Applications are being accepted for a Retail Clerk III (Course Materials Specialist) position in the Ichabod Shop. This position reports to the Assistant Director, Ichabod Shop. This position reports to the Assistant Director, Ichabod Shop.
Ring up sales, provide cross-departmental sales support, locate merchandise, make sales suggestions, facilitate special orders, and provide information and product knowledge to provide exceptional customer service to customers and exceed their sales/service expectations whenever possible.
Work with faculty and/or educational departments in person, via e-mail or telephone to determine course material needs for future semesters and to promote the textbook rental program. Follow up as necessary to discuss issues that develop including edition changes, no adoption, out of stocks, etc.
Determine quantities, identify suppliers and place orders with publishers/distributors, scheduling shipping dates as appropriate to ensure books are received as needed. Working with receiving and invoice documents, verify the receipt of orders, and communicate with companies to resolve discrepancies. Follow up with suppliers as needed to verify shipping dates, resolve issues that prevent timely delivery, etc. Work with distributors and the Ichabod Shop's Receiving Specialist to return unsold/unused textbooks or buybacks. Verify agreement between return lists and credit received, working with suppliers to resolve discrepancies.
Establish processes, train staff and monitor the operation of textbook pre-orders, sales, returns and buybacks. Work with student-customers, staff and vendors as necessary to resolve unusual or difficult issues. Review and update pre-order forms and make forms available for hard copy distribution or through on-line access. Log orders as they are received for tracking, reporting and processing. Contact students who have chosen to charge pre-ordered books to obtain card information. Verify availability of Financial Aid funds for students who have chosen Financial Aid to cover textbook costs. Set up billing accounts as needed and appropriate to honor students' choices.
Produce fliers; post signage; draft notices and information for inclusion on the Ichabod Shop web site; identify, plan and implement other promotional activities to market course material sales, adoptions, buybacks and special events to WU faculty and students. Create book displays, organize and stock shelves, place signage and shelf tags to attract customer attention and help students locate course materials. Working with other Ichabod Shop staff, plan and host special events for faculty to acquaint them with Ichabod Shop services, obtain feedback regarding their needs and expectations, and establish stronger working relationships that will enhance relationships and facilitate continuous customer service improvement.
Establish and maintain inventory, conducting semester and fiscal year-end inventory counts to track sales and returns and to use as a basis for financial record-keeping and reporting. Maintain adequate and accurate course material inventory levels to meet sales forecasts and maintain returns to minimize inventory without sacrificing sales and service.
Determine staffing needs for day-to-day course material operations and special events; work with other Ichabod Shop staff to schedule employees and student workers and ensure coverage for events. Establish and post a course materials operations calendar for reference during planning in the course materials area and by other departments.
Attend conferences and training events, participate in webinars, read industry journals and publications to stay apprised of industry developments. Assess and incorporate new practices and technologies into the course material area to minimize costs, respond to changing needs and support the Ichabod Shop’s and University's mission. Establish and develop strong professional relationships with faculty, staff and students and draw upon their feedback to identify needs and interests relative to the course material area.
Provide assistance and support to other areas within the Ichabod Shop to assist in planning and organizing, coordinating and staffing all Ichabod Shop events and activities. Open and/or close the Ichabod Shop, working days, evening and Saturday as scheduled to provide coverage and assistance during store operating hours.
Perform other duties as requested and/or assigned.
REQUIRED: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Two years of experience in a retail environment. One year of buying experience. Six months of experience using a computerized inventory system. Six months of supervisory experience. Ability to move and/or maneuver materials and packages weighing as much as 40 pounds. Attention to detail, negotiation skills, persistence/follow-up and communication skills.
PREFERRED: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Buying experience in a bookstore environment. Work experience in a college or university environment.
Submit a completed Washburn University Employment Application (available at www.washburn.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/forms) to getajob@washburn.edu or to Washburn University Human Resources, 263 Morgan Hall, 1700 SW College, Topeka, Kansas 66621. RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Review of applications will begin May 6, 2013, and continue until a suitably qualified candidate has been identified. Entry rate is $10.17 per hour. Excellent fringe benefits package. Employment at Washburn University may be conditioned upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
TO ENRICH EDUCATION THROUGH DIVERSITY, WASHBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. CANDIDATES FROM UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
4-26-13