Are you excited about a challenge and want to have a chance to lead the future of the Central Washington University’s Wildcat Shop as an independent college store serving students? Do you want to help us implement our exciting and new initiative: the Course Material Access Program this Fall? Do you want to have a direct impact over student success? 

This is your opportunity! We are looking for a visionary and strategic leader who knows and understands the value of the independent college store and its roll in educating current students. We are looking for someone to join our team who will be ready to bring new and innovative ideas, new leadership, and a new direction. Are you ready for the next step in your career? Are you ready for an adventure? Then come join us at Central Washington University!

We are offering a salary, depending on experience, from $71,000 - $89,000 plus excellent CWU benefits including tuition waivers, paid time off, generous retirement options, and some of the best medical, dental, vision benefits.

The Wildcat Shop Director will provide the strategic leadership necessary to administer a multi-million-dollar retail and student focused organization. The Director will lead the implementation of the new Course Material Access Program (CAP) this coming Fall and be a key partner in working with faculty, students, and library staff to achieve the best possible outcome for student learning and success.

The Wildcat Shop Director will lead all store operations in support of the mission of the University. Within that context, the primary objectives are to provide course materials, support commencement, and provide other goods and services needed and desired by students and the university community. The Director will also ensure that the Wildcat Shop is the primary distributor of the CWU brand through clothing, gift, and other sales.

The person will be a key partner with others co-located in the Student Union and Recreation Center in decision making, budget development and planning, and capital expenditures.

Leadership of this organization includes oversight of a budget close to $5 million in annual gross sales that include the main campus store in Ellensburg (18,000 square feet), online book sales to all 6 Centers, and a robust online web sales presence. The Director will lead a staff of 8 fulltime civil service employees, as well as temporary employees, and around 30 student employees.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with an emphasis in business, accounting, finance, marketing, or related field. 
• Five years progressively responsible experience in retail management.
• Leadership or management experience.
• Experience in leading and motivating employees toward a common goal.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Background in information technology systems, with particular familiarity with managing or implementing Point of Sale inventory control/online and in person sales systems.
• Ability to lead and communicate effectively a vision of success and motivate colleagues, demonstrate integrity, initiative, good judgement, and the ability to analyze a situation and adopt an independent course of action.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold institutional excellence. 
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven years progressively responsible experience in retail management in the college/university bookstore industry.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students.
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.