Store Associate, Part-Time

Store Associate, Part-Time

Store Associates are responsible for promoting sales, processing sales and orders, and providing customer service both for the onsite and online JANM Store. Position is scheduled for 28 hours per week, four days per week, 10:30 a.m.6 p.m. One weekend day is required, but the weekday schedule is flexible with advance notice. Position may require some evening hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.

1. On-Site sales: promote sales, answer questions, ring up sales using point-of-sales system. Provide customer service and relay special customer and vendor issues to the Store Manager or Retail Director as appropriate. Assure that store merchandise is attractively displayed and well stocked. Assure that the store appearance is neat and orderly. This includes maintaining supplies, dusting and sweeping, and alerting the Manager or Director when supplies are needed. Reconcile cash drawer at the end of the day. Background check required.
2. Mail and Web Order sales: Answer and process phone, mail, and website orders. Pull, pack, and ship orders. Update customer databases when necessary.
3. Assist in the Receipt of New Merchandise: Unpack, receive (compare invoices to purchase orders), and prepare merchandise for display and sale in the Store.
4. Promote memberships, gift certificate sales, and other special Development sales: Handle membership applications. For other donations, introduce customer to appropriate Development staff person.
5. Public Programs & Special Events: As requested, assist with sales at programs events, such as member receptions, book signings, special Museum events, etc.
6. Office Administration: Light office duties, data entry, making copies, filing, typing, etc.
7. Other duties:
   • Participate in annual inventory.
   • Store staff is required to be available for Black Friday weekend.
   • Be familiar with virtual content available and current exhibitions and programs at the Museum.
   • Interact with and motivate volunteers.
8. Staff members must be able to work with visitors of all ages to support the various events sponsored by the Museum. Each staff member will be expected to work on a minimum of three museum-wide events per year:
   • JANM's Gala & Online Auction(off-site) typically held in the Spring (April-May)
   • JANM's Oshogatsu Family Festival (usually 1st Sunday in January)
   • JANM's Natsumatsuri Family Festival (Saturday in August)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions outlined above.

Education

High School Diploma preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience/Knowledge

At least 2 years of retail or front-line customer-facing experience. Prior Museum or non-profit experience working with volunteers is preferred. Experience with taking phone orders, processing online sales, and shipping packages is strongly preferred. Willingness to learn and apply new skills. Strong proofreading skills. Professional phone manners are essential. Ability to discern how to prioritize, plan, and manage tasks according to firm deadlines, clearly communicate delays, and respond to requests in a timely manner is required. Being able to work well in a team as well as working independently is imperative. Demonstrated commitment and flexibility in order to ensure a high level of quality service. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises. Knowledge of Japanese American history and culture is a plus. Familiarity with the Little Tokyo community is beneficial.

Communication

Has excellent communication and negotiation skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Is able to read, write, and comprehend routine reports and correspondence, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Is able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group format and large group format.

Computer

Is computer literate, Internet savvy, and experienced with MS Office (Excel and Word required) and Google Workspace is strongly preferred. Familiarity with POS systems and Shopify Online preferred. Familiarity with Altru and Asana is beneficial. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.

Math

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning

Ability to act on own initiative, making consistently sound decisions. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload. Ability to make practical decisions and solve problems, adapt to change, and communicate effectively. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and articulate challenges and request support where needed. Reliable follow-through on assigned projects in a complete, well-conceived, and timely manner.

Physical

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 use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

All Employees are required to be up to date on the COVID-19 vaccinations and boosted with the bivalent (Fall 2022) dose when eligible.

The Store Associate is a regular, part-time position. Please note, however, that this is an at-will position, meaning that your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. There is, in other words, no guarantee that you be employed until any date in the future.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To: Store Operations Manager and Director of Retail

Positions Supervised: None, but works closely with Store volunteers

Salary Range

$19.54 per hour

Japanese American National Museum