Description

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Campus Life, the Director of the College Store and Store Experience (“Store Manager”) is responsible for managing and leading all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the College Store. This position performs a broad spectrum of functions related to the overall management of the store, but not limited to strategic planning, customer service, marketing and promotions, and data and budget analysis. This position works to develop relationships with faculty, academic departments, and students by providing leadership within the operations of the retail store. The Store Manager is responsible for communication strategies from the campus store to the HWS community regarding course materials, emblematic products, general merchandise, and technology goods. The position is also expected to be able to advise on and implement changes due to the ongoing dynamics of higher education retail. The Store Manager must also demonstrate and possess a high standard of work, organization, and prioritization. Most importantly, the Store Manager leads educational experiences of a hands-on, student advisory board including a Student CEO and project leads. The Store Manager participates in active mentorship of students employed at the store and works with Campus Life and associated faculty to facilitate successful for-credit internship opportunities.

Requirements

70% - Leadership and Academic/Student Support:

Responsible for developing, monitoring, and achieving strategic and financial goals for the College Store. Monitors and analyzes results and recommends action including revision of plans.
Keeps abreast of industry standards and higher education trends and developments. Is knowledgeable about evolving college retail developments, new marketing ideas, and changes throughout the general higher education retail industry. Maintains current knowledge of alternative delivery platforms and the associated solutions available to HWS customers.
Spearheads the development, execution, and maintenance of communication and marketing plans directed towards students, faculty, and staff. Facilitates marketing and customer service strategies to increase engagement and utilization with the College Store and the College Store eCommerce site. Approves the content of print, email, and social media communication to students, staff, and faculty of College Store promotional materials.
Administratively responsible for the campus-wide adoption process for course materials; including new, used, digital, rental, and Equitable Access textbooks. Communicates and empowers the course material program of HWS and the College Store. Works with key campus stakeholders to create dynamic course material strategies. Establishes and maintains campus and faculty relationships to ensure timely submission of course requirements, which includes visiting academic departments to ensure high visibility and connection between HWS and the College Store.
In conjunction with stakeholders, such as Communications, oversee the buying and merchandising of general merchandise and emblematic product, ensuring assortments align with the HWS brand, student preferences, seasonal demand, and financial objectives. Manages inventory investment, vendor relationships, and compliance with institutional licensing standards.
Engages student employees and student leadership in the buying and merchandising process through hands-on learning opportunities, including product selection, trend analysis, visual merchandising input, and post-season performance review, supporting experiential learning and professional development.
Maintains the highest level of customer service to HWS students, staff, and faculty populations, while being cognizant of HWS efforts in offering the lowest cost and broadest content access to students.
Coaches and communicates with the store team, including student leadership positions, about retail strategies and services. Shares technical knowledge and provides recommendations about ways to connect customers with the right solutions or products. Encourages professional development opportunities for student staff. Develops and manages staff recognition program.
Develops effective partnerships with colleagues in a variety of college offices including campus academic departments, Advancement, HWS Athletics, Office of Communications, Admissions, Campus Life, and Facilities Management.
 

30% - Financial Management:

Produces and reviews financial information and reports, including monthly profit and loss statements, financial analyses, and benchmarking data.
Maintains responsibility for all financial aspects of the College Store, including equipment, receivables, physical inventory, petty cash, and accounts payable.  This also includes managing expenses to meet financial goals.
Develops the annual budget and monthly income and expense projections.