Director of Business Development and Brand Engagement

The Director of The Nest is responsible for overseeing all operations of UT Southern's new campus spirit shop. This role involves managing retail strategy and performance, vendor and community relations, and cross-functional engagement with departments across the University. In addition to leading store operations, this position also provides consultative support for marketing and branding needs, ensuring a consistent, high-quality visual identity across internal initiatives. The Director acts as a central resource for branded materials, contributes to special event planning, and supports creative marketing execution aligned with institutional goals.

30%

Management 

• Lead and cultivate a positive team culture. 

• Maintain an industry-leading level of customer service. 

• Manage and support student workers staffing the spirit shop. 

• Provide support, training, and resources to all spirit shop staff. 

• Develop and sustain a robust student worker training program. 

• Ensure compliance with security protocols, sales procedures, record-keeping, and other necessary operations. 

• Document and update all processes and job duties in a comprehensive operations manual.

25%

Retail Operations and Economic Performance  
Focus on retail sales, profitability, inventory management, forecasting, trend purchasing, and vendor management. 

• Strive for optimal economic performance through strategic best practices. 

• Record, benchmark, and report the spirit shop's financial performance to division leadership and the team. 

• Produce periodic financial statements and reports. 

• Establish annual revenue, expense, and capital budgets within University guidelines. 

• Be available for after-hours work, including weekends, holidays, and campus events. 

20%

Strategic Relations in Support of the University Mission 

• Create and promote a vision statement for The Nest, aligning staff efforts with the broader mission of the University. 

• Serve as a liaison between The Nest and University departments, fostering strategic partnerships and supporting new initiatives. 

• Develop and manage relationships with the off-campus community. 

• Represent The Nest and the University in consortiums and group organizations. 

• Set and pursue annual goals for the spirit shop's operations.

15%

• Provide consultation services and expertise for campus stakeholders in need of branding and marketing materials. 

• Manage the full creative development life-cycle for branded merchandise and related marketing collateral. 

• Evaluate and identify internal and external resources needed for project execution. 

• Serve as the central source for branded materials procurement and quality control. 

• Manage vendor relationships and source new partners as needed. 

• Collaborate on department-sponsored special events or activities, offering creative and logistical support.

10%

Project Coordination & Innovation 

• Develop creative solutions that enhance the visibility and success of university initiatives. 

• Act as a marketing resource for student and departmental projects tied to The Nest. 

• Recommend new merchandise lines and marketing campaigns based on stakeholder input and market trends.

KSAs

• Retail management and supervisory experience, preferably in a college bookstore.

• Merchandising, advertising, marketing, and promotion.

• Accounting principles, financial statements, and budget preparation.

• Retail accounting systems, electronic Point-of-Sale/inventory, and e-commerce systems.

• Quantitative analysis (operational and financial).

• Leadership and employee motivation.

• Technology management and project management.

• Report creation and data analysis.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.

• Lead and collaborate effectively.

• Strong communication (oral, written, and listening).

• High organizational skills with attention to detail.

• Excellent customer service and ability to work under pressure.

• Set priorities, make decisions, and work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred KSAs

· Knowledge of the college merchandise and spirit shop industry.
· Experience with digital marketing and e-commerce initiatives.
· Experience in developing innovative programs and services.