Retail Business Training Manager

MORE THAN WORDS (MTW) SEEKS a high energy, engaging individual who is creative, motivated, and detail-oriented to join the retail team and create a welcoming space for young people to learn to run a business, and for our community to shop, read, and engage in our mission. This position would lead a team of 3-6 youth employees to manage their own retail bookstore, gift shop, and dynamic event space in our newly renovated South End venue.

More Than Words is a nonprofit social enterprise that empowers youth, ages 16-24, who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. MTW offers job training opportunities and transition support services to equip youth with first-hand experience in working as a team to operate retail and online businesses and to develop the tools to enable them to make progress around education, employment and life goals. The MTW model is premised on the belief that an actual job, one which provides hands-on, real-world training combined with high expectations, accountability and opportunities for personal development, is the best way to equip youth to gain marketable skills critical for success in school, work and life. Visit www.MTWyouth.org to learn more about the organization.

MTW is an exemplary organization that has continually held up a mirror to identify areas for improvement and accountability; that ethic is part of the culture and fabric of MTW, and it extends to our commitment to ensure our staff and board reflect the racial and ethnic diversity and lived experiences of the young adults we are privileged to serve.

This position requires –
• Retail experience creating displays, engaging customers, and managing inventory
• A track record of motivating and training a team to establish and meet high performance standards
• A commitment to working directly with our youth team
• Social media marketing experience is a plus
• Solutions oriented and team player attitude
• Flexible scheduling (Part-time 25 hours/ week)

REPORTING TO the Associate Director of Retail, the Retail Business Training Manager will –

Manage Retail Shifts:
• Oversee all aspects of the retail space, including providing impeccable customer and client service, implementing youth staff training, tracking and managing inventory, merchandising, and maximizing profitability
• Oversee all safety, policies and procedures to open and/or close the store/events, including some evening and weekend shifts
• Lead a shift of 3-6 youth to ensure success of all business activities: serve customers and clients, execute projects & events at a high standard, and meet financial goals
• Collaborate with the retail team on creative planning for displays and floorplan changeovers
• Support marketing efforts alongside retail & events team, including digital marketing, store activations, and customer engagement
• Work in conjunction with the events team on store activation and clears for space rentals
• Continually monitor and improve systems to maximize efficiency

Train Youth Employees:
• Work alongside youth to provide ongoing training, feedback and support for youth to improve performance in retail business operations.
• Hold youth employees accountable for all safety, policies and performance including attendance, punctuality, professionalism and efficiency with tasks on shift.
• Work with youth and staff to support weekly Team Meeting with all members of MTW.
• Manage training manual updates, and training schedule coordination with Management Team.

THIS POSITION works on a dynamic team in partnership with the business staff, interns and volunteers, and serves as a role model and professional resource for youth. It offers an exciting opportunity for an individual with a high degree of social responsibility and an orientation to high performance to join a growing organization that combines “doing good, while doing well.”

APPLICANTS should be a high-energy, enjoy teaching others, hitting goals, and working in a fast-paced environment during evening and/or weekend hours. The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of retail, event, and/or business experience and a proven ability to inspire and compel others to exceed expectations. They should have successful experience teaching, training or supervising new learners, and a talent for empowering and engaging others to work together to achieve goals. A successful candidate will have exceptional communication, and sensitivity for MTW’s diverse constituencies. Great customer service, technological aptitude, and a willingness to be accountable for the business are keys to success!

Candidate must be able to regularly lift boxes weighing approximately 25 lbs., move easily up and down stairs and possess a valid driver’s license. Candidate must be able to work some evening and weekend shifts.