Part-Time Key Holder (Chicago)

Key Holder Position

Catbird is looking for experienced Key Holders to join our retail team for our team in Chicago! As a Key Holder, you will be a leader on our store team assisting with the store operations and supervision of staff. This is a part-time position.

In our 20 years in business, Catbird has become an icon, the ultimate destination for gifts and jewelry. Founded in Brooklyn, NY, Catbird is a mecca for an international cast of shoppers who come to visit the brick and mortar stores of their beloved website. Both our stores and website are filled with a carefully curated selection of designers, including our in-house line of jewelry. Our Catbird line is made in our Brooklyn studio and with a few trusted partners, using ethically sourced materials and conflict-free stones. Highly trained Catbird jewelers oversee every step of the process. We are dedicated to a return to local manufacturing – what our neighborhood was famous for. Catbird is a proud member of the CFDA and certified Made in New York.

The key to our success is remaining true to our values:

• We believe in being an anti-racist organization and actively championing diversity, inclusion, and equity
• We believe in making and selling things people will want to keep forever and will bring continuous joy.
• We believe in doing everything we can ourselves.
• We believe in always thinking of the long game and not focusing on a quick profit.
• We believe we are the best at what we do and we work hard to make sure we know how to sustain it as we grow.
• We believe in treating everyone (coworkers, customers, vendors) with deep respect, kindness, and honesty.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sales floor with confidence and warmth, ensuring every customer receives a welcoming, high-touch buying experience.
• Drive sales by actively engaging customers and confidently selling demi-fine jewelry, Forever Jewelry, and piercing services.
• Perform Forever Jewelry welding and device-based ear piercings to the highest standards, prioritizing precision, safety, and customer comfort.
• Coach and support Stylists through real-time feedback, modeling strong selling behaviors, service excellence, and brand storytelling.
• Monitor service flow, wait times, and floor coverage; make adjustments as needed to balance selling and services during busy periods.
• Step in to resolve customer questions, returns, or escalations with care, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Open and close the store and support daily operations, including inventory, merchandising, and visual standards.

Our Ideal Candidate

• An experienced retail leader with a proven ability to guide and motivate a sales team.
• Sales-minded and service-driven, with a strong belief that exceptional customer experience drives results.
• Comfortable performing hands-on services, including Forever Jewelry welding and device-based piercing, after training.
• Calm, confident, and organized, with the ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• A thoughtful communicator who leads with kindness, clarity, and common sense.
• Jewelry or piercing experience is a plus, but curiosity and a commitment to learning are essential.
• Flexible and reliable with scheduling, including weekends and holidays.

Perks & Benefits

• Health insurance with 75% of the medical premium covered by Catbird. 25% of the premium covered for children
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for pre-tax contributions to medical and childcare expenses
• Two weeks of accrued vacation and 7 sick days
• Life insurance (1x annual salary) fully covered by Catbird
• Voluntary life insurance and short/long-term disability at reduced group rates
• 7 days of backup childcare (in-home or at a Vivvi childcare center)
• Catbird employee discount: 50–70% off the Catbird line and 30% off designer pieces
• 401(k) with profit sharing and safe harbor contributions (eligibility after 90 days)
• Parental leave: 20 weeks total, with 12 weeks fully paid
• Pre-tax transit benefits to help save on commuting costs
• Professional development stipend: $200/year, plus access to workshops and talks throughout the year
• The Catbird Foundation: At least 1% of all sales donated year-round to nonprofits aligned with our values—over $2MM donated to date
• Cold brew in the summer
• Team bonding events and happy hours
• A warm, casual work environment where people can truly be themselves

$23 - $23 an hour Plus commission!