Urbana Bike Coop Shop Manager Job Opportunity

The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign

Campus Shop Manager Position Description

Date Posted:    April 12, 2012
Position:           Shop Manager
Organization:  The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign
Start Date:      May 14 – July 1, 2012 negotiable (earlier preferred)
Duration:          One year (renewable annually)
Location:          Champaign-Urbana, IL

The Shop Manager will oversee operations and volunteers in a teaching, do-it-yourself bicycle repair shop. This position includes outreach and expansion of organizational presence on a University campus and in the surrounding community.

This position exists to provide training, guidance and technical support in all areas pertaining to the operation of the shop.  The Shop Manager will organize volunteers to implement daily operation of the bike shop; coordinate shop business operations and volunteer staff; take responsibility for maintaining inventory, equipment and supplies. The position is located at the Campus Bike Project (one of The Bike Project’s two locations) which is located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (www.thebikeproject.org) offers space, tools, and community to repair bikes, share knowledge, hold classes, and advocate for bikes in Urbana-Champaign. As an organization, we collaborate with community sustainability organizations, bike shops, and bicycle advocates to promote bicycle education including mechanical proficiency, commuter safety, and environmental awareness.  The Shop Manager will play a vital role in nurturing these connections as well as acting as a liaison with various departments of the University of Illinois.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• One full year experience working at least half time in a managerial or leadership role of a business, non-profit, non-governmental organization, cooperative or equivalent
• Passion for bikes and bicycling as transportation

Desired Qualifications

• Experience organizing volunteers or staff
• Experience coordinating events
• Excellent written and verbal communication and public relations skills
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of bike repair and bike mechanics
• Experience teaching
• Familiarity with related sustainability, safety and health issues
• Experience in sustainable business practices
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe design products, and Google Office programs
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, faculty and off-campus community members

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse people while observing sensitivities and differences
• Ability to foster an environment of empowerment and cooperation

Job Tasks:

• Oversee shop operations including shop upkeep, bike repair, and sales and safety
• Recruit, schedule, and organize volunteers
• Coordinate training seminars and workshops
• Field inquiries from and provide logistical information to patrons about programs and services
• Organize off-site events including volunteer recruitment, bicycle education, and promotions
• Maintain event information and contacts in database
• Act as liaison between The Bike Project and the University units
• Attend committee meetings and report on shop operations
• Handle any monies, receipts and associated paperwork
• Maintain inventory of new and used equipment and manage restocking  from appropriate sources
• Participate in assessing the needs of The Bike Project thru giving and receiving feedback
• Maintain updated  records and files as well as policy and procedure manual

Salary and Benefits:  A total fund of $39,500/year will be used to pay salary and to purchase any benefits independently if needed (for example: $35,000 for salary, $4,500 to purchase benefits). Employee will also receive unlimited access to city transit network with University ID card.

To Apply:
Please submit the following to thebikeproject.apply@gmail.com by April 20, 2012.

1. A cover letter

• In your cover letter, address the following: “The Bike Project was founded in the spirit of Do-It-Yourself, inclusivity and cooperation. How does your experience relate to actively advancing these principles and what are your goals in this position?”

2. A resume.
3. At least three work-related references (required) including the names, current addresses and telephone numbers.

See more information and updates at: www.thebikeproject.org/manager-job-2012