Merchandise Coordinator - Columbia Missouri

LOCATION: Columbia MO, onsite, full-time, M - F

SUMMARY: Provide support to Procurement & Logistics Manager, field staff and vendors for merchandise development, purchasing, invoicing, promotion, and sales for Friends of NRA fundraising events across the nation. Build relationships with field staff and vendors to develop merchandising plans to optimize fundraising for events. Knowledge of and support for the mission of the National Rifle Association.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Evaluate previous order trends to create a buying schedule, within departmental guidelines, for various products including firearms. Maintain purchase order receiving schedule, in an accurate and timely manner, and assist with order placement on a weekly basis.
a. Maintain accurate BATFE state firearm restrictions for all firearms on event tracker site.
2. Review all merchandise and firearm orders, on a daily basis to ensure orders follow all department guidelines, operational procedures and meet needed ship dates.
a. Act as liaison between Field Staff and vendors within divisional guidelines, to resolve merchandise and firearms order problems including lost, damaged, incorrect or duplicate shipments in a timely manner.
b. Confirm damage, missing and not received merchandise and promptly notify the Finance team through event tracker site for event finalization.
c. Update featured product listing weekly to promote special purchases to the field and volunteers.
3. Maintain current vendor relationships while recruiting new vendors to participate in the Friends of NRA merchandise and sponsor program. Work with selection team to brainstorm and develop new products with vendors within department guidelines. Follow product development projects to completion: research with field staff, testing sales at events, and product selection.
4. Research and correct invoicing issues with vendors and the Friends of NRA accounts payable department in an accurate and timely manner.
5. Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to assist, as directed, in the development of promotional materials and online auctions of merchandise including: descriptions, photography, and proper vendor recognition.
6. Coordinate and assist, as directed, in preparations regarding the annual merchandise selection meeting. Work with the Warehouse Coordinator to track incoming samples and outgoing returns between the Friends of NRA and approximately 75 merchandise and firearm vendors in an accurate and timely manner.
7. Assist the Procurement & Logistics Manager in national tradeshow preparations as directed. Schedule meetings with current partners, prepare reports for each meeting, and research potential new vendors for the Friends of NRA program.
8. Assist, as directed, in maintaining accurate and timely inventory of merchandise and firearms at Field Operations Distribution Center, NRA headquarters, events, suppliers and vendors, utilizing the Friends of NRA event tracker site.
9. Keep adequate levels of commonly used office supplies at FODC, coordinating all associated purchases with management.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

SCOPE: High visibility with NRA staff, NRA Field Representatives, Friends of NRA volunteers and program vendors. Position functions in a fast-paced work environment with minimal direct supervision. Weekend work and national travel occasionally required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Associates degree required with 2 years office experience required. Administrative experience and relevant computer skills necessary. An understanding of and experience with firearms helpful. An understanding of purchasing, sales techniques, and inventory management desired. Salary budgeted as $60,000/year

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Excellent conversationalist, with confident and articulate speaking abilities. Excellent written communication and strong organization skills required. Accuracy and attention to detail imperative. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting set deadlines essential. Demonstrated ability to work independently or as a member of the team essential. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel required. Ability to lift and carry 30-40 lbs. required.