs etc.)
Manage, staff and coordinate all offsite sales throughout the year
Oversee logistical arrangements for participation in offsite sales including product selection, packing, transporting, setting displays, and selling of fair trade handicrafts
Work with the Speaker’s Bureau/Outreach Committee to schedule volunteer associates to staff all offsite sales
Understand store operations/POS systems and inventory processes and bookkeeping requirements for all sales (taxes, sales reporting, inventory reporting/management)
Seek out opportunities for education in the community
Maintain and update regularly, a library of resources for presentations, speeches and/or informational displays
Work with the Chair of the Speaker’s Bureau to staff presentations with qualified volunteers, board members and/or managers/staff
Store Operations, Customer Service and Staff Leadership/Development (40%)
Exemplify the highest level of customer service standards outlined by the Ten Thousand Villages’
Sales and Service Standards and reinforce those standards and principles by regularly providing feedback to other staff and volunteers
Anticipate and resolve customer service issues
Work with store team to ensure consistent coverage of the sales floor
Maintain awareness and control of loss prevention through attentive customer service
Assist the Store Manager in effectively carrying out the day-to-day operations of the store
Assist in training of all staff and volunteers
Perform other duties as assigned by the Store Manager
Contribute to the overall sales growth of the store through excellent customer service
Work as part of an effective team while respecting the roles and contributions of other team members
Qualifications:
2 years’ experience in retail and/or customer service
Self-motivated, outgoing, energetic and enjoys working with people
Working knowledge of basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Publisher and the Internet
Comfortable using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Excellent organizational and problem solving skills
Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining awareness for details as well as the ability to work independently
Ability to communicate clearly and be a leader of a driven store team
Ability to attractively display merchandise according to company guidelines
Experience training staff and volunteers a plus
Enthusiastic support and passion for the Ten Thousand Villages mission and its goals
Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Physical Requirements:
Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time
Ability to lift and move up to 25Lbs, utilizing appropriate equipment and safety techniques
Responsible to: Store Manager
Working Hours: Part-time, non-exempt position (minimum of 25 hours per week). Person must be flexible in scheduling and able to work opening and closing shifts and will work most weekends. Must be available during annual physical inventory and entire holiday season (October-December). Vacation is not allowed during the holiday season. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. To apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to: lincoln@tenthousandvillages.com
No phone calls please.