Associate

Focus on the Family has nearly 700 employees who work to achieve the mission of enriching the lives of families, engaging the culture, advocating for life, and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Focus Bookstore, located in Holland Michigan, provides hand-picked resources to help families navigate the journeys of marriage, parenting, and the development of a relationship with Christ at any stage of life. Join our team where the work is meaningful, the culture is rewarding, and the purpose is eternal.

The Bookstore Associate position exists to assist constituents, customers, and staff in selecting and purchasing appropriate resources to match their needs, provides a high level of customer service that represents the mission and values of Focus on the Family, maintains the professional appearance of the sales floor and Point of Sale area; requires general supervision referring difficult questions to management as needed.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Represents the ministry of Focus on the Family to the visiting constituency, local customers, and staff
• Assists constituents/customers with product selection in person and via telephone
• Handles questions and customer situations in a poised and confident manner knowing safety and security procedures
• Maintains an ongoing and thorough knowledge of all products: Christian retail market and FOF branded resources
• Maintains on going product knowledge of all in-store specials/promotions and premiums offered through FOF magazines and radio broadcasts
• Requires extensive knowledge of new products that arrive on an ever-changing large sales floor
• Processes sales transactions accurately and efficiently using Bookstore Manager Point of sales software system
• Prepares product for display, unpacking shipments and labeling
• Places “special” orders for customers using the Bookstore Manager point of sale computer software
• Maintains and merchandises product on the sales floor while utilizing retail merchandising/display principles
• Assists in identifying new and innovative ways to display and merchandise product

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• May identify inventory needs and communicate needs to management
• Attends regular staff meetings
• Performs other duties as assigned

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a Post Offer Prehire Physical exam
• Occasional holiday and weekend work is required
• Retail bookstore—10,000 sq. feet
• Ability to stand or walk throughout entire work shift, stooping, kneeling
• Repetitive motion—keying sales transactions
• Ladder work with required training
• Some Holiday work required
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Character/Spiritual:
Exemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us...”

Pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus; adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith; upholds Focus on the Family's ministry in prayer

Prays personally for Focus on the Family’s staff and constituents and may occasionally lead in a public prayer

Engages in Christian ministry

Demonstrates behaviors aligned with FOF core values

This role is considered a Spokesperson for Focus on the Family and should represent Focus’ position and tone at all times

Personal Characteristics:

• Approachable, articulate, detail-oriented
• Personable, friendly, courteous, and outgoing personality
• Self-motivated, able to work without close supervision
• Creative, flexible, quick learner, team - oriented

Knowledge/Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 1-3 years of experience in retail
• In-depth knowledge of FOF mission, philosophy, and values

Skills, Abilities, and Special Talents/Gifts:

• Ability to handle ever-changing atmosphere of retail environment
• Ability to transcend personal issues to be an excellent representative of FOF at all times
• Ability to empathize with and calm agitated constituents/customers
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office
• Basic understanding of Bookstore Manager Point of Sales software or equivalent
• Ability to multi-task
• Excellent communication (listening and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Basic organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-function team environment
• Ability to operate point of sales system and standard office equipment (adding machine, multi-line telephone, etc.)
• Good presentation skills (presenting or explaining product)
• Flexible in work scheduling and workload, including working on Saturdays
• Ability to describe product in a competent manner
• Strong understanding of the various FOF ministries and how they impact one another
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to accurately handle money transactions and reconciliations
• Aptitude for handling unique situations
• Discretion in handling confidential information
• Integrity in handling cash

Pay Range: $16 to $18.25/hr

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

• Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove any age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume. 2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications.

Focus on the Family puts a high value on our team members and offers a unique benefit package.

Employees scheduled for 20 hours or more per week are eligible for:

• Norton LifeLock ID Theft Coverage
• Legal Shield/ID Shield Coverage
• AFLAC
• 403B Retirement Plan
• Vacation Time & Vacation Payout
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Service Awards
• Community Service Days
• Bookstore Discount
• Fitness Center

Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more per week are eligible for all the above and:

• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Warehouse Membership Reimbursement

Note: This is a summary and should not be construed as future promises to continue to provide benefits as outlined above. For complete and definitive language, refer to the governing plan documents.

• Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits, except for:
• Sick Time
• Bookstore Discount
• Fitness Center

Tentative Search Timeline:

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by October 2, 2025. However, this posting will remain open until filled.
• The potential employee start date is October 16, 2025.

Posting date: September 16, 2025
Unposting date: ongoing until filled
Posting contact email: [email protected]

Helping Families Thrive in Christ! Focus on the Family is a 501c3 Christian Non-Profit Ministry