Bookstore Sales Associate

Position requires providing exceptional customer service to all customers and members—including first-time visitors and guests--through sales of books, healthcare products, information and gifts related to topics in the Cayce readings. Position requires a highly motivated, energetic and enthusiastic person, dedicated to the ideals and goals of the A.R.E. and the A.R.E. Bookstore. Serving the public by greeting visitors, answering telephone inquiries in a cheerful, positive manner; provide information on Bookstore merchandise, as well as memberships, programs and other services offered by A.R.E.

Evening and weekend availability required.

Job contingent upon satisfactory passing of background security check.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Provide excellent customer service to visitors, customers, and conferees.
• Assist customers by answering questions and recommending titles and products that may be of interest.
• Become knowledgeable with subjects, titles (especially Edgar Cayce related,) and products offered in the Bookstore.
• Responsible for the accurate handling of cash and credit card transactions.
• May open and close bookstore, balance cash drawers, and print daily reports.
• Regularly check bookstore voicemail, email, and social media for customer messages and reply in a timely manner.
• Pay attention to frequent customer requests or questions to notice trends and pass those on to management.
• Shelve books and keep stock neat and in proper sections.
• Price, display, and shelve products as they are received in the store.
• Keep store sales floor, sales counters, and back room clean and orderly.
• May receive and process mail orders and special orders by telephone and in person.
• Prepare customer purchases for shipping when requested.
• Keep up-to-date and knowledgeable on all A.R.E. programs, services and activities.
• Periodically spot-check inventory to ensure accuracy of computer database.
• Other related duties, activities, and responsibilities as needed

Required Education and Experience:

• High school education or equivalent.
• Twelve months of retail or related experience required.
• Computer-related experience or training preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills
• Highly self-motivated and creative
• Strong customer service skills required; must be knowledgeable, helpful, and congenial with visitors, coworkers, students, faculty, and other professionals
• Strong skills in tactfulness, diplomacy and objectivity required with ability to maintain professional sales demeanor;
• Excellent problem solving skills required; ability to identify potential problems and resolve situations tactfully and promptly;
• Must be well organized, detail-oriented, accurate and able to handle multitasking with ease;
• Ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently;
• Work requires analytical ability, a high degree of accuracy, close attention to detail.
• Knowledge of philosophy and acceptance of the key principles in the Edgar Cayce readings, particularly kindness, active patience and a service orientation desired.
• Ability to process merchandise/information through computer system to include POS register system
• Ability to represent the A.R.E. (our purpose, work, and administration, staff, volunteers, Board and membership) in most positive light is essential, as position regularly interacts with first-time visitors and guests.
• Ability to work a schedule that includes nights/weekends and/or extended hours that may result in long days during special events;
• High degree of emotional intelligence and maturity -- demonstrating adaptability, engagement, and enthusiasm is required.
• A good sense of humor

Special Job or Training Demand

• Job contingent upon satisfactory passing of background security check;
• Must be neat and clean in appearance and must wear appropriate business attire;
• Evening and weekend availability required; ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Scope and Impact of the position: 

• Position regularly interacts with visitors, coworkers, students, faculty, other professionals, and all levels within the organization.
• Front-line position that directly impacts the bookstore and the organization from a professional level, public relations image and revenue accountability

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to perform physical activities, i.e. stock shelves, move books/merchandise (up to 20 lbs. unassisted); bending, standing, climbing and walking.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time for the majority of workday is required;
• Ability to move between buildings on uneven ground and to use staircases in historical buildings without elevators is required.

Equal employment opportunity for all is an essential philosophy at the A.R.E. and throughout the organization, including Atlantic University, Edgar Cayce Foundation, Cayce/Reilly School of Massage, and the A.R.E. Health Center and Spa.  We will evaluate all applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, color, veteran status, non-disqualifying disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At A.R.E., we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job. This job description outlines the typical functions of the position, and employees with disabilities can perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations. We will provide accommodations unless doing so would cause an undue hardship for the employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of disability. It is the responsibility of the employee to notify their supervisor or Human Resources of the need for an accommodation.