Director of Bookstore

Housing Works • New York, NY

56d • $90,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Director, Housing Works Bookstore serves as the creative lead for all Bookstore business segments and provides strategic direction. The Director is responsible for the Bookstore’s consumer experience and profitability, presenting a coherent vision and implementing activities to achieve strategic goals. The role drives consumer engagement and fundraising, develops new and expanded businesses that leverage the uniqueness and prime location of the space, and oversees the Bookstore’s volunteer program. The Director is part of the senior management team of Business Enterprises and works closely with the SVP of Retail, Digital Strategist, Asset Protection Manager, and Thrift Administrative Team.

The position leads business planning, marketing, sales, private and public events, food and beverage strategy, client relationships, operations, staffing, volunteer and internship programs, inventory, merchandising, partnerships, and sponsorships. It uses metrics and experiments to improve results and meet KPIs, and promotes fundraising and social enterprise values. Compensation is $90,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 8 to 10 years minimum experience in managerial-level event execution and/or sales and service within the hospitality business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Salesforce.
• Knowledge of some human resources principles.
• NYS TIPS Certification.
• NYC Food Protection Certificate.
• High energy, a sense of urgency, and a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude; ability to work effectively in a lean structure with a small, focused team.

Nice To Haves

• College degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual business plans with the SVP of Retail and/or Bookstore Board of Directors to meet or exceed monthly revenue and profitability goals, adjusting strategic initiatives as needed.
• Develop a marketing strategy and oversee sales across all business segments.
• Evaluate private and public venue events and rentals for profitability, adjust strategy as appropriate, and maintain a positive, customer-focused experience consistent with the Housing Works brand.
• Develop and oversee daily food and beverage strategy and ensure compliance with applicable health codes and laws.
• Coordinate the Bookstore Cafe calendar, leads, referrals, holds, and availability with the retail and marketing administrative team for events and promotional campaigns.
• Ensure client inquiries are handled from lead through final contract signing, and track and report inquiries that do not result in sales as well as completed contracts.
• Oversee and support negotiations and unresolved disagreements with consumers and clients.
• Supervise Bookstore Cafe operations, logistics, branding, and event execution, including staffing, staff and volunteer training and development, inventory management, sales, and merchandising.
• Use metrics and experiments to improve performance and meet KPIs, including customer service scores, conversion rates, revenue, email customer base growth, average sale, average unit, average selling price, and event profitability.
• Develop revenue-generating partnerships and sponsorships that elevate the brand and bring new audiences to the space.
• Oversee all aspects of the volunteer program for the Bookstore and Thrift shops, including internal internship programs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships and communication with vendors, clients, customers, and internal support teams.
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train the bookstore management team; ensure alignment with organizational goals and direction and conduct progressive counseling as necessary.
• Streamline food and beverage inventory purchases to maximize revenue while minimizing investment costs, and ensure inventory controls comply with established policies and procedures.
• Complete ROI reporting on events within the established time period.
• Work with the In-Kind team to improve scheduling, collection, and delivery of donations from corporate and individual donors.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through training meetings, sessions, and independent study.
• Promote a culture of fundraising and giving while embracing social enterprise values.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor, CRO, President, and Thrift Shop board members.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from; Housing Works covers most of the plan, with employee contributions based on salary.
• Paid time off accrual begins immediately, with up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• Educational benefit available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and textbooks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: High school or GED