The NPR Commons is the cornerstone of the visitor experience at NPR’s world headquarters here in Washington DC. Our premier gift shop is the destination for all things public radio and serves the fans, employees and guests of NPR Monday through Friday. We are seeking a highly motivated Retail Manager to join our team. As an ambassador of NPR, you will focus every day on creating the best experience for every visitor. In return, you will work among talented and engaged people in a highly creative environment where at least once a day someone will tell you how much they love NPR.
The Retail Manager is the frontline of the NPR retail experience and is responsible for maintaining the standard of excellence in experience in the NPR Commons. The ideal Retail Manager brings with them the enthusiasm for engaging with people and representing the NPR brand coupled with attention to detail and organizational skills to help create a meaningful experience that generates interest and traffic and maximizes revenues.
- Maintain all aspects of the NPR Commons, including opening and closing during designated operating hours (currently 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday), train and supervise Commons staff and volunteers.
- Receive all incoming inventory, restocking and maintaining the selling floor daily.
- Maintain stockroom organization, processing vendor returns as needed.
- Merchandising retail displays, creating new displays and maintaining visual merchandising standards.
- Conduct daily and monthly financial reporting, communicating goals and adhering to budgets.
- Ensure proper stock levels for all merchandise and store supplies. Communicate low stock and re-orders needed to the Operations Manager.
- Ensure proper staffing for special events and additional hours as needed.
- Assist with social media platforms and manage in-house marketing efforts for staff and special events.
- Coordinate sales at all in-store and off site special events.
- Be the voice of NPR Retail by maintaining fresh and relevant information about products, programs and services.
- Produce product descriptions and store signage.
- Works on special projects and assignments on an as needed basis for the department.
- 3+ years of retail supervisory experience required. Cash handling and retail merchandising experience and a comprehension of basic inventory controls are required.
- 5+ years of experience in customer service, retail, marketing or a related field required.
- Knowledgeable and enthusiastic about NPR.
- Strong organizational, delegating and follow-through skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to develop relationships with customers and coworkers.
- Ability to positively and proactively handle customer concerns.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks independently.
- Must have demonstrated ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, use independent judgment and take initiative.
- Must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency using both Mac and PC platforms required. Proficiency with MS Office Suite and Adobe Creative preferred with an ability to learn new software quickly.
- Ability to juggle simultaneous assignments and set priorities. Ability to deal with people in a professional, friendly manner in a deadline-driven environment.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, able to stand for extended periods of time, and must be comfortable using stepstools and ladders.
NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.