Director of Brand Strategy & Retail Operations

The Texas Railway Preservation Association (TRPA) is seeking a Director of Brand Strategy & Retail Operations to act as the primary architect of our public identity and commercial presence. We are looking for a "Creative Catalyst" who can blend the raw, industrial power of the SP 982 with a sophisticated, urban aesthetic that resonates with modern collectors and streetwear enthusiasts.

In this pro-bono executive role, you will bridge the gap between our "Archive" history and the modern market. You will oversee everything from our digital narrative to the development of high-end custom apparel and footwear, ensuring TRPA is recognized as a premier Texas institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Brand Narrative & Digital Presence: Develop a high-fidelity content strategy that leverages our "Blue Ambient" aesthetic to grow a dedicated global audience.
• Merchandise Lifecycle Management: Lead the design and rollout of TRPA-branded products, including our bespoke footwear lines and "Industrial Power" apparel collections.
• E-Commerce Architecture: Oversee the digital storefront, ensuring the user experience matches the quality of our physical artifacts. You will manage the transition from "product launch" to "sold out".
• On-Site Content Sorties: Conduct regular visits to our restoration sites to capture the grit and engineering of the SP 982, translating mechanical work into compelling marketing assets.
• Market Trend Forecasting: Utilize 2026 retail metrics to ensure our product drops align with current American streetwear and heritage-wear trends.
• Community Stewardship: Manage the "Voice of the Association" across all platforms, ensuring professional, authoritative, and engaging interactions with followers and donors.

Professional Requirements

• Retail & Marketing Pedigree: Proven experience in brand management, e-commerce, or luxury retail.
• Creative Technical Suite: High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Shopify, and advanced social analytics.
• Visual Authority: A sharp eye for photography and design; you understand how to make heavy machinery look like art.
• Strategic Communication: Ability to tell a story that makes a 1919 locomotive feel relevant to a 2026 consumer.
• Entrepreneurial Drive: A self-starter who views this "Apple Garage" phase as an opportunity to build a massive commercial and cultural legacy.

The TRPA Advantage

This isn't a job where you follow a manual—you write the manual. You will have total creative freedom to define how the world sees the TRPA, transforming a mechanical restoration project into a lifestyle brand that funds the future of Texas history.

Join the TRPA. Brand the Power.