UMBC Bookstore

The Director of the UMBC Bookstore provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for all bookstore operations in support of the University’s academic mission and student success. This position is responsible for overseeing procurement, inventory management, accounting, marketing, e-commerce, vendor relations, and customer service functions for a complex auxiliary enterprise with an annual operating budget of approximately $4 million. The Director ensures fiscal responsibility, compliance with University and State policies, high-quality service delivery, and continuous process improvement while collaborating extensively with campus partners, faculty, vendors, and external stakeholders.

Serves as a member of the Auxiliary Services leadership team, collaborating with colleagues on departmental initiatives, events, and cross promotional activities.  As part of the Division of Administration & Finance, UMBC Auxiliary Services supports the university by providing best in class service in the areas of campus retail, dining, catering, vending, campus ID, mail services, and event center operations.  UMBC Auxiliary Services is a $20 million a year operation with 300 full-time staff members and over 300 part-time employees.

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $98,849 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.

For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Strategic, Sales & Operational Leadership
Directs all bookstore operations including retail sales, merchandising, course materials, online sales, inventory management, and customer service. Establishes sales strategies, operational goals, policies, and procedures to drive revenue growth, operational efficiency, and compliance. Oversees inventory levels to ensure appropriate stock availability, turnover, and cost control, and manages royalty reporting and payments in accordance with contractual and University requirements. Analyzes sales trends, inventory data, and royalty obligations to inform forecasting, merchandising decisions, and long-term strategic planning.  Works closely with University creative services team on the management of licensing agreement in the area of retail emblematic merchandise.

Financial Management & Accounting Oversight
Oversees a $4 million annual operating budget, including revenue forecasting, financial analysis, reconciliations, audits, payroll oversight, commission check tracking, and comprehensive financial reporting. Manages and monitors departmental spending budgets to ensure alignment with financial targets. Ensures adherence to University, State, and audit requirements. Implements internal controls and process improvements to maximize profitability, strengthen fiscal accountability, and mitigate financial risk.

Personnel Management & Staff Oversight
Directly oversees bookstore full-time staff. Responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, and staff development. Establishes staffing models to support peak sales periods, ensures accountability for operational standards, and fosters a collaborative, customer-focused work environment.

Vendor Relations & Contract Management
Manages relationships with key vendors and partners including textbook wholesalers, publishers, and digital content providers.

Marketing, E-Commerce & Sales Strategy
Develops and oversees marketing initiatives, promotions, and e-commerce strategies to drive sales and enhance customer engagement. Monitors online performance metrics and implements improvements to the bookstore’s digital presence.

Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 years of experience in retail management.
• Experience with modern point-of-sale and eCommerce systems. 
• Experience leading a team, including, but not limited to: performance management, scheduling, payroll, and hiring/on-boarding. 

• Experience in collegiate retail, merchandise buying, inventory management, and retail advertising. 
• Experience and knowledge of higher education course materials, including, but not limited to: Textbook buying cycle, rental programs, digital content, and inclusive and equitable access models.
• Postgraduate, continuing, or certificate course in the areas of leadership, operations, inventory control, marketing, or retail management.

A background check will be required. 

Upload a cover letter and a resume.  

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Salary: $98,849 to $111,467 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.