University of Tennessee, Knoxville · 4 months ago
Director of Business Development and Brand Engagement - UT Southern
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville is seeking a Director of The Nest to oversee operations of UT Southern's new campus spirit shop. This role involves managing retail strategy, vendor relations, and providing support for marketing and branding initiatives to ensure a consistent visual identity.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Lead and cultivate a positive team culture
Maintain an industry-leading level of customer service
Manage and support student workers staffing the spirit shop
Provide support, training, and resources to all spirit shop staff
Develop and sustain a robust student worker training program
Ensure compliance with security protocols, sales procedures, record-keeping, and other necessary operations
Document and update all processes and job duties in a comprehensive operations manual
Focus on retail sales, profitability, inventory management, forecasting, trend purchasing, and vendor management
Strive for optimal economic performance through strategic best practices
Record, benchmark, and report the spirit shop’s financial performance to division leadership and the team
Produce periodic financial statements and reports
Establish annual revenue, expense, and capital budgets within University guidelines
Be available for after-hours work, including weekends, holidays, and campus events
Create and promote a vision statement for The Nest, aligning staff efforts with the broader mission of the University
Serve as a liaison between The Nest and University departments, fostering strategic partnerships and supporting new initiatives
Develop and manage relationships with the off-campus community
Represent The Nest and the University in consortiums and group organizations
Set and pursue annual goals for the spirit shop’s operations
Provide consultation services and expertise for campus stakeholders in need of branding and marketing materials
Manage the full creative development life-cycle for branded merchandise and related marketing collateral
Evaluate and identify internal and external resources needed for project execution
Serve as the central source for branded materials procurement and quality control
Manage vendor relationships and source new partners as needed
Collaborate on department-sponsored special events or activities, offering creative and logistical support
Develop creative solutions that enhance the visibility and success of university initiatives
Act as a marketing resource for student and departmental projects tied to The Nest
Recommend new merchandise lines and marketing campaigns based on stakeholder input and market trends
Qualification
Required
Retail management and supervisory experience, preferably in a college bookstore
Merchandising, advertising, marketing, and promotion
Accounting principles, financial statements, and budget preparation
Retail accounting systems, electronic Point-of-Sale/inventory, and e-commerce systems
Quantitative analysis (operational and financial)
Leadership and employee motivation
Technology management and project management
Report creation and data analysis
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications
Lead and collaborate effectively
Strong communication (oral, written, and listening)
High organizational skills with attention to detail
Excellent customer service and ability to work under pressure
Set priorities, make decisions, and work both independently and as part of a team
Preferred
Knowledge of the college merchandise and spirit shop industry
Experience with digital marketing and e-commerce initiatives
Experience in developing innovative programs and services
Company
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
As the state’s land grant, research-intensive institution, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a university that leads.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Recent News
Perishable News
2023-10-04
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