Gift Shop Manager

Reports To: Director of education

Direct Supervisory Responsibilities: Gift Shop Coordinator(s), Associate(s), and/or Assistant(s)

position Overview
The Gift Shop Manager supports the Endangered Wolf Center through management of all facets of Gift Shop operations for on-site, virtual, and temporary or other off-site sale sites.

Institutional Summary

Did you know every Mexican wolf in the wild today can trace its roots back to the Endangered Wolf Center (EWC)? Founded in 1971 by Marlin and Carol Perkins, the EWC  continues to lead the pack with pioneering science, pup fostering, reintroduction, and inspiring educational programs aimed to preserve and protect Mexican Wolves, American Red Wolves, and other wild canid species.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Culture

• Support the Endangered Wolf Center’s organizational culture, promoting transparency and collaboration throughout the organization.
• Attract, hire, retain, and develop a diverse and talented staff, both paid and volunteer, to support Gift Shop operations.

Organizational Capacity

• Collaborate with the leadership team to create and implement a strategic retail plan.
• Lead efforts to leverage our gift shop as part of our mission reach.

Operational Capacity

• Lead effective and efficient gift shop operations, including processing customer transactions (on-site and on-line), selecting and ordering merchandise, and inventory control.
• Lead departmental planning efforts in strategy and operational decision-making with a focus on process improvement and implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen effective and fruitful relationships with Gift Shop partners, including vendors and EWC volunteers.
• Represent the organization in a manner that strengthens the brand and communicates the Endangered Wolf Center’s purpose, mission, and vision.

Key Competencies

Collaboration 

• Builds & fosters trust with others
• Motivates with compassion
• Contributes to a team-first culture
• Cultivates positive interpersonal interactions
• Establishes & sustains effective communication pathways

Accountability

• Acts with integrity
• Contributes productively to group efforts
• Owns mistakes and uses them as constructive growth opportunities
• Effectively manages workload
• Delivers positive results

Initiative & Innovation

• Shows good judgment with sound decision-making
• Proactively navigates obstacles in workflow
• Successfully adapts to unexpected challenges
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning
• Performs duties without unnecessary supervision

Job Ability

• Displays technical skills appropriate to experience
• Work quality meets expected standards
• Demonstrates professionalism with all stakeholders
• Maintains job-related proficiencies
• Stays up-to-date on field-related knowledge

Stewardship

• Exhibits workplace behaviors consistent with the mission
• Contributes to a sense of belonging, community, and wellbeing for all
• Prioritizes service to others
• Upholds the highest professional ethics and standards
• Demonstrates commitment to safe practices

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; education preferences may be substituted by an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 3-5 years related experience;  leadership experience a plus
• Animal facility and/or nonprofit experience preferred
• AZA-accredited institution experience a plus
• Must hold or be able to possess a valid driver’s license within 3 months of hire
• Successful completion of a background check is required prior to employment

Physical Demands

• This is a full-time on-site role, remote work days are considered on an as-needed basis
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours (weekends, nights, and holidays) as needed
• Capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions and a natural environment
• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, walking (including on uneven surfaces), and occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs