Summary: The Director of Strategic Retail Initiatives plays a pivotal role in advancing the business objectives of Donated Goods Retail (DGR) by collaborating closely with the DGR leadership team. This position is responsible for developing and executing essential initiatives to achieve DGR business goals, including collaboration with the Director of Development and Marketing to build and execute a comprehensive retail communications strategy. Key responsibilities include identifying and pursuing new business opportunities alongside the Director of Business Development, enhancing DGR's revenue and market share, and fostering strong business relationships with both internal and external partners. The Director will analyze market trends, expand the retail footprint, and create effective retail marketing strategies. The ideal candidate will leverage both quantitative and qualitative data to conduct thorough analyses of the DGR business, pinpoint key market trends, and provide strategic insights to DGR leadership and stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, and experience working with diverse communities are essential. A strong understanding of the donated goods and retail sectors, along with expertise in contract negotiations and problem-solving, is required. Additionally, the Director will stay informed about the latest Retail industry trends and technologies. This role not only upholds the mission and values of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes but also actively contributes to the Retail Division's success in achieving organizational and departmental objectives. Living Goodwill BLUE is required in all business aspects of the position. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT + In conjunction with the VP of Donated Goods Retail and other retail leadership, create and drive the retail strategic plan that is focused on financial business gain and customer satisfaction. + Responsible for the New Store Opening Marketing Strategy in collaboration with Director of Development and Marketing. + Utilize project management methodologies to structure and organize complex projects like store renovations, new store openings, marketing campaigns, and system implementations. + Innovatively explore cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance the retail organization. + Oversee efficient planning, execution, and monitoring of tasks to achieve desired outcomes within set timelines and budgets, often utilizing methods to lead discussions with internal clients to drive a strategic approach to new retail business opportunities. + Understand and communicate to internal and external partners retail project needs and requirements for DGR, including primary and secondary stores, after market, logistics (including transportation), ADCs, and warehouse departments. + Develop and administer the project management work plan outlining the tasks, timelines, resources, and deliverables needed to complete a project, using PM methodologies including goals, objectives, and specific steps to achieve each component for new store and construction of stores and other DGR business needs. DEVELOP AND EXECUTE COMPREHENSIVE RETAIL COMMUNICATION + Lead the development/refinement, execution and measurement of the retail internal communications strategy in collaboration with Director of Development and Marketing to ensure Organizational alignment. + Responsible for the theory and application of the DGR communication strategy for all levels within the organization. + Manage and maintain the retail SharePoint site for all DGR communication and reference needs. + Ensure that all retail collateral, policies, procedures, guidelines, memos, etc. are created, presented and communicated within the established process and vetted by governing departments. DEVELOP AND EXECUTE COMPREHENSIVE RETAIL MARKETING STRATEGY Brand Strategy and Development: + Requires collaboration with the Director of Development and Marketing to ensure organization brand and communication management. + Create and manage retail marketing processes that are aligned with Goodwill brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all marketing channels and materials. + Establish and monitor short- and long-term business objectives and key performance indicators to assess initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement. Marketing Campaigns: + Develop and manage content for retail marketing campaigns, including blog posts, social media updates, email newsletters, and advertising copy in collaboration with Director of Development & Marketing for alignment with Organization’s overarching marketing strategy. + Plan, execute, and optimize retail marketing campaigns across various channels (digital, print, social media, etc.). + Monitor and analyze campaign performance, providing regular reports and recommendations for improvement. Content Creation: + Lead the creation of compelling and engaging retail focused content across platforms, in collaboration with the Development & Marketing Office. + Oversee Thriftfluencer program, driving retail goals and results through members published content and participation in events. DRIVE SALES, MANAGE FINANCIALS AND ENSURE THAT DEPARTMENT PROFIT AND PRODUCTIVITY GOALS ARE MET. + Delivers project management results regarding: + DGR business financials + Sales improvement plans with expected outcomes + Address gaps in productivity using qualitative and quantitative strategies identifying key timelines + Facilitate reports as required and directed by VP of Retail. SUPERVISES EMPLOYEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORGANIZATION POLICIES AND APPLICABLE LAWS + Recruit, interview, select and work to retain quality employees. + Ensures that all work is performed to meet expectations and that all policies and procedures are communicated and followed. + Identify, organize, and prioritize delegation of duties, when applicable, and troubleshoot potential challenges and problems. + Act as a positive role model for employees, trainees, and customers in all aspects of professional performance. + Develop and maintain a positive team-oriented environment. ALL OTHER PROJECTS AS ASSIGNED BY SUPERVISOR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate proficiency in meeting competencies required for position; able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of 5+ years professional experience in Retail and/or Donated Goods Retail, Marketing or Business Development, or graduate degree preferred in associated field with a minimum of 3+ years professional experience in Retail and/or Donated Goods Retail. Competencies needed to be successful in this job include retail business acumen, strategic and critical thinking and application, project management methodologies, positive interpersonal skills including high emotional intelligence, effective communication & collaboration, Living Goodwill BLUE. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Able to read and write reports, compile data as needed. Communicates effectively with others and provides essential customer service duties either verbally or via computer e-mail. REASONING ABILITY: Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Able to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job the employee is usually working in a combination of a warehouse and retail store environment. At times this employee may be exposed to the outside environment. The noise in this environment will be moderate to loud. Is expected to periodically travel within Goodwill of the Finger Lakes territory. Occasional travel to other states or Goodwill territories as well. AVAILABILITY: Must have open/flexible availability and be willing to work evenings & weekends. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing this job's duties, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time and work extensively with computers. The employee will be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 – 20 pounds. The employee needs to have reasonable mobility.