Position: Retail and Compliance Manager

Status: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt

Department: Finance & Administration

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Salary: $58,500.00 to $65,000.00 per year

Description:

The Retail and Compliance Manager at Paul Smith's College oversees all aspects of retail operations.

Paul Smith’s College’s campus is home to The Mercantile, a unique retail experience that blends the tradition of the original Paul Smith’s Hotel, which opened in 1859 as one of the earliest and most luxurious of the great Adirondack resorts, with modern merchandising and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Paul Smith’s Visitor’s Interpretive Center (VIC), located on the North Campus, showcases the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and provides unparalleled opportunities to view, hear, photograph, and enjoy nature, with 25 miles of trails which weave through woodland and marshland, by ponds, brooks, and bogs. The Heron’s Nest at the Paul Smith’s VIC offers a wide range of merchandise including books, shirts, hats, snacks, beverages, and products made by local artists and craftspeople.

This role goes beyond managing a bookstore and a gift shop; it represents an extension of the college’s marketing, hospitality, and community engagement efforts. The manager serves as a brand ambassador first for students, as well as faculty, alumni, and the local community, ensuring that our retail outlets reflect and amplify the authentic Adirondack experience and the Smitty spirit for all visitors.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operations: Oversee store operations including purchasing, merchandising, inventory, sales, and accounting. Ensure compliance with standards, laws, and policies. Set goals, manage finances, and build a high-performing team.
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Build opportunities for student and alumni involvement in entrepreneurial initiatives through the Mercantile and Heron’s Nest, fostering hands-on learning and promoting locally made and student-crafted products.
• Marketing & Branding: Amplify the college's heritage and Adirondack roots by curating a distinct, authentic retail experience. This includes establishing a robust online presence that reflects the college's brand and spirit.
• Customer Engagement: Epitomize the welcoming Smitty spirit by creating a dynamic retail environment that embodies hospitality, offering an exceptional experience to students, faculty, alumni, and the community.
• Collaboration: Act as a bridge between academic and retail functions, ensuring that required textbooks and supplies are available to support the academic mission of the college, and collaborating with faculty on curriculum-related materials, as well as the Heron’s Nest retail shop at the VIC.

Qualifications and Preferences:

• Ability to oversee and manage day-to-day operations of The Mercantile, and collaborate with the VIC General Manager at the Heron's Nest.
• Strong customer service focus and excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of merchandising principles and best practices.
• Experience in retail operations including inventory management, pricing, managing retail sales equipment (e.g., point of sale),
• Understanding marketing and branding strategies and tactics.
• Ability to work occasional weekends or evenings to accommodate College events and deadlines.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

This full-time, exempt position is key to maintaining the legacy of Paul Smith’s College’s historic hospitality, while looking toward the future by promoting sustainability, local business, and community.

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V