What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Merchandise position at United States Golf Association (USGA)?
The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. The USGA’s headquarters are located in Liberty Corner, NJ, with a recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC. For more, visit usga.org.
About this role:
The Director, Merchandise will partner with leadership across the organization to direct value-added services aligned with the strategy and goals of the USGA. Reporting to the Managing Director, Merchandise & Licensing, this role will develop, direct, and maintain programs that drive revenue and further enhance the customer experience for Merchandise ventures of the organization. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and deliver results, solutions, and programs in partnership with the overall Merchandise team.
What you'll do:
- Oversee and lead fulfillment, implementation and management of the official outfitter partnership and deliver maximum value for both parties including development of new and innovative programs as well as enhancements of existing programs.
- Lead onsite U.S. Women’s Open merchandise operation. This includes the process of onboarding and management of supporting/lead apparel vendor. Additionally, manage the strategy that results in best-in-class merchandise operation including revenue generation and customer experience.
- Manage relationship with Player Relations team. This will include integration of apparel/merchandise partnerships for the new US National Development Program. Deliver a best-in-class experience to all staff, players, player support, USGA committees, and host site committees.
- Responsible for delivering new merchandise programs, new business development and creative concepts/products, and implementing programs with new partners. Additional responsibility will include special requests from various constituents, staff, committees, etc. and will support Managing Director on any new/additional initiatives as requested.
- Support process improvement as needed in partnership with Merchandise & Licensing teammates.
- Network with best talents in industry to identify potential new Merchandise & Licensing teammates for future partnership.
Where you'll be:
- This role will be based at our Liberty Corner, NJ campus on a hybrid schedule. Employees are expected to spend 3 days per week working in the office, between Monday - Thursday. Travel, overtime, and weekend work should be expected during Championship season, primarily May through July.
What you bring:
- Bachelor's degree.
- 10 years of Merchandise and/or Licensing experience.
- Experience navigating a small, but complex, organization is a plus.
- Previous golf merchandise industry experience is a plus.
- Proven ability to manage a budget.
- Ability to identify and navigate merchandise business opportunities to drive revenue and customer experience.
- Experience delivering creative merchandise and product solutions is a plus.
- An appreciation for the game of golf, competition, sports, and/or being an authentically mission and values-driven person.
What the USGA brings:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including a zero cost medical plan offered for all full-time employees
- Retirement plans, with up to 10% annual USGA contribution
- Suite of programs to promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being
- Generous bank of paid time off, plus the week between Christmas and New Years Day off
- Off-site team building events
- On-site gym and golf simulator
- Professional development opportunities
The USGA is an equal opportunity employer. Our organization believes we are stronger by embracing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting equity so all teammates can excel and grow in their careers, and fostering experiences to drive inclusion in our workplace and game. Golf is a game for everyone, and you are always welcome.