Professional/Administrative

Director of the Colgate Bookstore

Full Time

Finance and Administration

Colgate Bookstore

The director is accountable for the overall direction, operations, quality and financial results of the University Bookstore.

Specific accountabilities include:
- Meeting all retail operations annual budgets for revenue, cash flow, inventory and profitability.
- Ensuring appropriate supply of critical materials for campus procurement, e.g. textbooks and computer equipment.
- Fair pricing, meeting all labor standards and maintaining positive relationships in the community.

Responsible for the effective supervision of staff as assigned. Ensures selection and hiring of high quality employees; ensures appropriate distribution of work assignments and high quality of employee work product; ensures fair and accurate performance assessments and feedback to include identifying areas for professional development and documenting and conducting disciplinary measures, as needed.

Responsible for ensuring fair and accurate decisions regarding employment status (hire, promotion, salary increases, termination); ensures the creation of effective opportunities and programs for employee mentoring, development and sustained performance.

Strategy/Operations

Demonstrated ability to understand market demands and set direction for the University Bookstore. Ability to manage and direct execution of all operations including buying, shipping and receiving, web operations and safety/security.

Finance/Accounting

Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets and financial projects for retail operations. Ability to perform analysis of results and prepare reports to support recommendations and decision making.

Merchandising

Demonstrated ability to acquire and display books and merchandise to meet the demands of the Colgate Community. Ability to maintain proper levels and quality of inventory to meet demands for special events (Reunion, Homecoming, sports events, Family Weekend, etc.).

Customer Service/Marketing

Demonstrated ability to identify key customer segments and communicate value of retail operations. Ability to develop marketing plans and programs to promote retail operations. Expertise in pricing.

Technical

Demonstrated ability to direct and implement a technology strategy enabling all operations of retail operations including web promotions, ordering and operations, shipping and receiving, financials, POS system and inventory (Prism).

Managerial Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of Colgate managerial processes and requirements, to include:
- Demonstrated ability to fairly and accurately assess employee performance in accordance with university practices.
- Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations, as well as university policies and guidelines related to human resources sufficient to effectively select new employees, recommend pay actions, determine employment status and initiate or approve employee changes in status.

Demonstrated ability to select, develop and retain high performing work teams, to include:
- Demonstrated skill in the development of employee skills, performance and behaviors.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively coach and communicate with employees on issues of pay, performance and development.
- Demonstrated ability to consistently identify, hire and retain high performing employees.

Personal Accountability for Results

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Effective Communication

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Change Management

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Leadership and Teamwork

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Creativity and Innovation

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Sustainability

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

• Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience in a retail setting or a degree in an appropriate discipline and a minimum of five years of retail experience.
• Must have the ability to lead, motivate and inspire effectively in a demanding face paced environment.
• Demonstrated competency in financial analysis to make business decisions, profit and loss responsibility and budget development and management.
• Familiarity with Point of Sale and inventory control software required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Must model superior customer service, be adept at problem solving.
• Knowledge in marketing and merchandising is important.
• Must have the ability and willingness to learn to operate POS systems, registers and associated software.
• Must possess strong communications skills.
• Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.

Previous higher education experience is preferred.

Internal Candidates Strongly Preferred.

2021S006Posting

No

Weekdays with occasional evenings and weekends.

03/22/2021

Yes

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Campus Safety Department will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. To obtain a copy, contact the Campus Safety Compliance Manager via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu. You may also access the report from the Campus Safety web page at: www.colgate.edu/offices/support/campussafety.