Fair Trade Sales Associate

Ten Thousand Villages National Capital Area is a locally operated, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 

Our mission is to create opportunities for artisans and farmers in marginalized communities to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our market through long-term, fair trading relationships. We have been the original Fair Trade retailer in Northern Virginia since 1994. Currently we are seeking a champion of fair trade to grow with our organization to promote fair trade throughout the DC metropolitan area. 

Job Overview:

The primary role of this position is to provide customers with a unique shopping experience that creates community, promotes fair trade and maximizes sales. This Sales Associate will assist the Managing Director to expand the reach of Ten Thousand Villages Alexandria in the DC Metro Area through exceptional customer service.This Team Member must love working with people, be a natural on the sales floor and have the creativity to assist the team to grow the sales of the organization.

Specific Duties, include but not limited to: 

• Providing excellent customer service at all times
• Work with team members to effectively meet sales goals
• Help create, develop and implement creative new sales channels
• Work as part of an effective team, respecting the roles and contributions of other team members
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Managing Director

Qualifications:

• Excellent retail sales and customer service skills
• Small boutique sales experience preferred 
• Enthusiastic support of and commitment to Ten Thousand Villages mission and the principles of fair trade
• Kind, creative, self-motivated, outgoing, energetic and enjoy working with people
• Confident in arithmetic and data entry skills, including the ability to balance registers and complete bank deposit paperwork
• Working knowledge of basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and the Internet
• Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining awareness for details
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred

Physical Requirements:

• This job operates in a standard retail environment not exposed to adverse weather conditions but occasionally subject to varying temperatures. Standing for extended periods and walking for short periods of time are also required.
• This role uses standard office equipment, requires close visual acuity, frequent typing, both hearing and talking abilities, and the ability to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Responsible To: Managing Director 

Compensation and Working Hours: Part-time, non-exempt position, up to 20-25 hours per week. Hourly pay depends upon experience. Schedule will be determined upon hire and will consist of both opening and closing shifts and evening and weekend hours. Normal store hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11-5 pm.