Retail Business Training Manager - Boston

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 high energy, engaging individual who is creative, motivated, and detail-oriented to join the retail team and create a welcoming space for young people to learn to run a business, and for our community to shop, read, and engage in our mission. This position would lead a team of 3-6 youth employees to manage their own retail bookstore, gift shop, and dynamic event space in our South End venue. 

Key responsibilities of this position include:  

Manage Retail Shifts: 

• Oversee all aspects of the retail space, including providing impeccable customer and client service, implementing youth staff training, tracking and managing inventory, merchandising, and maximizing profitability 

• Oversee all safety, policies and procedures to open and/or close the store/events, including some evening and weekend shifts 

• Lead a shift of 3-6 youth to ensure success of all business activities: serve customers and clients, execute projects & events at a high standard, and meet financial goals 

• Collaborate with the retail team on creative planning for displays and floorplan changeovers 

• Support marketing efforts alongside retail & events team, including digital marketing, store activations, and customer engagement 

• Work in conjunction with events team on store activation and clears for space rentals 

• Continually monitor and improve systems to maximize efficiency 

Train Youth Employees: 

• Work alongside youth to provide ongoing training, feedback and support for youth to improve performance in retail business operations. 

• Hold youth employees accountable for all safety, policies and performance including attendance, punctuality, professionalism and efficiency with tasks on shift. 

• Work with youth and staff to support weekly Team Meeting with all members of MTW. 

• Manage training manual updates, and training schedule coordination with Management Team. 

Key Qualifications:  

Applicants should be high-energy, enjoy teaching others, hitting goals, and working in a fast-paced environment.  The ideal candidate will have  

• 1-3 years of retail, event, and/or business experience creating displays, engaging customers, and managing inventory 

• A commitment to working directly with our youth team 

• Solutions oriented and team player attitude 

• Successful experience teaching, training or supervising new learners  

• A talent for empowering and engaging others to work together to achieve goals.  

• Exceptional communication, and sensitivity for MTW’s diverse constituencies.  

• Great customer service, technological aptitude, and a willingness to be accountable for the business are keys to success! 

• Social media marketing experience is a plus 

• Candidate must be able to regularly lift boxes weighing approximately 25 lbs., move easily up and down stairs and possess a valid driver’s license.  

• Flexible scheduling and the ability to work some evening and weekend shifts. 

Schedule: 4 days/week, likely Sunday-Wednesday (nights and weekend availability required) 

Compensation: $52,000-$57,749; 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@MTWyouth.org.  

Salary : $52,000 - $57,749