Athletics, Background Investigation, Billing, Card Processing, Channel Marketing, Communication Skills, Customer Experience, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Establish Priorities, Financial Reporting, Financial Transactions, Fundraising, Inventory Levels, Inventory Management, Inventory Reports, Inventory Transactions, Marketing Communications, Merchandising, Operations, Operations Management, Organizational Skills, People Management, Point of Sale (POS) Systems, Pricing, Purchasing/Procurement, Reporting Skills, Retail, Retail Management, Retail Operations, Retail Software, Sales, Sales Analysis, Sales Support, Student Admissions, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Visual Merchandising
Buena Vista University is seeking an energetic, customer-focused Spirit Store Manager to lead the operations of our campus Spirit Store. This role is responsible for overseeing merchandise sales, inventory management, purchasing, pricing, stocking, invoicing, and customer service while ensuring a positive shopping experience for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and visitors. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling cash and credit card transactions with accuracy and integrity. This individual thrives in a customer-facing environment, enjoys managing retail operations, and takes pride in maintaining an attractive and well-stocked store. The position requires the ability to handle refunds and exchanges, lift and stock merchandise, and occasionally work evenings and weekends to support campus events and store needs.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage the daily operations of the Spirit Store, including sales transactions, cash handling, deposits, inventory control, and customer service
- Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student employees and interns to ensure effective store coverage during business hours and campus events
- Oversee merchandise purchasing, pricing, stocking, and visual merchandising to maintain an appealing environment
- Monitor inventory levels, conduct regular inventory counts, and ensure accurate sales, inventory, and financial reporting through retail management software
- Partner with University Marketing & Communications to promote Spirit Store merchandise through campus events, digital channels, and other marketing initiatives
- Collaborate with Athletics, Admissions, student organizations, and campus departments to support spirit wear sales, special events, and fundraising activities
- Foster a positive customer experience and maintain professional relationships with students, employees, alumni, and campus stakeholders
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy in handling sales, inventory, and financial transactions
- Knowledge of retail operations, including merchandising, inventory control, purchasing, and cash handling
- Ability to maintain accurate sales and inventory records
- Ability to train, supervise, and support student employees
- Proficiency with point-of-sale systems and basic computer applications
- Ability to analyze sales and inventory data and prepare reports
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to lift and stock merchandise and safely perform store operations
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends
Qualifications:
- Associate degree or equivalent professional experience
- 3-5 years of retail experience
- Experience with inventory management, merchandising, and supervising preferred
At Buena Vista University, you'll be part of a mission-driven community committed to student success, meaningful relationships, and the transformative power of philanthropy. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by connecting donors to the lives they help change.
A background check will be conducted on the final candidate. Buena Vista University is an EOE/ADA/Smoke-Free Employer.