Vocational Retail Manager

Who We Are:

One of the aspects that makes Ädelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services so unique is its people. Our people are compassionate, mission-driven, and dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism, developmental & intellectual disabilities. We are a place where you can truly be yourself and make a difference while learning and growing professionally. Make an impact in a child’s life by joining our team

Job Summary:

The Vocational Retail Manager cultivates customer-focused, sales-driven, all-inclusive, educational storefronts for Ädelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services. The Vocational Retail Manager will serve as the point of contact for the Ädelbrook Bark-ery and Ädelbooks & More, our in-house educational retail businesses. The Vocational Retail Manager will work with students in collaboration with the Ädelbrook staff.

This position will engage customers, drive growth through marketing and business practices, and demonstrate a passion for selling mission-driven brands. The responsibility of the Manager is to oversee the day-to-day programming of our educational retail businesses while increasing student engagement and profitability for both storefronts.

This position reports to the Director and Assistant Director of the Transitional Academy. The Supervisor, in collaboration with the Director and Assistant Director, is responsible for training of staff and students while at our Educational Retail Businesses end also overseeing the daily programming (I.e., opening/closing, scheduling, tracking of financials, training of staff, students, volunteers).

This is an exempt employee, 40 hours, including weekend and modified hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Exemplify dedicated in teaching, mentoring, and coaching students with developmental and behavioral disabilities at both educational retail stores.
• Demonstrate passion about our customers and our brand, knowing and understanding our mission, core values, and the people we serve.
• Understand how stores operate with regard to digital marketing, visual merchandising, social media, point of sale, and other communication practices; implement trends to help fuel business growth.
• Understand business acumen and management, including (but not limited to) how sales, inventory, markdowns, etc., affect profitability.
• Foster an environment ensuring storefronts deliver an engaging, positive, and mission-drive selling experience for customers.
• Train all staff and students on Ädelbrook Educational Retail Business procedures, including baking, packaging, labeling, storing treats, customer service using the Point-of-Sale system, processing/selling items, and cleaning following industry standards.
• Track storefront sales and metrics; analyzes data to improve performance in terms of profitability.
• Serve as point of contact for all current and future consigning vendors regarding inventory and monthly payments; includes developing and managing vendor agreements, relationships and marketing opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing to drive all digital sales strategies, including (but not limited to) managing online orders, strategizing campaigns to increase online sales, and regularly updating and maintaining webpages to reflect storefront events/happenings.
• Work with marketing to strategize, develop, and implement email, text, and social media campaigns for Adelbooks and the Bark-ery
• Experience using Canva and/or other graphic design platforms to create social media graphics and promote events.
• Develop and manage a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) to engage new and current customers.
• Track, analyze, and optimize marketing campaigns to drive revenue and profit.
• Collaborate with marketing to increase brand visibility through events, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities for Adelbooks, the Bark-ery, and Adelbrook
• Plan and execute on-site events to increase foot traffic and drive sales; this includes strategizing a calendar of events; these include author meet & greets, book signings, support groups, agency-wide events, etc.
• Plan, attend, and organize staffing for off-site marketing events, including farmers markets, resource fairs, disability and vocational awareness events, dog centric and other related events, and more.
• Prepare for the event, which includes packing the event display, choosing vendor items to be sold, packing all needed items, working with marketing to create signage, setting prices and adding inventory in Point-of-Sale system, managing the iPad and money box for events, building the CRM, tracking reporting and overall event success.
• While in the storefront and at local events, relay the agency mission with potential customers, parents, educators and employees, and network with other business leaders; improve brand visibility and recognition.
• Work with marketing to develop material and branding for vocational storefronts and events.
• Maintain a clean, well-organized, replenished stores, promoting a safe working and shopping environment to maximize the customer experience.
• Know and utilize therapeutic crisis intervention techniques, and write critical incident reports, when necessary
• Guide the operations of the Educational Retail Businesses any report any problems to the Director or Assistant Director
• Supervise students, as requested.
• Collaborate with the staff to fulfill students vocational and career readiness needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student information
• In collaboration with the Director and Assistant Director, develop relationships with local businesses in order to increase awareness and customer base of the Educational Retail Store
• Work with Assistant Director to create the Educational Retail Store student schedule.
• Work with the Director or Assistant Director to provide weekend and afternoon opportunities for students to work at the Educational Retail Stores from the Adelbrook residential programs, TGH, CRS and day students.
• Other duties as assigned

Education, Experience, and Other Qualifications:

BS/BA in a Human Services field, Marketing, Business Management, or Associates Degree with at least two years of relevant experience. At least one year of experience with vocational training and job coaching is preferred and marketing, communication, or business experience is required. Familiarity with community organizations, agencies, and businesses who welcome students who are just beginning to hone their job skills and abilities. An individual with attributes who is outgoing, professional, humorous, and has a passion for supporting students in professional educational retail business opportunities. Retail and experience with State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture is preferred.

Ability to work with students, other employees and employers from diverse ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT), CPR and First Aid is required. Must have a positive attitude, demonstrated good judgment and the ability to establish a rapport with students, other employees and employers. Must be flexible in meeting program needs as they occur. Must hold a valid driver’s license and an excellent driving record enabling insurance coverage by the Adelbrook insurance agency. Must qualify for an A endorsement through the CT Department of Motor Vehicles.