King Center

Description

The Assistant Director, Bookstore and Resource Center serves as a leader responsible for supporting the strategic direction, operational excellence, and mission alignment of The King Center's retail and resource operations. This role learns and implements The King Center's core values and the vision of the Beloved Community, embedding Nonviolence365 principles into every dimension of team leadership, customer engagement, and organizational culture.

The Assistant Director partners closely with the Director to set and execute the Bookstore and Resource Center's strategic agenda, drive sustainable revenue growth, cultivate high-performing teams, and ensure that the visitor experience authentically reflects Dr. King's legacy and teachings. This position requires a mission-driven leader who is equally fluent in retail strategy, people development, and organizational storytelling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Cultivate a workplace culture grounded in dignity, respect, and the Beloved Community framework, ensuring all staff and visitors experience the mission as a living practice.

Partner with the Director and organizational leadership to align Bookstore and Resource Center priorities with The King Center's broader strategic goals, programs, and initiatives.

Represent the Bookstore and Resource Center in cross-departmental conversations, contributing retail and resource insights to organizational planning and decision-making.

Provide direct leadership to the Bookstore and Resource Center team, establishing clear performance expectations, development pathways, and accountability structures that reflect both operational standards and organizational values.

Design and facilitate ongoing staff development in product knowledge, mission education, nonviolent communication, and guest engagement strategies.

Develop and implement staffing strategies that ensure optimal coverage, operational readiness, and excellent visitor experiences.

Model a coaching culture that embraces constructive feedback, continuous improvement, and shared accountability.

Lead the development and execution of sales strategies that drive revenue growth, maximize conversion, and support the long-term financial sustainability of the Bookstore and Resource Center.

Establish, communicate, and monitor daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets; analyze performance trends and implement data-informed adjustments to achieve goals.

Direct and execute annual event programming calendar that drives traffic, deepens visitor engagement, and generates incremental revenue.

Lead upselling and complementary product strategies that increase average transaction value while enhancing the visitor's connection to the King legacy.

Oversee online retail strategy and operations, ensuring digital and in-person offerings are coherent, current, and revenue-generating.

Apply business acumen and analytical thinking to deliver a consistent track record of results.

Collaborate with the Director to design and implement a cohesive, mission-informed merchandising and visual display strategy that creates a compelling, dynamic, and sales-generating environment.

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all products, promotions, exhibitions, and programming to ensure all customer-facing staff can serve as knowledgeable mission ambassadors.

Ensure the physical environment of the Bookstore and Resource Center reflects the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness, and organizational pride at all times.

Oversee the creation of a unique, engaging, and equitable shopping experience that honors the diversity of The King Center's visitors.

Respond proactively to visitor needs, upholding customer service excellence as a non-negotiable standard across the team.

Direct day-to-day retail operations, ensuring efficient workflows, regulatory compliance, and alignment with organizational policies and guidelines.

Oversee cash management, inventory security, and asset protection protocols in accordance with established policies and directives.

Supervise merchandise receiving, inventory accuracy, pricing, and restocking processes, maintaining accountability at every point in the supply chain.

Direct and execute the annual physical inventory process, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and strategic analysis of findings.

Analyze and report on daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance, identifying best-selling products and slow-moving inventory to inform purchasing and merchandising decisions.

Partner with the Director to monitor sales performance and product needs, communicating merchandise requirements to maintain optimal in-stock positions.

Oversee opening and closing procedures to ensure operational readiness and a consistent visitor experience at all times.

Direct the oversight of all POS system operations and register transactions, including management-level functions.

Execute additional strategic initiatives and operational priorities as directed by the Director and senior leadership.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Nonprofit or mission-driven retail experience strongly preferred.

Experience

Minimum 5-7 years of progressive retail leadership experience, including direct supervisory responsibility.

Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Proven track record of revenue growth, sales goal attainment, and data-driven decision-making.

Experience in visual merchandising strategy and execution.

Proficiency with POS systems and merchandise management software.

Experience managing online retail operations.

Competencies & Skills

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.

Strong organizational acumen with the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead across complex, concurrent projects.

Strategic mindset combined with operational discipline and attention to detail.

Bilingual proficiency is a meaningful asset.

Demonstrated ability to thrive in high-energy environments, exercising sound judgment and confident leadership under pressure.

Ability to lift 40 pounds, work weekends and holidays as schedule is determined

Mission Commitment

Deep knowledge of and personal alignment with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings, the philosophy and methodology of nonviolence, and the vision of the Beloved Community.

Familiarity with the legacy and contributions of Coretta Scott King, including My Life, My Love, My Legacy.

High energy, genuine enthusiasm, and an unwavering positive presence that inspires the team and uplifts the visitor experience.