Director of Retail

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE : Director of Retail

DIVISION : Administration

DEPARTMENT : Administration

REPORTS TO : Associate Vice President of Operations

PAY TYPE : Exempt

WORKER TYPE : Full-Time

UPDATED : October 2025

Pay : $70,000

Essential Functional Responsibilities :

The Kansas City Art Institute is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and detail-oriented leader

to oversee the entirety of KCAI's auxiliary retail operations, including Marble & Canvas, the

Underground Art Store, the on-campus coffee shop, Cafe Nerman and E-Commerce sites. This

position includes providing strategic leadership and daily oversight for these three distinct retail

entities, managing their respective employees, and ensuring all operations reflect the spirit,

creativity, and collaborative ethos of KCAI. The Director will work closely with faculty, the

Professional Practice Center, and the Alumni Office to facilitate alumni artist partnerships.

Leadership & Managerial Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Underground Store Manager and the

Cafe Nerman Manager, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Manager and the Cafe Nerman Manager, fostering a positive and efficient work

environment.

compliance with health and safety standards, and maximum operational efficiency and

profitability.

satisfaction, and operational efficiency across the art supply store and mailroom .

Store Operations

opening / closing procedures, cleanliness, and customer service.

and implement store and cafe policies and procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency,

and profitability across all services.

needed for all retail entities.

sales initiatives across all retail locations.

Merchandise & Inventory Management (Marble & Canvas Store Focus)

artwork, and other unique items for the Marble & Canvas Store.

products.

maintain appropriate stock levels.

tracking.

Artist Engagement

that align with events, visiting artists, and exhibitions.

opportunities for current students, Alumni or KCAI faculty / staff.

Financial Oversight & Sales Growth

expense control, and financial reporting for Marble & Canvas , the Underground Art

Store, and Cafe Nerman.

retail operations.

to explore alumni-focused or fundraising initiatives tied to store merchandise.

Student Worker Supervision (Marble & Canvas Store Focus)

opportunities for skill development.

Customer Engagement & Marketing

artistic identity of KCAI.

newsletters, and campus communications.

comprehensive customer database to support sales promotion, engagement, and

tracking efforts.

community through the store.

art, design, and retail in collaboration with faculty and institutional partners.

Supervises the following :

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications :

presentation.

faculty, alumni, and students in an academic or creative setting.

Required Experience / Education :

(or equivalent experience).

merchandising and buying.

Preferred Experience / Education :

environment.

Statement

Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting,

retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race,

gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or

mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other

characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. KCAI provides reasonable

accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job

application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need

accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about

your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art

Institute’s Human Resource Administrator.

EOE / AA : Minorities / Females / Disabled / Vets

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.