Nature Store Manager

TITLE: NATURE STORE MANAGER  

LOCATION: McLane Center, Concord, NH  

HOURS: 28 hours per week, part-time, non-exempt (hourly paid) staff position.  Additional hours may be required as necessary. Schedule may vary according to needs. 

SCHEDULE: Tuesday 10-3, Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 10-3, Friday 10-3, Saturday 10-4  

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon: to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, by overseeing all aspects of the store operations, providing a quality service for members and the general public, and generating a profit center for the organization.  Responsibilities include budgeting, inventory, purchasing, and marketing.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

Actively manage and oversee the McLane Center and Massabesic Center Nature Stores in order to provide a quality service for members and the general public and generate a mission-driven brand merchandising center for the organization by:  

• Developing and monitoring annual budget including sales, purchases and expenses.  
• Developing and maintaining a vision and focus for the store consistent with NH Audubon’s mission and strengths in collaboration with NH Audubon management.  
• Researching current retail market trends appropriate to a nature store environment and developing contacts for purchasing mission related inventory.  
• Assessing and evaluating existing inventory and remarketing items to sell.  
• Maintaining a working knowledge of current products, especially as related to birds, bird watching and bird feeding.  
• Maintaining a reputation for the store as a source of expertise on mission-related product.  
• Developing and creating displays for inventory and rotating stock to create visually pleasing merchandise presentations.  
• Ordering product, verifying, pricing, stocking, displaying and, when necessary, returning inventory.  
• Establishing and nurturing financial partnerships with local vendors by displaying their mission-appropriate merchandise in the store.  
• Developing consignment relationships with local craftspeople in order to increase inventory and sales.  
• Managing and booking local artist to exhibit their work in our centers  
• Developing and executing marketing strategies and promotional materials.  
• Researching advertising avenues including low cost or cost free, submitting store advertisements and ensuring quality and accuracy of advertising content.  
• Recruiting, training, scheduling and evaluating store volunteers/employees.  
• Processing special orders, on-line orders and mail orders.  
• Responding to customer inquiries via phone, email and in person.  
• Working with the NH Audubon web master to create an on-line store.  
• Promoting NH Audubon membership whenever possible.  
• Greeting, assisting and directing visitors to other NH Audubon programs areas.  
• Fielding questions from the public and from private event rentals.  
• Performing light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe store environment.  
• Performing other duties as assigned.   

LEADERSHIP: Reports to Director of Operations    

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity.  Our offices are non-smoking, with both open workspaces and private offices.  

QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education: High School graduate or GED required.  Bachelor’s degree preferred.  

Experience: Three to five years retail and/or wholesale management experience required; experience in volunteer management preferred with demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions.  Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, management and supervisory skills with the ability to work effectively within a diverse community.  Must have experience with MS Office products and database programs; basic knowledge of natural history desirable.     

Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success: Requires exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, solid communication skills and a high degree of organization.  Must have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, ability to work independently, and a professional and courteous manner.  Familiarity with birds and the natural environment preferred.   

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following applies: requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting and transporting a minimum of 50 pounds.  Must be able to climb stairs as well as be physically and mentally capable of assisting customers in a public setting.    

COMPENSATION: Compensation for this hourly, part time position is $17 - $18 an hour; commensurate with experience. This position is also eligible for vacation and sick time, paid holidays, tax deferred retirement plan, a free NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals and employee discounts.    

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:    

NH Audubon is a welcoming inclusive organization committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.