Director Wildcat Shop
Apply NowCompany: Central Washington University
Location: Ellensburg, WA 98926
Description:
Central Washington University is recruiting a strategic and visionary leader to be our next Director of the Wildcat Shop to lead the team in Ellensburg, Washington. The new Director will have the opportunity to implement our new Course Material Access Program this fall and lead the direction and discussion of how we can enhance the future of this excellent independent store for the benefit of our students and community. This role is an important member of the Auxiliary Enterprises team, working to advance the vision and mission of the University. The role is a campus-based, in person position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $71,634 - $89,543 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
What we offer:
Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave .
The Role:
The Wildcat Shop Director will provide the strategic leadership necessary to administer a multi-million-dollar retail and service organization. The Director will lead the strategic discussion and direction of the future of course material delivery for Central Washington University and be a key partner in working with faculty, students, and library staff to achieve the best possible outcome for student learning and success. The Wildcat Shop Director will lead all store operations in support of the mission of the University. Within that context, the primary objectives are to provide course materials access to students, support university commencement, and provide other goods and services needed and desired by students and the academic community. The Director will also ensure that the Wildcat Shop is the primary distributor of the CWU brand through clothing, gift, and other sales. The person will be a key partner with others co-located in the Student Union and Recreation Center in decision making, budget development and planning, and capital expenditures. Leadership of this organization includes oversight of a budget over $5 million in annual gross sales that include the main campus store in Ellensburg (18,000 square feet), online course material and retail sales using through a robust and modern web presence. The Director will lead a staff of 8 fulltime civil service employees, 5 temporary employees, and around 30 student employees. Primary operational responsibilities include, but are not limited to, oversight of the following functions: creating and leading effective teams, managing and implementing budgets, purchasing/inventory control, shipping/receiving, sales/cashiering, cash control, financial management, computer/information systems and point of sales systems, online order/sales, merchandising/advertising, personnel leadership and management, interaction with other University departments and programs, policies/procedures development, and strategic planning for the Wildcat Shop within the context of the mission and vision of Auxiliary Enterprises, the Finance and Administration division and the University. Directors directly impact the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by creating and promoting a culture of welcoming and student success. They practice creating an atmosphere of belonging and engage their employees in meaningful work that fosters student success, strong internal and external relationships and stewardship of resources. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.
Job Duties
Strategic Planning, Operational, and Organizational Effectiveness:
- Strategic Planning, Operational, and Organizational Effectiveness:
- Lead, develop, and maintain the business strategic plan in support of the campus vision and mission statement as well as Auxiliary Enterprises and the Finance and Administration Division. Continually update unit objectives documenting accomplishments as they occur and setting new goals and objectives.
- Utilizing industry trends provide vision and strategic planning for the long-term success for the Wildcat Shop through sound yet innovative long-range planning.
- Maintain knowledge of industry standards and innovations regarding merchandise selection, public relations, store operations, and information systems. Develop relations with colleagues in the industry and subscribe to important journals of the college trade. Attend state, regional, and national association meetings when appropriate and when available serve in leadership roles.
- Serve as administrative liaison for the Wildcat Shop with other University Departments. Develop partnerships for the mutual benefit of both parties and greater service to the University. This includes being a liaison with faculty, academic leadership, and library staff in coordinating the best possible outcome for course material delivery.
- Partner with Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) partners on strategic planning and initiatives that affect all partners.
- Responsible for evaluating the role of all informational systems related to Wildcat Shop operations. This includes the Financial Management System, Student Information System, and the point-of-sale system.
Lead Retail Operations:
- Lead and coordinate the Merchandise, Sales, and Marketing efforts with staff and the Auxiliary Marketing Manager all marketing and advertising efforts for the store operations.
- Give the utmost priority to customer service by establishing and training all staff in sound policies and procedures pertaining to customer relations and ensure ongoing training opportunities.
- Review goods and services offered for quality control and to assure that the ever-changing needs and desires of the University community are well served.
- Establish pricing structures that enable the store to offer core materials at the lowest possible price yet remain financially heathy and viable in meeting operational costs, future capital needs, and deferred maintenance.
- Develop and strive for high employee morale by creating a working environment that respects and genuinely values the contributions and ideals of each employee, regardless of position.
Supervisor Duties:
- Actively engage in recruitment and hiring new employees.
- Clearly define performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Conduct formal performance evaluations.
- Ensure employees have necessary resources.
- Oversee and direct the work of staff; serve as mentor, coach, and leader, and resolve complaints or issues.
- Promote professional development opportunities.
- Develop and foster supportive working relationships, motivation and engagement.
- Communicate information to staff on an ongoing basis to influence staff engagement and to be a part of a larger community.
- Take corrective action in a timely manner.
- Recognize and reward employees for good performance.
- Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.
- Adjust leadership style as needed to achieve results.
- Recognize value of and promote a diverse workforce. Value and encourage diverse perspectives, creativity, and teamwork.
Fiscal Management:
- Oversee the preparation, processing, and submittal approval an annual operating budget (~$5 million) and monitor that budget throughout the fiscal year. This includes an ongoing analysis of financial statements and adjusting as necessary quarterly and annual sales projections/budgets in relation to actual sales.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary : This position has a minimum annual salary of $71,634 and maximum annual salary of $107,451. The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $71,634 - $89,543 . In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Schedule/Appointment : Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch)
Working Conditions : Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.
Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave .
An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .
How To Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:
**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Contact Information
Name: Joseph Pearson
Title: Executive Director Auxiliary Enterprises
Email: Joseph.Pearson@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-963-1580
Website: wildcatshop.net/
Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment
Background Check/Reference Check Process:
Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
Notice to Prospective Employees:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement
Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
What we offer:
Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave .
The Role:
The Wildcat Shop Director will provide the strategic leadership necessary to administer a multi-million-dollar retail and service organization. The Director will lead the strategic discussion and direction of the future of course material delivery for Central Washington University and be a key partner in working with faculty, students, and library staff to achieve the best possible outcome for student learning and success. The Wildcat Shop Director will lead all store operations in support of the mission of the University. Within that context, the primary objectives are to provide course materials access to students, support university commencement, and provide other goods and services needed and desired by students and the academic community. The Director will also ensure that the Wildcat Shop is the primary distributor of the CWU brand through clothing, gift, and other sales. The person will be a key partner with others co-located in the Student Union and Recreation Center in decision making, budget development and planning, and capital expenditures. Leadership of this organization includes oversight of a budget over $5 million in annual gross sales that include the main campus store in Ellensburg (18,000 square feet), online course material and retail sales using through a robust and modern web presence. The Director will lead a staff of 8 fulltime civil service employees, 5 temporary employees, and around 30 student employees. Primary operational responsibilities include, but are not limited to, oversight of the following functions: creating and leading effective teams, managing and implementing budgets, purchasing/inventory control, shipping/receiving, sales/cashiering, cash control, financial management, computer/information systems and point of sales systems, online order/sales, merchandising/advertising, personnel leadership and management, interaction with other University departments and programs, policies/procedures development, and strategic planning for the Wildcat Shop within the context of the mission and vision of Auxiliary Enterprises, the Finance and Administration division and the University. Directors directly impact the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by creating and promoting a culture of welcoming and student success. They practice creating an atmosphere of belonging and engage their employees in meaningful work that fosters student success, strong internal and external relationships and stewardship of resources. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.
Job Duties
Strategic Planning, Operational, and Organizational Effectiveness:
- Strategic Planning, Operational, and Organizational Effectiveness:
- Lead, develop, and maintain the business strategic plan in support of the campus vision and mission statement as well as Auxiliary Enterprises and the Finance and Administration Division. Continually update unit objectives documenting accomplishments as they occur and setting new goals and objectives.
- Utilizing industry trends provide vision and strategic planning for the long-term success for the Wildcat Shop through sound yet innovative long-range planning.
- Maintain knowledge of industry standards and innovations regarding merchandise selection, public relations, store operations, and information systems. Develop relations with colleagues in the industry and subscribe to important journals of the college trade. Attend state, regional, and national association meetings when appropriate and when available serve in leadership roles.
- Serve as administrative liaison for the Wildcat Shop with other University Departments. Develop partnerships for the mutual benefit of both parties and greater service to the University. This includes being a liaison with faculty, academic leadership, and library staff in coordinating the best possible outcome for course material delivery.
- Partner with Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) partners on strategic planning and initiatives that affect all partners.
- Responsible for evaluating the role of all informational systems related to Wildcat Shop operations. This includes the Financial Management System, Student Information System, and the point-of-sale system.
Lead Retail Operations:
- Lead and coordinate the Merchandise, Sales, and Marketing efforts with staff and the Auxiliary Marketing Manager all marketing and advertising efforts for the store operations.
- Give the utmost priority to customer service by establishing and training all staff in sound policies and procedures pertaining to customer relations and ensure ongoing training opportunities.
- Review goods and services offered for quality control and to assure that the ever-changing needs and desires of the University community are well served.
- Establish pricing structures that enable the store to offer core materials at the lowest possible price yet remain financially heathy and viable in meeting operational costs, future capital needs, and deferred maintenance.
- Develop and strive for high employee morale by creating a working environment that respects and genuinely values the contributions and ideals of each employee, regardless of position.
Supervisor Duties:
- Actively engage in recruitment and hiring new employees.
- Clearly define performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Conduct formal performance evaluations.
- Ensure employees have necessary resources.
- Oversee and direct the work of staff; serve as mentor, coach, and leader, and resolve complaints or issues.
- Promote professional development opportunities.
- Develop and foster supportive working relationships, motivation and engagement.
- Communicate information to staff on an ongoing basis to influence staff engagement and to be a part of a larger community.
- Take corrective action in a timely manner.
- Recognize and reward employees for good performance.
- Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.
- Adjust leadership style as needed to achieve results.
- Recognize value of and promote a diverse workforce. Value and encourage diverse perspectives, creativity, and teamwork.
Fiscal Management:
- Oversee the preparation, processing, and submittal approval an annual operating budget (~$5 million) and monitor that budget throughout the fiscal year. This includes an ongoing analysis of financial statements and adjusting as necessary quarterly and annual sales projections/budgets in relation to actual sales.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with an emphasis in business, accounting, finance, marketing, or related field.
- Five years progressively responsible experience in retail management.
- Leadership or management experience.
- Experience in leading and motivating employees toward a common goal.
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Background in information technology systems, with particular familiarity with managing or implementing Point of Sale inventory control/online and in person sales systems.
- Ability to lead and communicate effectively a vision of success and motivate colleagues, demonstrate integrity, initiative, good judgement, and the ability to analyze a situation and adopt an independent course of action.
- Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold institutional excellence.
- OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Seven years progressively responsible experience in retail management in the college/university bookstore industry.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students.
- Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.
- Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.
- Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
- Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
- Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
- Commitment to Diversity: Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create environment that supports and embraces diversity.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary : This position has a minimum annual salary of $71,634 and maximum annual salary of $107,451. The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $71,634 - $89,543 . In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Schedule/Appointment : Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch)
Working Conditions : Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.
Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave .
An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .
How To Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:
- Brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position and why you are the best candidate for consideration;
- Resume including work history, education, training; and
- Contact information for three professional references.
**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Contact Information
Name: Joseph Pearson
Title: Executive Director Auxiliary Enterprises
Email: Joseph.Pearson@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-963-1580
Website: wildcatshop.net/
Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment
Background Check/Reference Check Process:
Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
Notice to Prospective Employees:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement
Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.