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Retail Buying Assistant, Cornell Retail Services

Cornell University
26 million in annual retail sales.
United States, New York, Ithaca
Jan 14, 2026
Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic, and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters, including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations, including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

As a dynamic hub of the Cornell University campus, a recognized national leader in collegiate retailing, and a self-funded enterprise, Cornell Retail Services strives to deliver legendary customer service and quality products to meet the needs of the Cornell Community. In service of Cornell students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors, the Cornell Retail Services team leads a multi-channel retail business, including a 22,000 sq. ft. flagship campus store, three e-commerce sites, and satellite store locations throughout the Ithaca area, ultimately producing $26 million in annual retail sales.

Within the Cornell Store, the merchandise and inventory planning team has oversight of a broad selection of product categories throughout multiple brick-and-mortar stores and online channels. Merchandise categories include emblematic clothing and gifts, food and perishables, art and general supplies, non-emblematic gifts and accessories, convenience items, dorm supplies, and academic materials. This buying team plays a critical role in determining what products the stores will carry and what items our customers need.

Under the general direction of the Manager of Retail Buying, the Retail Buying Assistant will support the procurement of general merchandise for The Cornell Store, branch store locations, and the e-commerce website. This includes selecting products, negotiating terms, developing pricing strategies, and achieving established financial objectives to increase revenue. This position also assists with managing product selection for the e-commerce website by evaluating sales performance, developing seasonal merchandise assortments, identifying trends, determining the timeliness of merchandise deliveries to maximize sales performance and achieve customer satisfaction, and maintaining inventory to minimize markdown liabilities.

A successful Retail Buying Assistant will:

  • Multitask and work effectively with both customers and clients

  • Develop and implement process improvements to streamline efficiencies and/or reduce costs.

  • Gather, analyze, and effectively utilize internal and external data to make appropriate ordering and pricing decisions.

  • Work collaboratively with other functional departments within The Cornell Store organization to support merchandising and product strategy in coordination with Retail Store Managers.

Required Qualifications

  • Associate's degree with at least 2 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong focus on customer service.

  • Experience with Microsoft Office software (especially MS Excel) and previous experience with retail inventory management and ordering systems including Point-of- Sale (POS) software is critical.

  • May occasionally need to lift and/or move 10-20 pounds.

  • Must be willing to travel and be able to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

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

Preferred Qualifications

  • Additional education and/or experience (beyond 3 years) specifically in the retail or college store industry

  • Experience with emblematic apparel and gifts, convenience items, supplies, perishables, and other merchandise categories.

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

University Job Title:

Sales Asst IV

Job Family:

Auxiliary Services

Level:

D

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$26.00 - $30.05

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Jana English

Contact Email:

jb853@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience

  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

  • Unique applicable skills

  • Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-01-14
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