Retail Opener/Closer - Gift Shops (Part-TIme)

About The Kennedy Center

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. 

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

Candidates must be able to work on Sundays and be able to work 3 shifts per week including 2 evening shifts. Must have flexible schedule to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as determined by the needs of the business.

The Kennedy Center Retail Operations includes two stores, concessions, trunk shows, pop-up satellite shops, off-site events, and festivals.  As a senior sales associate, you will use your advanced knowledge of sales, merchandise, performances and the Kennedy Center to provide best-in-class customer service and mentor other staff, creating a memorable experience for guests and exceeding their expectations.  

Openers/Closers are responsible for customer service, sales, personalized shopping, replenishing merchandise and restocking displays, opening and closing the shop, mentoring staff and related retail duties in the Gift Shop. Position requires the ability to engage our diverse Gift Shop customer by communicating the features and benefits of our unique merchandise. This position will also provide excellent front-line service by answering questions about and enthusiastically promoting the Kennedy Center.

Qualifications include a strong record of accomplishment exceeding sales goals, mentoring and training staff, high energy level and strong interpersonal skills; enjoy working as part of a team, strong organization skills and ability to multi-task in a fastpaced high-volume sales environment. In addition, interest in our unique products including KC branded and performance merchandise, and jewelry/fashion-related gifts, and an interest in the performing arts, plus previous retail and cash handling experience is desired.

You will use an iPad and web-based POS system to process sales, lookup product information and request needed products for replenishment. You will ensure the Shops are clean and supplies and merchandise are fully stocked, and displays follow visual plano-grams and include informative signage.  

You will assume an area of product responsibility and be able to answer questions and relay information to Managers and Buyers about products in your area.  

Key Responsibilities

• Greets and acknowledges all customers entering the shop or sales location, or on the phone. Learns customers shopping purpose. Positively engages with customers regarding merchandise in the store, highlighting new and unique merchandise, providing product knowledge, and selling unique products and gifts, adding-on items to transactions with the goals of increasing average sales and units per transaction. Mentors and assists with training and developing new and current sales associates.
• Processes payments at POS efficiently and accurately, utilizing strong knowledge of all POS functions to include returns, voids, discounts, gift certificates and send-sales, in addition to cash and credit card sales. Performs advanced procedures and authorizations in the POS system in the absence of Managers/Supervisors/Lead. Ensure cash accuracy and accountability, so that drawer funds match end of day reports, make and as needed fulfill requests for change, and perform cash reconciliation.
• Maintains an area of inventory responsibility, becoming knowledgeable about products in your area, sharing knowledge with other staff for the purpose of selling more products and answering customer’s product questions. Share helpful information with Managers and Buyers about products (damages, best-sellers, out-of-stock merchandise, customer requests and preferences, etc.). Assists with cycle counts and physical inventory preparation, inventory taking and reconciliation.
• Requests needed merchandise from the warehouse, process transfers, replenish merchandise, and receive and monitor stock. Perform daily housekeeping duties including dusting, glass cleaning, filling and maintaining displays and back-stock, and maintaining general store, cash wrap and back-stock cleanliness and organization.
• Open and Close the Shop and supervise daily schedule, breaks and escalated customer service needs in the absence of the Managers/Supervisors/Lead. Demonstrate knowledge of store policies and procedures and Kennedy Center mission and values.

Key Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent required
• Must have 4+ years retail sales, cash handling, and customer service experience or equivalent as determined by management
• Ability to learn requirements of the job such as POS functions, product information and location of merchandise, Kennedy Center history and knowledge of current performances
• Experience with cash handling and reconciliation procedures
• Proficiency using POS systems and high-degree of comfort with technology and ability to quickly learn new systems (Apple iOS, Square, electronic timekeeping, etc.)
• Enjoys working as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Ability to work varied shifts, including evenings until 11 pm, weekends, and holidays in coordination with performance times and to meet business needs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time (5 hours), to walk frequent short distances, to climb stairs, to lift up to 20 pounds, and to push carts of merchandise.