Director of University Campus Store

Provide strategic leadership for the University of Utah Campus Store, a $30 million omnichannel retail operation with approximately 200 full- and part-time employees, encompassing a flagship campus store, two Starbucks locations, a Health Sciences satellite store serving the University hospital complex, insignia merchandise concession locations, and integrated e-commerce channels. The Campus Store is owned and operated by the University and is part of Auxiliary Services and is expected to be self-supporting, receiving no state funds. Provide expertise for all Campus Store sales, to meet the university customers' needs. Develop and implement policies and procedures in the areas of customer service, staff management and budgetary goals and objectives in conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services. Determine and hold campus store leadership accountable for following preferred workflows that support ongoing operating improvements to achieve operational effectiveness. Work proactively and collaboratively with peers in Auxiliary Services, and at the University of Utah, including, but not limited to, Auxiliary Business Development, Trademarks & Licensing, Utah Athletics, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs, setting an example and tone for University Campus Store staff that customer service and the University of Utah's Mission & Values are forefront in day to day decision making. Direct and manage all facets of the campus store's operations, including administration of course materials through various channels, including the Utah Day One Program; oversight of technology and merchandise selection; pricing strategy; staffing and personnel development; customer service standards; financial and inventory controls; operating hours; and community engagement, in line with the University of Utah's Impact 2030.

Responsibilities

In alignment with the store vision "We Make Campus a Family," collaborate with your leadership team to create a welcoming retail environment for student, faculty, staff and fan's. Foster a culture that promotes leadership, professionalism, and provides vision and store direction in accordance with University goals and objectives. Establish long range financial, customer service and merchandise philosophy objectives that best support the University's Mission of providing excellence in education and service. Reinforce the Campus Store Mission Statement while upholding the highest standards of business ethics. Maintain a strong commitment to integrity, accuracy, and accountability in all store operations and documentation.

Lead and direct the management team by setting clear expectations and continuously monitoring and evaluating performance against established store objectives. that support operational excellence, long-term profitability, and a high standard of customer service across all channels, including insignia merchandise, technology, e-commerce, Utah Day One course material delivery, and Starbucks operations. Ensure consistent execution of best practices in cash handling, pricing, loss prevention, and customer relations. Establish and maintain internal controls for sales, accounts receivables, and payables. Provide regular updates regarding financial and operational status for University Administration. Provide strategic leadership and vision for the technology and systems that support both online and in-person store operations. Determine and hold campus store leadership accountable for following preferred workflows that support ongoing operating improvements to achieve operational effectiveness. Lead all aspects of human capital management, including hiring, compensation, retention, career development, and effective utilization of staff resources. Deliver clear direction and support by training, coaching, and guiding employees in their responsibilities; planning, assigning, and overseeing work; and recognizing performance while addressing concerns and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner. Promote and support training programs, equitable compensation practices, and a positive work environment that enhances employee performance, engagement, and satisfaction. Foster a professional, safe, and secure workplace culture.

Strengthen collaboration between the Campus Store and University departments by fostering effective communication and partnerships. Address internal and external concerns and recommendations in coordination with the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services.

Continuously assess and recommend programs, policies, and procedures that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of campus store operations, including advancements in technology, internal controls, and customer service.

Other duties and projects as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services.

Auxiliary Services Values The Following Attributes And Behaviors Of Professionalism, These Are Examples Of What Is Expected Of The Director Of This Store

• Display positive regard for others in written, verbal and non-verbal communications. Provide positive and reinforcing feedback when staff are engaged and performing well.
• Document and address performance issues with your direct reports in a timely manner, and expect that supervisors in the store do the same.
• Work effectively with colleagues, staff, and students with a respect for deadlines, collaborative problem solving, and honest communication.
• Participate in committees, working groups, and councils as assigned as a representative of Auxiliary Services and the University Campus Store.
• Build trusting relationships by acting with integrity, courtesy, and responsibility, even in the face of stress or demanding workplace conditions.
• Maintain proficiency and self improvement as needed by attending conferences, off-site meetings with peers, trainings, reading job-related materials, and meeting with others in area of responsibility.
• Understand latest trends in University settings. Make adjustments accordingly for short and long term goals.
• Dress appropriately for a workplace with frequent customer service interaction and community outreach.
• Meet all required standards of confidentiality and safety. Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Work some early mornings, extended evenings, weekends, and holidays as deemed necessary to meet store objectives of customer service and profitability.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); plus eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required.

Master's degree in Business Administration, or related area preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or equivalent plus ten years retail management experience (University preferred) and five years supervising in a retail operation; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties. Broad knowledge of retail sales operations and management, merchandising, computerized applications of Point-of-Sales; course material management; and accepted business and retail, publisher and vendor practices. Become immediately familiar or knowledgeable of related policies specific to a Campus Store at an institution of higher education. Must be proficient in the use of a computer, including the Microsoft Suite, and business systems experience with an understanding of modern retail business systems including POS, inventory management, financial reporting, data analytics, CRM, ecommerce, and marketing platforms. Experience with Oracle NetSuite is highly preferred. Must have effective verbal and written communication skills. Must be self-motivated and have the initiative to work independently to meet sales objectives, deadlines and resolve customer, employee and/or vendor issues. Experience as a member of the senior management team at a Campus Store operation at a Tier 1 Research Institution.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44729B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday-Friday 8a-5p

Department: 00435 - University Campus Store

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $135,000 - $175,000 DOE

Close Date: 5/31/2026

Open Until Filled

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/202203

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