Retail Sales Specialist, Cornell Retail Services

As a dynamic hub of the Cornell University campus, Cornell Retail Services is a nationally recognized leader in collegiate retailing and a self-funded enterprise dedicated to delivering legendary customer service and quality products to the Cornell community. Serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors from around the world, our team operates a multi-channel retail business that includes a 22,000-square-foot flagship campus store, two e-commerce sites, and multiple satellite locations throughout the Ithaca area, generating more than $26 million in annual retail sales.

Join Cornell Retail Services at our Ithaca Commons location, located in the heart of the award-winning Downtown Ithaca Commons! Surrounded by more than 100 local shops, restaurants, street vendors, and year-round events, this isn't your typical retail environment. From welcoming visitors and Cornell alumni to helping local customers find their next favorite item, you'll be part of a vibrant, community-focused team in one of Ithaca's most exciting destinations. With approximately $1 million in annual sales, the Ithaca Commons location offers a fast-paced, engaging workplace where every day brings something new.

   

The Retail Sales Specialist at The Cornell Store's Ithaca Commons location plays a key role in creating a welcoming, engaging shopping experience in the heart of Downtown Ithaca. Partnering with the Store Manager, this role supports a fast-paced retail operation generating approximately $1 million in annual sales and serving local residents, Cornell students, alumni, visitors, and tourists from around the world. No two days are the same- from helping customers find the perfect item and sharing product knowledge to keeping the store visually engaging and fully stocked for busy events and seasonal traffic. In this role, you'll actively engage customers through exceptional service and sales support, operate point-of-sale systems with accuracy, maintain attractive visual merchandising displays, and assist with receiving and restocking merchandise. The Retail Sales Specialist also helps train and support student and temporary team members, contributing to a collaborative and positive workplace culture. The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with people, thrives in a dynamic retail environment, can balance multiple priorities, and takes pride in creating memorable customer experiences.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

A successful Retail Sales Specialist will:

• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage, assist, and build rapport with customers and fellow employees

• Be customer service oriented with a proactive, sales-focused mindset

• Have great attention to detail and organization in maintaining store appearance and managing merchandise

• Value teamwork and collaboration when supporting coworkers and contributing to store operations

• Be adaptable and take initiative when managing changing and competing priorities

This role requires availability on nights, weekends, and some Holidays, based on business needs.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least one year of experience in a retail environment or an equivalent combination or education and experience. College coursework, an Associate's degree or other formal training is preferred.

• Competency with computer/systems use.

• Ability to occasionally climb ladders and lift and/or move 25-50 pounds as needed.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional work experience in business management, hospitality, fashion/design, and/or other related fields.

• Prior experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful applicant will be expected to work onsite.

   

University Job Title:

Sales Asst II

   

Job Family:

Auxiliary Services

   

Level:

B

   

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

   

Pay Range: