Course Materials and Operations Coordinator, Skidmore Shop
The Course Materials and Operations Coordinator ensures the seamless daily operation of the Skidmore Shop, with a primary focus on physical store management and course material facilitation. This role exists to support an efficient, well-functioning retail environment while coordinating the timely availability of academic materials (textbooks, art supplies, and course related materials) and essential goods for students, faculty, and staff. Serve as buyer for general merchandise supplies, including but not limited to dorm, cleaning, and electronics. Monitor inventory levels and place orders to ensure appropriate stock and product relevance. The position bridges store operations, vendor relationships, and internal campus needs to ensure a smooth start to each academic term. It also plays a key role in maintaining operational standards, and supporting the overall customer experience. Hire, train, schedule, and supervise student workers to support store operations. Maintain accurate records, follow institutional policies, and support financial accountability within bookstore operations. Assist with cashiering and front-line service as needed, ensuring a positive customer experience.
The position must analyze sales trends, interpret course adoption data, and respond to unexpected issues such as delayed shipments, textbook discrepancies, or staffing gaps. Coordination across multiple stakeholders (faculty, vendors, student employees, and campus partners) requires strong judgment, prioritization, and the ability to develop practical solutions quickly.
While the role may not have full budget authority, it manages financial resources through purchasing responsibilities for assigned product categories, monitoring inventory levels, and completing P-Card transactions in accordance with College policies.
Education
Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, retail management, operations, or a related field. In lieu of a degree, an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience (such as retail operations, inventory management, or customer service leadership) may be considered.
Experience
Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in retail operations, bookstore management, or a similar customer-facing environment
- Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, including hiring, training, and scheduling employees
- Experience with inventory management, purchasing, and vendor coordination
- Familiarity with course materials management, academic retail, or higher education environments preferred
- Experience handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting, particularly during peak operational periods
- Proficiency with point-of-sale systems, basic financial processes (e.g., P-Card or expense reconciliation), and standard office technology systems
- Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, effectively conveying and gathering information with students, faculty, staff, and vendors
- Actively listens, asks clarifying questions, and presents ideas clearly to support problem-solving and decision-making
- Provides high-quality customer service by responding to needs in a timely, professional, and courteous manner
- Builds positive relationships and maintains a service-oriented approach in a busy retail environment
- Utilizes standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and point-of-sale (POS) systems effectively
- Applies technology to support daily operations and resolve basic system issues
The position operates primarily in a retail store environment. The role may involve moving merchandise, setting up displays, and occasionally lifting items weighing up to approximately 15–25 pounds. This position is in person on-site approximately 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends required during events, peak store periods, or as assigned by the supervisor.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
