Director of Retail Operations

West Point Association of Graduates•West Point, NY

1d•$92,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The mission of West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) is to “Serve West Point and the Long Gray Line.” WPAOG is both the alumni association and foundation for the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. Our vision is to ensure the Long Gray Line remains the most highly connected alumni body in the world. USMA is renowned as the world's preeminent leadership development institution. The student body, or Corps of Cadets, numbers 4,400, and each year approximately 1,000 cadets graduate and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. The West Point Association of Graduates is seeking an executive to direct in-store and Internet retail operations. The successful applicant will have responsibility for a $2.0M revenue stream and highly regarded gift shop operation with the expectation of significantly growing its profitability to above $2.5M within 24 months. The incumbent will participate in reviewing and refining the business model, adjusting business processes, partnering with agencies at West Point, and updating the product line in alignment with the West Point and West Point Association of Graduates’ brands. The gift shop is a major revenue source for the Association; however, just as important is the affinity service it provides to the Association’s 50,000 members, their families, the West Point community, and thousands of friends of the United States Military Academy. The sale of affinity items is one element in the Association’s comprehensive brand-projection strategy, which supports the Association’s overall engagement strategy. The successful applicant will have an established track record in brand-oriented retail; success in building an Internet channel; a true eye for product design—creative vision and a passion for the details that create product appeal and enhance the institutional brand. Familiarity with the Celerant point of sales/inventory management system will be helpful, as well as an understanding of fundamental retail metrics and inventory control strategies. The West Point Association of Graduates is located on the grounds of the Military Academy, and the alumni center is among the iconic venues at this national institution. The gift shop team is supported by a professional communications and marketing, finance, and advancement services (i.e., database operations) teams. The West Point Association of Graduates offers a superb, cooperative working environment. Success in this exciting position will require a professional who delights in taking responsibility for a business, working as a part of a collaborative team, and dedicating the hours required to building a high-performing operation. There will be significant seasonal work requirements during evening and weekend hours, when alumni are visiting West Point or attending functions in the alumni center.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, sales, marketing or merchandising preferred and a High School diploma is required.
Three to five years of retail experience to include experience as a store manager is preferred.
Great customer service skills and a pleasant, professional demeanor are required.
The incumbent must live within commuting distance of West Point.

Nice To Haves

established track record in brand-oriented retail
success in building an Internet channel
a true eye for product design—creative vision and a passion for the details that create product appeal and enhance the institutional brand
Familiarity with the Celerant point of sales/inventory management system
understanding of fundamental retail metrics and inventory control strategies