Lead Retail Sales Associate

Lead Sales Associate

FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Company Overview:   Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been called the “Smithsonian of country music,” celebrated for its broad cultural impact, educational mission, and unrivaled collection of historically important artifacts. Chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964, the Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that documents and interprets the history of country music. The Museum collects objects and archival materials that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. 

First opened in 1967 on Nashville’s Music Row, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched its current downtown location in 2001. In 2014, the Museum unveiled a $100 million expansion that doubled its footprint. The Museum now encompasses 350,000 square feet of exhibition galleries, archival storage, retail stores, and event space. The Museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and many others recorded. In addition, the Museum offers the Taylor Swift Education Center for students, teachers, and families, and dedicated performance spaces in the CMA Theater and Ford Theater, both of which regularly host nationally recognized live music and cultural events.

In 2024, the Museum was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President Joe Biden. The medal is the highest award given to artists and arts institutions by the United States government. The White House Citation, which accompanied the medal, recognized the Museum’s work, which “preserves history, honors giants of the genre, and inspires future generations to write their own songs about the American story.”

What We Offer for Full-Time Hourly Staff: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
• Competitive Pay
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Floating Holidays (2)
• Time and a Half Holiday Pay
• 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness  
• FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
• Continuing Professional Offerings
• Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
• Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more) 
• Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
• Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
• Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
• FSA and Dependent Care Options 
• Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Departmental Overview: The retail department includes 3 independent retail locations and an art gallery within the museum building, with a total of 8,800 square feet of selling space. E-commerce, wholesale and product development are key of the business. The department generates revenue through the sales of goods that provides vital operating revenue for the museum. 

Position Overview: The Lead Sales Associate’s job is to prepare the store registers for the day and close at the end of business. Alongside management, will lead a team of Sales Associates to engage with customers and guests, selling merchandise and informing customers about product features and information about CMHOF and its’ exhibits. 

Specific Job Duties: 

• Bring positive recognition to CMHOF’s brand through professionalism, enthusiastic attitude and effective communication
• Complete daily opening and closing procedures with accuracy
• Ring up guests and provide great customer service
• Maintain a tidy and organized store and restock product in down times
• Provide customer-focused service; welcome customers to the store and assist them with requests
• Manage bank deposits, balance point of sale drawers and change orders.
• Perform daily activities and tasks assigned by Keyholders and Management.
• Protect the security of cash, inventory, and other assets according to company guidelines and directives.
• Assist Management in execution of daily tasks and to maximize sales.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the merchandise, and develop product knowledge among selling staff.
• Ability to think and react in a high-energy, fast-paced environment 
• Maintain a "team-oriented" outlook.
• Innate sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Be aware of daily sales goals and encourage team to meet them.
• Communicate goals, procedures and customer service guidelines to Sales Associates.
• Ability to perform other tasks as assigned from time to time by Store Management without hesitation.
• Learn and disseminate information about Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibits and programs.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School graduate
• 1 - 2 years’ retail experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong customer service skills
• Outgoing and friendly personality
• Knowledge of country music a plus
• College degree or college courses in a related field a plus
• 1 – 2 year’s supervisory experience in a retail environment a plus

Key Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Ability to multi-task and problem solve
• Upbeat and energetic
• Weekend and evening availability
• Demonstrates empathy and a sense of ownership, actively striving to make another's experience better
• Strong communication skills (oral, written and presentation)
• Hands-on, initiator, and hard worker
• High performer, driven through self-motivation and agility
• Detail-oriented
• A team player
• Ethical, honest and accountable

Conditions of Employment:

• Punctuality and reliability
• Ability to uphold a strong attendance record.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and some holidays
• Standing required for almost entire work shift
• Bend, lift, open, and move product up to 50 pounds as needed

Notes to Applicant:

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-verify processes, as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application. 

Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.

Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers