Director of Bookstore

Housing Works • New York, NY

23h

About The Position

The Director, Housing Works Bookstore serves as the creative lead for all Bookstore business segments and provides strategic direction. The role is responsible for the consumer experience and profitability, presenting a coherent vision, and implementing activities to achieve strategic goals. The Director drives consumer engagement and fundraising and develops new and expanded businesses that make use of the venue’s distinctive space and prime location. The position also oversees the volunteer program, which serves the largest volunteer segment among Housing Works businesses.

As part of the senior management team of Business Enterprises, the Director works closely with the SVP of Retail, Digital Strategist, Asset Protection Manager, and Thrift Administrative Team. The position leads business planning, marketing and sales, event and venue operations, food and beverage strategy, client relationships, staff and volunteer development, inventory, partnerships, and performance measurement for the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 8 to 10 years of 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 initiatives as needed.
• Develop a marketing strategy and oversee sales across all business segments.
• Evaluate private and public venue events and rentals for profitability, and adjust strategy as applicable while maintaining a positive, customer-focused experience aligned with the Housing Works brand.
• Develop and oversee daily food and beverage strategy and ensure compliance with applicable health codes and laws.
• Coordinate with retail and marketing administrative teams on leads, referrals, holds, availability, and promotional campaigns for private and public events.
• Manage client inquiries from lead through contract signing, tracking and reporting on inquiries that do not result in sales as well as completed contracts.
• Oversee and support negotiations and resolve outstanding 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 results and meet KPIs, including customer service scores, conversion rates, revenue, email customer base, 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 the volunteer program for the Bookstore and Thrifts, 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 conduct progressive counseling as needed.
• Streamline food and beverage inventory purchasing to maximize revenue while minimizing investment costs, and ensure inventory controls comply with established policies and procedures.
• Complete ROI reporting on events within established timeframes.
• Work with the In-Kind team to improve the scheduling, collection, and delivery of donations from corporate and individual donors.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through training sessions and independent study.
• Foster a culture of fundraising and giving while upholding social enterprise values.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor, CRO, President, and Thrift Shop board members.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans, with Housing Works covering most of the plan cost and employees paying a salary-based portion.
• PTO 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