Market Associate (Grocery and Café)

Job Title : Market Associate

FLSA Status : Full Time

Reports to : Retail Manager

Work Location : Marion Barry Avenue Market (1303 Marion Barry Avenue SE)

Compensation : $21.63 - $22.95 per hour

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.

Dreaming Out Loud’s mission is to create economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized communities through building a healthy, equitable food system. We are rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise : increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low-income communities, and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family-supporting wages and build wealth. We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the “access” paradigm to a focus on community self-determination and food sovereignty. Utilizing the food system as a catalyst, we are working to create an integrated pipeline to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building for our most marginalized communities.

Position Summary

As a key team member in our community-centered market and café, the Market Associate ensures a welcoming, safe, and efficient shopping experience. This role supports day-to-day retail and café operations by maintaining clean, well-stocked shelves, delivering excellent customer service, and upholding food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Retail Operations

• Greet and assist customers to enhance the overall shopping experience.
• Answer customer inquiries regarding product locations, store policies, and promotions.
• Operate cash registers, process transactions accurately, and issue receipts.
• Provide friendly, responsive service when handling customer orders and feedback.

Store Maintenance & Inventory

Café Operations

Compliance & Safety

The duties and responsibilities contained herein are representative of the essential functions of this position. The dynamic nature of our work requires flexibility and our collaborative environment necessitates cross-functional support. Employees are expected to adapt to our ever-evolving organizational and community needs and perform other duties as assigned to contribute to Dreaming Out Loud’s success.

Required Skills and Experience

Benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity

Dreaming Out Loud Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Dreaming Out Loud complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.