Gift Shop Associate

Job Titles: Gift Shop Associate

Location: National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia

1166 South Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19146

Reports to: Director of Business Operations

Co-Supervises: Volunteers

Status: Part-time, Hourly (4-5 days a week, roughly 20-25 hours a week)

About these Positions

The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is looking to hire a friendly and hard-working Gift Shop Associate to oversee and help manage the day-to-day activity of the Gift Shop. Reporting to the Director of Business Operations and working with a team of volunteers, the Associate will be responsible for providing exemplary customer service on the sales floor, by phone, through e-mail, and as part of our virtual shop. The Associate will be responsible for the overall management of the Gift Shop, interacting with and helping patrons, pilgrims, and visitors before, during, and after their visit to the Shrine.

Specific Responsibilities

The Gift Shop Associate will be responsible for inventory management, display design, volunteer coordination, merchandise ordering, online sales, and helping to market the Gift Shop online.

• Provide stellar customer service to all who stop by the Gift Shop.
• Help visitors find products and answer questions about merchandise.
• Operate a cash register and process credit card purchases.
• Answer phone calls, e-mails, and other inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Keep the display cases, storage room, and areas surrounding the Gift Shop clean and organized.
• Order supplies and merchandise for the Gift Shop.
• Interact with vendors when necessary.
• Fill online orders and coordinate the shipment process.
• Price and track inventory, rotating it according to time of year, availability, and interest.
• Stock and organize all items in the Gift Shop.
• Coordinate volunteers and create a regular work schedule.
• Work with the other members of the Shrine staff to create a welcoming, hospitable environment for groups, pilgrimages, retreats, and individuals.
Creatively respond to needs as they arise.

About the Ideal Candidates

The Gift Shop Associate must have an understanding of and a passion for the mission and ministries of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia. We are looking for a hard-working professional with a warm, dynamic personality to serve everyone who visits the Gift Shop and Shrine. The Associate must have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, keep an orderly and organized workspace, solve problems, and communicate effectively with others. They must also be willing to work a non-traditional, but predetermined schedule.

Qualifications

• Appreciation and passion for the mission and ministries of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia and a sound working knowledge of the Catholic faith.
• Excellent at coordinating and organizing multiple tasks and details at once.
• Superior communication skills to express, orally and in writing, the Shrine's mission, vision, and goals with clarity, passion, and persuasion.
• Prior retail experience is a plus.
• Basic math skills and discretion in handling confidential information are required.
• Success with relationship-building and interacting with a variety of personalities.
• Experience with technology and common computer applications like Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and social media platforms is strongly preferred.
• Must be a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit, who is innovative and able to set priorities.
• Self-confidence, humility, integrity, warmth, and a flexible personal style combined with a sense of humor that will earn the respect and attention of couples.
• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic who upholds the teaching and traditions of the Catholic Church; familiarity with Shrine apostolate and Augustinians a plus.
• High School Diploma required.

For inquiries, or to be considered for this position, please submit the following information to the Director of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia at jjerome@saintritashrine.org, or mail to:

Mr. Jonathan Jerome, Shrine Director 1166 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19146

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of three references (contact information only)

About the Shrine

Our Mission & Vision

Founded in 1907 by the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is a Roman Catholic community of prayer and worship deeply rooted in Augustinian spirituality. Inspired by the life of Saint Rita of Cascia, an Augustinian saint known as a healer, reconciler, and peacemaker, the Shrine seeks to inspire people from all walks of life to live these virtues as they come to know and encounter God and others.

As we deepen awareness of the message and life of Saint Rita, as well as the ministry of the Shrine locally, nationally, and internationally, we desire to grow as a place of prayerful pilgrimage, transforming sacrament, and compassionate pastoral services of encounter.

Our Team

The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, once a parish, but no longer so, is staffed by a dedicated team of lay employees and Augustinian Friars who report to the Shrine’s Executive Director, Mr. Jonathan Jerome. Since the Fall of 2017, the Shrine has been led by a lay director who works closely with the local Augustinian pastor of a nearby parish, and reports to the Prior Provincial and his council, who serve as the Shrine’s Board of Directors.

Our Location

The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is comprised of an Upper and Lower Shrine. The Upper Shrine was completed in 1915 and serves as a gathering place for major liturgical celebrations throughout the year. The Lower Shrine was rededicated in 2000 and serves as a peaceful place of pilgrimage, prayer and reconciliation for people from throughout the world on a daily basis. The Shrine is located one mile from City Hall on Broad Street in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For more information about the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, please visit: www.saintritashrine.org