Director of the Bronco Bookstore - Cal Poly Pomona

Another Source's client, Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises, is recruiting a Bookstore Director to join their team in Pomona, CA.

Here's a little about Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises:

Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises supports the educational mission of Cal Poly Pomona by providing essential services that enhance the student experience and campus life. As an auxiliary organization, it operates key campus services- including retail, dining, and administrative support- with a focus on innovation, service excellence, and financial sustainability.

Located in Pomona, California, Cal Poly Pomona is one of the top polytechnic universities in the nation, known for its "learn by doing" philosophy and diverse student population. The Bronco Bookstore plays a vital role in supporting student success by providing access to course materials, technology, and campus essentials while balancing affordability and operational independence.

About this role:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of the Bronco Bookstore provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for Cal Poly Pomona's independent bookstore and Bronco One Card Office.

This role is responsible for leading a fully self-supporting retail operation that serves the campus community while advancing the University's academic mission. The Director will shape long-term business strategy, oversee financial performance, and drive innovation across course materials, retail operations, and student services-all while maintaining a strong focus on affordability, service excellence, and sustainability.

Learn more about the Bronco Bookstore: https://www.broncobookstore.com/

Scope & Impact

Serve as the primary representative of the Bronco Bookstore to faculty, students, University administration, and external partners; advise leadership on bookstore trends, risks, and opportunities

• Ensure departmental compliance with organizational and university policies by reviewing and approving plans, goals, and service activities; evaluate progress toward objectives

• Develop, manage, and maintain accountability for annual operating and capital budgets, financial performance, and year-end inventory and audit activities

• Provide strategic leadership for course materials and textbook programs, including faculty engagement, publisher relationships, affordability initiatives, and Inclusive / Instant Access models

• Oversee daily operations of the Bookstore and Bronco One Card Office

• Collaborate with staff to establish policies and procedures across procurement, loss prevention, shipping and receiving, customer service, and store operations

• Provide strategic oversight of the bookstore's website, e-commerce platforms, and online services to ensure accuracy and a strong customer experience

• Lead product mix, pricing, sourcing, and space utilization decisions using sales and inventory data to drive performance and growth

• Establish advertising, promotions, and marketing campaigns

• Oversee customer service standards and resolve escalated concerns to ensure a positive and equitable experience

• Prepare and analyze reports related to sales, income, expenditures, and inventory performance

• Lead long-range business planning and strategic initiatives to support financial sustainability and evolving campus needs

• Authorize payments and purchases

• Foster open communication among staff, peers, and students

• Support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in staffing and bookstore programming

• Partner with bookstore peers across other campuses to share best practices and stay current on industry trends

• Participate in a work schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and special events

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field (experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis)

• Minimum of 5 years of full-time retail or bookstore management experience

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels

• Knowledge of inventory management practices

• Experience with retail, bookstore point-of-sale, and accounting systems

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and standard office tools

• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures across a variety of situations

• Strong initiative, resourcefulness, and attention to detail

• Ability to manage in alignment with organizational values

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• Experience with educational technology in a campus environment

• Experience with online sales and e-commerce platforms

What's in it for you:

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $119,000 - $148,000.

Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, financial security, and work-life balance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment with Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. is at-will and shall continue only upon the mutual consent of the Foundation and the employee. This means that an employee may terminate his or her employment with the Foundation at any time with or without cause or prior notice and that the Foundation may terminate an employee's employment at any time with or without cause or prior notice.

Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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