What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Jackrabbit Central position at South Dakota Board of Regents?
Working Title
Director Jackrabbit Central
Posting Number
NFE02675P
Department
SDSU-University Bookstore
Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings
Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is looking for a strategic, results-driven Director to oversee the on-campus bookstore, Jackrabbit Central, and its downtown and stadium locations. In this role, you’ll manage a multi-faceted retail operation—driving revenue, optimizing operations, and leading a talented team—all while delivering exceptional customer service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The bookstore is more than just a place to shop—it’s a central part of the campus and Brookings community, and you’ll play a key role in strengthening those connections. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Jackrabbit Central, located within the University Student Union, sells books, textbooks and school supplies along with a wide variety of SDState and Jackrabbit apparel and merchandise.
Jackrabbit Central, located within the University Student Union, sells books, textbooks and school supplies along with a wide variety of SDState and Jackrabbit apparel and merchandise.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Financial Oversight
- Develops and implements annual strategic plans aligned with the University’s mission and goals.
- Identifies opportunities for business development, process improvement, and new technologies.
- Advises the AVP of Business Services on budgets, capital planning, and financial impact of initiatives.
- Defines and monitors key performance indicators to drive financial and operational success.
- Ensures compliance with State, SDBOR, and University policies and regulations.
- Develops and manages annual store budgets, authorizes purchases, and oversees financial reporting.
- Monitors year-end inventory and audit processes.
Operational Management
- Oversees daily operations of Jackrabbit Central across all locations.
- Establishes and enforces policies related to procurement, loss prevention, shipping/receiving, and general store operations.
- Guides product selection, pricing strategies, advertising, and promotional campaigns.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
- Responds to customer inquiries and disputes with a service-first mindset.
- Prepares and analyzes reports related to sales, ordering, income, and expenditures.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff performance.
- Builds a cohesive team environment through communication, coaching, and mentoring.
- Fosters a culture of service excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Sets performance standards, monitors progress, and provides recognition, feedback, or disciplinary action as needed.
- Promotes professional growth and career development for team members.
- Mentors junior staff in operational and technological competencies.
BENEFITS:
SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Consumer Affairs or related completed by application date;
- At least five years of retail management experience, preferably within a university setting;
- Proven strategic leadership experience, with a focus on mentoring teams, developing future leaders, and aligning strategic initiatives;
- Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial oversight;
- Ability to develop and interpret policies and procedures;
- Demonstrated experience with a creative customer service model of collaboration and support;
- Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels throughout the organization and maintain composure in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment;
- Ability to analyze complex information and navigate regulatory environments with attention to detail;
- Demonstrated proficiency with standard productivity software include Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent;
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills; and
- Valid drivers license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with development of staff training programs.
- Experience with development and deployment of open-to-buy inventory strategies.
- University retail soft goods buying experience.
- Experience with Prism RBS systems.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
Posting Date
04/14/2025
Closing Date
05/05/2025
Open Until Filled
No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for this position is $75,000 with education and experience to be considered.
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
8am-5pm M-F
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Faculty Status
No
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Derek Peterson at Derek.Peterson@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4529.
Salary : $84
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