Visual Merchandising and Event Associate

About the Job

The Visual Merchandiser and Event Associate will be a creative and strategic professional responsible for elevating the University of Minnesota Bookstores' brand image, maximizing in-store sales, and driving community engagement. This dual-focus role blends the artistry of visual merchandising with the execution of dynamic events to create an exceptional, cohesive customer experience.

The ideal candidate will assist with planning, executing, and promoting events that align with the Bookstores mission, vision, and goals while simultaneously designing compelling visual displays and store layouts that capture customer interest and drive revenue. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing and communications to identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitive insights to make data-driven decisions regarding product placement, promotions, and event strategies. The employee must work well and adapt quickly to change in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving retail environment.

This position also assists with day to day operational support of the assigned area of responsibility to support our retail efforts to serve customers, resolve and troubleshoot issues. Assigned areas may include one or more Bookstores departments including Course Materials, General Books, Supplies, Technology, Clothing, and Customer Service. The Supervisor role encompasses work as a cross functional team member within the assigned area ensuring excellent customer service and compliance in all activities.

Location and Work environment: On-campus, main location in Coffman Memorial Union with other locations as needed.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Primary Responsibilities:

55% Visual Merchandising & Store Experience

Display Design & Execution: Create and implement compelling, on-brand visual merchandising displays, window installations, and focal points to attract customers and drive sales.

Layout Optimization: Develop and maintain store floor plans and traffic flows that optimize product exposure, enhance the customer shopping experience, maintain ADA compliance, and maximize revenue growth.

Signage & Graphics: Utilize visual elements that adhere strictly to both internal/external branding guidelines and University accessibility standards (including legible typography, high-contrast readability, and proper placement).

Brand Consistency: Create and manage brand style and merchandising guides to assist team members with uniform presentation across physical locations and web product photography.

Fixture Management: Manage fixtures including purchase recommendations, logistics, inventory, and location management.

Trend Analysis: Research and identify current fashion, retail, and market trends to ensure the Bookstores' merchandise presentation remains modern, relevant, and competitive.

25% Store Contributor

Store Coverage: Assist with retail store coverage as needed, including opening, closing, and manager-on-duty responsibilities.

Customer Service: Help ensure the Bookstores' high standard of customer service is actively being provided by staff and students.

Miscellaneous: Perform other duties and support retail programs as assigned by management.

10% Student Management

Work with the University of Minnesota Bookstore team to ensure departmental coverage and exceptional customer service standards are met

Oversee, train and coach student employees

5% Community Engagement

Execution: Assist with execution of a variety of virtual, in-person, and offsite events, author signings, and pop-up promotions around campus and the community.

Logistics & Management: Assist with day-of logistics and vendor coordination.

5% - Misc.

Miscellaneous duties as assigned and assist in all areas as needed

Essential Functions of the Position

Purposeful Communication & Facilitation: Facilitates productive meetings and maintains transparent dialogue to keep cross-functional departments informed, focused, and working in unison for upcoming visual changes, promotions, and campus events.

Inclusive Team Coaching: Mentors and engages both full-time staff and student employees to build a collaborative, high-performing workforce aligned around shared store goals.

Visual Development: Develop and execute creative visual merchandising programs, promotions, signage, and events that elevate the Bookstores brand image and drive retail sales.

Visual Standards: Guarantee that all physical and digital in-store communications are highly visible, inclusive, and fully compliant with accessibility standards.

Daily Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations and team communications to ensure high standards of customer service, store efficiency, regulatory compliance, and miscellaneous operational needs.

Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

BA/BS plus at least 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.

Experience training others and a demonstrated ability to lead.

1 year customer service in a retail environment

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and Google Software platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven experience in retail visual merchandising, window display design, sign-making, or event planning.

Familiarity with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) signage requirements, universal design principles, or basic accessibility standards in a physical space.

Strong knowledge of retail operations, spatial design, and business concepts.

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) or similar graphic design software.

Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to build relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Experience training others and a demonstrated ability to lead.

Ability to work independently, think creatively, and react quickly to market or social opportunities.

About the Department

The University of Minnesota Bookstores is committed to supporting student success at University of Minnesota Bookstores. Because the University of Minnesota Bookstores is an independent college bookstore owned and operated by the University of Minnesota, our profits are reinvested back into the campus we serve, providing financial support for facilities and programs that benefit the University of Minnesota students.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.00 to $29.50; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.