Description
The National Federation of the Blind is a membership organization of blind people from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As America's civil rights organization of the blind, the Federation is a coordinated network of skilled advocates, resources, and programs that raise expectations of the blind in society and create opportunities for blind people to live the lives they want. The staff of the Federation are central to the organized blind movement by providing support, professional expertise, and daily contributions to the success of the organization. Working under the direction of the Federation's elected President, the staff advise the organization's leadership and contribute to the vibrant, energetic, and collaborative culture of the organization that raises expectations throughout society.
The Advocacy and Policy Department of the National Federation of the Blind is responsible for assisting the President in the coordination and management of all federal legislative and regulatory advocacy; providing affiliates with state and local legislative technical assistance, strategy development and training; membership support with education, employment, and social security issues; the administration of our Independence Market; and the administration of the NFB-NEWSLINE® system.
The Independence Market Specialist functions as a key member of the National Federation of the Blind and will be responsible for providing senior program support to the Independence Market area of the Advocacy and Policy Department. This person will become the subject matter expert on the Independence Market products and ordering system.
Responsibilities
- Handle retail sales and complete financial transactions to include:
- Processing purchase orders and invoices
- Stocking retail and storage area
- Providing inventory control
- Provide quality customer service via telephone and in-person transactions
- Enter data accurately and efficiently using the Inventory and/or E-Commerce systems
- Prepare weekly Independence Market Reports
- Track deliverables, monitor progress, and enter data
- Coordinate with the Shipping Department to ship products, literature, and basic correspondence via USPS and UPS
- Respond to customer/subscriber email
- Keep up to date on products useful to the blind and make product recommendations
- Manage inventory of products in the Independence Market
- Serve as back-up person in the absence of other department staff
- Cross train other Independence Market staff
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Retail and customer service experience and the ability to interact with customers in a warm, friendly, and efficient manner
- Work with upper management including executive directors, directors, customers, and stakeholders
- Must be flexible and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with a quick turnaround
- Able to work under pressure and tight deadlines
- Strong leadership capabilities
- Enthusiasm and can motivate others in order to reach desired goals
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to grasp fundamental concepts quickly and execute tasks with little to no supervision
- Excellent oral, written, and clerical communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy in executing work assignments
- Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn other computer applications
- Excellent problem-solving skills
Preferred Skills (but not required)
- Technical writing skills
- Knowledge of non-visual access techniques
- Proficient in the use of Braille
Education and Experience
A bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, we will consider other combinations of education and experience demonstrating abilities to perform the work.
Compensation and Benefits
The pay range for this position is 40,000 to 47,000 dollars. Please go to our benefits brochure to learn about the employee benefits offered by the National Federation of the Blind.
How to Apply
We seek individuals who wish to identify with a cause and to assist in advocacy for a group long denied equal opportunity to succeed or fail based on ability, and not be denied opportunity based on society’s stereotypes.
This job is open until filled. Applicants should send, preferably via email, a résumé and cover letter indicating salary requirements to: Human Resources, National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone 410-659-9314, ext. 2488; fax 410-685-5653; email [email protected].
The National Federation of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, all terms and conditions of employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, or disability. For more detailed information about our commitment to equal opportunity in employment, please email a request to [email protected].