About More Than Words  

More Than Words (MTW) is a social enterprise that empowers youth, ages 16-24, who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. By working as a team to manage their own retail and online used book business and community space, youth develop the employment skills, leadership, and self-confidence they need to successfully transition to adulthood.  

MTW is an exemplary organization that has continually held up a mirror to identify areas for improvement and accountability; that ethic is part of the culture and fabric of MTW, and it extends to our commitment to ensuring our staff and board reflect the racial and ethnic diversity and lived experiences of the young adults we are privileged to serve. People of color are highly encouraged to apply. 

The Opportunity

More Than Words (MTW) seeks a business oriented, entrepreneurial manager to provide operational leadership around all aspects of MTW’s retail and online businesses (which include an online and retail used bookstore). This position requires an individual with prior retail management experience (brick and mortar, as well as online retail), a commitment to working directly with youth and a track record of motivating and supervising staff to establish and meet high performance standards around managing cost effective inventory and distribution, marketing and merchandising, customer service, and profitability. As with any retail enterprise, this position will require flexible scheduling and direct work with customers and suppliers.  

This position reports to the Director of Business Operations, works in partnership with site and senior leadership, supervises business staff, interns and volunteers, and serves as a role model and professional resource for youth. This position offers an exciting opportunity for an individual with a high degree of social responsibility and an orientation to high performance to join a growing organization that combines “doing good, while doing well.” 

Key responsibilities of this position include: 

Operational Management  

• Provides operational leadership, management and oversight for all aspects of the online bookselling business, to ensure sustainability, growth, customer satisfaction and to meet articulated financial, performance and quality standards 
• Responsible for recruiting, training, supervising and evaluating staff, interns and volunteers in alignment with organizational priorities and goals 
• Establishes and monitors operational, performance and safety standards/policies, provides training and professional development as needed and ensures that mechanisms are in place to foster and monitor accountability 
• Responsible for all scheduling to ensure full coverage and to meet customer needs, including staffing shifts on a regular basis and as needed 
• Serves as a member of the site senior management team to identify and develop strategies and processes to grow the enterprise, improve operations, communications and sustainability, and to ensure integration between the youth services and business components in alignment with the MTW core model 
• Responsible for site specific administrative functions, including, but not limited to scheduling, financial management, analyses and reporting, payroll, facilities, technology, and inventory management 

Coordination of On-line and Internet Sales and Operations 

• Responsible for the oversight of all MTW on-line and internet sales and distribution operations including training, customer service, vendor relationship management and forecasting and tracking of financial goals and benchmarks 
• Continuously assess all online vendor relationships for opportunities to improve and remain competitive and aware of any potential business challenges such as distribution rule changes, fulfillment issues, etc. 
• Continuously seek out opportunities to create efficiencies and cost savings by auditing purchasing, vendor selection and streamlining operation systems 
• Ensure all training and systems are in place to provide exemplary customer service and feedback from customers on all online sales platforms 

Managing Youth Employment 

• Supports staff to manage youth training, schedules and youth meetings 
• Works alongside youth and staff on operations shifts to provide ongoing training, feedback and support to improve performance in online business operations 
• Hold youth employees accountable for all safety, policies and performance including attendance, punctuality, professionalism and efficiency with tasks on shift 

The ideal candidate will have at least 5+ years of sales experience and a proven ability to inspire and compel others to exceed expectations. The Associate Director of Business Operations - Online will be an exceptional communicator with an excellent judgment and sensitivity for MTW’s diverse constituencies. A natural affinity for networking and demonstrated confidence and poise is essential for success, as is a strong customer-service orientation and willingness to be accountable. Experience with budgeting, e-commerce platform and CRM cloud-based programs.    

• 2-4 years of equivalent work experience  
• Must have at least 3 years of management experience in a business development setting 
• Must be able to lift and carry boxes of books weighing over 25 pounds on a frequent basis 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to transport books and youth safely 
• Must have strong organizational and project management skills with a clear record of demonstrated experience 
• Must have ability to multi-task and think on numerous levels simultaneously (supporting individual youth, developing an empowering youth training model & managing a legitimate business) 
• Must be responsible, flexible, hard-working, ethical, trustworthy, sincere and willing to hold youth accountable for their choices.   
• Must have passion for sharing knowledge and skills with youth and empowering THEM to run the business 

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, some night and weekend coverage may be needed

Compensation: $70,000-$80,624; commensurate with skills and experience   

Benefits  

• Medical and Dental Insurance  
• 401K with up to 3.5% Employer Match  
• Optional tax saving Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health, dental, dependent care, transportation and parking   
• Generous paid vacation and sick time  
• Significant growth opportunities and professional development  
• Employee Discounts  

To apply: Please include both resume and a cover letter.     

All of MTW’s sites are commuter friendly and are conveniently located near public transportation.     

Background Checks   

More Than Words requires all staff, service members, volunteers, board members and youth over 18 years of age to undergo background checks. More Than Words is a CORI friendly organization and reviews CORIs on a case-by-case basis.   

MTW EEO Statement   

MTW is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background. The organization's policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action, and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to HR@MTW------------.