Visual Merchandising and Event Associate

Job

Location Twin Cities

Job Family Campus Operations

Full/Part Time Full-Time

Regular/Temporary Regular

Job Code 8422BK

Employee Class Civil Service

The Visual Merchandiser and Event Associate will be a creative and strategic professional responsible for elevating the University of Minnesota Bookstores' brand image, maximizing in-store sales, and driving community engagement. This dual-focus role blends the artistry of visual merchandising with the execution of dynamic events to create an exceptional, cohesive customer experience.

The ideal candidate will assist with planning, executing, and promoting events that align with the Bookstores' mission, vision, and goals while simultaneously designing compelling visual displays and store layouts that capture customer interest and drive revenue. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing and communications to identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitive insights to make data-driven decisions regarding product placement, promotions, and event strategies.

The employee must work well and adapt quickly to change in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving retail environment.

This position also assists with day to day operational support of the assigned area of responsibility to support our retail efforts to serve customers, resolve and troubleshoot issues. Assigned areas may include one or more Bookstores departments including Course Materials, General Books, Supplies, Technology, Clothing, and Customer Service. The Supervisor role encompasses work as a cross functional team member within the assigned area ensuring excellent customer service and compliance in all activities.

Location and Work environment: On-campus, main location in Coffman Memorial Union with other locations as needed.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

• 55% Visual Merchandising & Store Experience
  • Display Design & Execution:
    Create and implement compelling, on-brand visual merchandising displays, window installations, and focal points to attract customers and drive sales.
  • Layout Optimization:
    Develop and maintain store floor plans and traffic flows that optimize product exposure, enhance the customer shopping experience, maintain ADA compliance, and maximize revenue growth.
  • Signage & Graphics:
    Utilize visual elements that adhere strictly to both internal/external branding guidelines and University accessibility standards (including legible typography, high-contrast readability, and proper placement).
  • Brand Consistency:
    Create and manage brand style and merchandising guides to assist team members with uniform presentation across physical locations and web product photography.
  • Fixture Management:
    Manage fixtures including purchase recommendations, logistics, inventory, and location management.
  • Trend Analysis:
    Research and identify current fashion, retail, and market trends to ensure the Bookstores' merchandise presentation remains modern, relevant, and competitive.
• 25% Store Contributor
  • Store Coverage:
    Assist with retail store coverage as needed, including opening, closing, and manager-on-duty responsibilities.
  • Customer Service:
    Help ensure the Bookstores' high standard of customer service is actively being provided by staff and students.
  • Miscellaneous:
    Perform other duties and support retail programs as assigned by management.
• 10% Student Management
  • Work with the University of Minnesota Bookstore team to ensure departmental coverage and exceptional customer service standards are met
  • Oversee, train and coach student employees
• 5% Community Engagement
  • Execution:
    Assist with execution of a variety of virtual, in-person, and offsite events, author signings, and pop-up promotions around campus and the community.
  • Logistics & Management:
    Assist with day-of logistics and vendor coordination.
• 5% Misc.
  • Miscellaneous duties as assigned and assist in all areas as needed

• Purposeful Communication & Facilitation:
  Facilitates productive meetings and maintains transparent dialogue to keep cross-functional departments informed, focused, and working in unison for upcoming visual changes, promotions, and campus events.
• Inclusive Team
  
  Coaching:
  
  Mentors and engages both full-time staff and student employees to build a collaborative, high-performing workforce aligned around shared store goals.
• Visual Development:
  Develop and execute creative visual…