Innovate 1858 is a real-world, hands-on learning lab and retail store managed by Iowa State’s Apparel, Merchandising, and Design program and located in the Student Innovation Center. The space is run by Iowa State students, giving them the opportunity to gain retail leadership experience.

We are seeking innovative team members with a passion for retail in Manager and Technical Assistant roles for Fall 2025!

Please submit your application by April 27th at 11:59 PM CST.

MANAGER DESCRIPTION:

  • Managers will work with supervisors to create a syllabus, complete assigned manager tasks, and oversee their assistants throughout the semester

  • Participate in weekly Management Team Meeting

  • Work 5 paid hours in-store and 5 remote paid hours each week ($12 an hour)

  • Must enroll in a 3-credit elective course that will meet once per week to discuss and plan all store operations. The time will be designated after all employees are hired.

  • Should have relevant work or internship experience in their management area. The submission of a portfolio is encouraged, if applicable.

Assistant Description:

  • Assistants will work with managers and supervisors in the completion of all assigned tasks

  • Work 5-10 paid hours in-store each week ($11 an hour)

  • Must enroll in a 3-credit elective course that will meet once per week to discuss and plan all store operations. Meeting times will be designated after all employees are hired.

Open DEPARTMENTS:

Operations: Oversees budget tracking and reports, Handles all incoming inventory—from making QR codes to tagging , create monthly performance presentations & a full semester one, handles purchases for different teams, completes the IOW and POW graphics

Product Development: Manage Student Maker processes (pitch sessions, entry forms), provide insight into buying decisions, film and edit student maker chats, write student maker bios, manage and assist with private label orders, create buying reports (sell through rates, markdowns, best/worst sellers, reorders)

eCommerce: Oversee website management (product descriptions, images, online promotions, addition of student makers, home page updates), manage Ecwid accuracy, fulfill and ship online orders, create Website Traffic reports (2x per semester)

Marketing: Plan all social media campaigns (manage posting calendar, create at least two posts per week on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin, post engaging stories, work with the Product Development Team on #Student Maker Mondays), execute 2-3 photoshoots and one video campaign, collaborate with local ISU influencers

Merchandising: Organize all inventory management, weekly and monthly sales reports, and tracking sell-through rates. Oversee pricing strategies and make sale suggestions to maximize profitability and support sales goals.

Public Relations: Develop promotional campaigns (monthly newsletter targeted to campus and AESHM faculty & staff, Press Releases), manage collaborations (class projects, guest speaking, etc.)

Graphics: Fulfill graphic needs (assist visually with displays, coupons, etc.), create gifting catalog, donation requests

Visual Merchandising/Events: Create in-store visual displays 2-3 times per semester, coordinate & plan in-store and external events, mock-up displays for pop-up events, pull merchandise for all pop-up events, deliver merch to the pop-up location, create a sales report after each event