Customer Service Associate

The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences, Inc. (FAES) is an entrepreneurial non-profit organization located at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. We design and deliver advanced educational programs and activities that enhance professional life and productivity on NIH campuses. As a small but mighty team, we rely on integrity, ingenuity, and a strong sense of purpose to make a lasting impact. Our work environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding — and we back that up with a competitive compensation package and exceptional benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience to every patron — bringing energy, warmth, and genuine product and services knowledge to every interaction
• Ensure all open/close procedures are accurately completed
• Prepare incoming merchandise for display and sale, using established visual merchandising standards and techniques
• Assist to achieve budgeted financial performance through effective salesmanship, using good judgment to solve problems, and ensuring loss prevention protocols are executed at all times
• Properly record sales, returns, and other sales transactions to accurately track inventory
• Ensure daily established standards are met regarding sales floor condition being “grand-opening” ready at all times, and ensuring a clean, fully stocked sales floor, as well as organized back stock of merchandise to support sales
• Demonstrate effective prioritization and organization to handle increased volume during peak business periods, including summer sales and inventory season
• Show flexibility by being willing to provide coverage at other locations when necessary in the absence of other team members
• Other duties may be assigned

As Necessary:

• Process markdowns
• Prepare reorders of assigned vendors' merchandise for supervisor's review
• Monitor remaining inventory and recommend reorders to supervisor
• Assist in fulfilling eCommerce orders

Qualifications and Required Skills:

• Must have a self-starter attitude, with the ability to work independently
• Must display confidence with customer interactions, with the ability to solve problems independently
• Must be neat, organized, and have the ability to maintain daily, monthly, and yearly files/paperwork
• Experience with visual merchandising techniques, with an ability to maintain an orderly, attractive store environment
• Experience using Microsoft Office, and the ability to quickly pick up skills with new programs
• Physical Requirement: must possess mobility to work in a retail setting, and the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions, strength to lift and carry boxes of books weighing up to 50 pounds

Education and Experience

• At least one year of retail or customer-facing experience preferred; we welcome who are eager to grow with our team
• Experience with administrative roles and functions a plus
• Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Please note, this role entails busier seasons during the late-spring and summer sales period. We appreciate team members who are flexible and committed to supporting the business during these high-demand periods.
• This role is 100% on-site.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate of $18-19.50 per hour, commensurate with experience
• 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Travel mileage reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences, Inc. (FAES) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. FAES also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.