Retail and Merchandising Coordinator

SUMMARY 

The Retail and Merchandising Coordinator oversees all aspects of Leader Dogs for the Blind (LDB) retail operations, including the on-campus gift shop and online store. Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, this role builds and leads a growing volunteer team to support daily operations while overseeing merchandising, customer service and on- and off-campus shopping events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Retail Operations  

• Manages all aspects of merchandise selection, ordering and inventory management  

• Processes sales transactions and maintains POS system  

• Works with graphic designer to design branded merchandise  

• Provides excellent customer service to all shoppers  

• Conducts quarterly inventory counts and annual audits  

• Maintains organized stockroom and retail space  

• Designs and maintains attractive store displays  

• Ensures coverage for client shopping days, special events and tours  

• Hosts pop up shops at LDB, Lions Club and other events   

E-commerce Management 

• Manages Shopify-based online store  

• Creates compelling product descriptions and coordinates product photography  

• Maintains accurate online inventory  

• Oversees order fulfillment and shipping processes  

Volunteer Management 

• Recruits, selects and onboards volunteers to grow the gift shop team 

• Oversees volunteers and delegates daily operations, ensuring regular and special-event coverage 

• Trains, supports and develops volunteers to work independently 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Three years’ retail experience required.  Retail management experience; proficiency with Shopify POS and e-commerce platforms. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be on campus 3-4 days per week. 
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends for special events.  
• Knowledge and understanding of retail marketing. 
• Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• Possess excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills with acuity for detail.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work independently with little supervision.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products and general computer skills.
• Ability to interact with blind and visually impaired clients with courtesy and professionalism.
• Comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs. 
• Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.). 
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand for extended periods and talk or hear, use the phone, and reach with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason.  Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.