Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

The Swarthmore Campus & Community Store is operated by Swarthmore College to serve the Swarthmore College Community. Our mission, as an integral part of the College, is to support the College's academic goals and enrich student life. The Store staff is committed to offering high-quality merchandise at fair prices, all within a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

The opportunity:

The Assistant Buyer and Point of Sale Coordinator is the Store’s point person for Point of Sale (POS) System and is responsible for its use, including item creation and maintenance.  Reconciles and processes merchandise invoices for payment.  The incumbent designs and implements merchandise displays.  Provides reliable and independent assistance in maintaining and selling course materials, supplies, and other merchandise that directly affect the educational experience of students and the relationship experience with the community.

Essential Responsibilities

• Enters and maintains merchandise items in the Point of Sale system.  Works with the Associate Director to ensure that all processes are documented. Establishes a system for item entry and purchase order receiving that ensures optimal results for searches and re-orders. Trains sales associates in use of the point of sale system as needed for item entry, merchandise receiving, and sales.  Responsible for all inventory quantity changes in the Point of Sale system.
• Buying-Works with the Director to identify items to be re-ordered and the quantity level to maintain.   Places re-orders regularly and independently. Orders technology and audio merchandise.
• Assist in selecting and purchasing merchandise that aligns with store strategies and customer preferences. Conducts market research to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive offerings.  Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to negotiate prices, terms, and delivery schedules.  Maintain strong relationships with existing vendors and seek out new vendor opportunities. Ability to travel occasionally for vendor meetings or trade shows.
• Reconciles and processes merchandise invoices for payment as needed to support the Associate Director, in particular during the two months around the start of each semester. Using TA2 textbook management software, answers textbook enquiries when the Associate Director is not available.
• Gain proficiency in backend website software (Insite) and shipping software (Pitney Bowes). Use Insite to process online orders for merchandise and textbooks as needed. Utilize Pitney Bowes for handling shipments related to online orders, customer requests, and store needs.
• Coordinates and designs merchandise displays to promote new items and increase sales, and changes displays regularly.  Works with the Director to plan flow of merchandise from displays to shelves to clearance, marking items down in the Point of Sale system as needed.  Orders, receives, prices, stores, shelves and returns merchandise and operates the cash register.
• Social Media- Develop engaging content and effective cross-promotion strategies for all Campus Store social media platforms. Coordinates with other store departments and campus organizations to promote events, new products, and sales. Stays informed about holidays, campus events, and social media trends to create timely, relevant, and engaging posts.
• Service. Provides warm and professional customer service, exhibiting that customer assistance takes precedence over administrative and merchandising tasks. Assists in phone and e-mail support. Greets all visitors in a manner that promotes a positive College-wide image. Answers questions and gives directions to provide correct information. Maintains awareness of who is in the store to provide excellent service and to discourage shoplifting.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with one year of job-related experience, preferably in customer service organization. 
• Database experience strongly preferred.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, as well as flexibility to perform duties in a position that has constant interruptions.
• Must be detail oriented and some mathematical skills needed.
• Builds successful relationships with campus and community visitors.
• Communicates and works effectively as a team member.
• Exhibits maturity, reliability, composure, and stability under pressure in order to handle on-the-job challenges.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

The market range for this position is $24.00-$26.00 per hour, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. The salary offered is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience and education of the final selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

PA Criminal Clearance Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

2026 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.