Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Retail Operations leads all aspects of the museum’s retail program, overseeing the museum store to maximize earned revenue while advancing the museum’s mission and brand. This role is responsible for merchandising, buying, financial performance, staff leadership, and creating an engaging retail experience that complements exhibitions and enhances visitor engagement. The Director of Retail Operations takes a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach, balancing strategic leadership with active involvement in day-to-day operations. This role also oversees the café operator to support revenue generation, enhance visitor experience, and promote external visibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement a retail strategy aligned with the museum’s mission, exhibitions, and audience goals
Identify practical, cost-effective opportunities to grow revenue through in-store, online, and pop-up retail channels
Collaborate with CFO/CAO on financial planning, pricing strategies, and revenue optimization
Retail Operations

Oversee day-to-day operations of the museum store, ensuring excellent customer service and efficient, effective processes
Establish and maintain standard operating procedures, policies, and internal controls
Manage retail systems (POS, inventory management, e-commerce platforms)
Provide hands-on operational support as needed
Buying & Merchandising

Lead product selection and sourcing, with a focus on mission-aligned, high-quality merchandise
Develop unique, cohesive, and appealing retail collection, including exhibition-related items and collaborations with artists and local vendors
Maintain optimal inventory levels and visual merchandising standards to maximize sales while minimizing excess
Financial Management

Develop and manage the annual operating budget for retail operations
Monitor sales, margins, inventory turnover, and KPIs; implement strategies to improve profitability
Ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory data
Analyze trends and performance data to inform purchasing and pricing decisions
Maintain a strong focus on cost management, operational efficiency, and revenue optimization
E-Commerce

Oversee the museum’s online store ensuring accuracy and alignment with in-store offerings
Support a functional, customer-friendly digital presence as a complementary retail channel
Team Leadership

Recruit, train, and supervise retail staff, including managers, associates, seasonal employees, and volunteers
Foster a customer-focused, inclusive, and collaborative team environment
Set performance goals and provide ongoing coaching and professional development
Lead by example through active engagement in both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations
Customer Experience

Create a welcoming, educational, and engaging retail experience that enhances the visitor journey
Ensure high standards of customer service and resolve customer concerns as needed
Integrate storytelling and interpretation into retail spaces
Partnerships & Compliance

Build relationships with vendors, artisans, and publishers
Ensure compliance with all financial, legal, and safety regulations
Partner with marketing to promote retail offerings through campaigns and events
Collaborate with curatorial, experience, and development teams on special projects
 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
7+ years of progressive retail leadership experience, preferably in cultural institutions or destination retail environments
Proven track record of driving retail sales growth and managing budgets
Strong merchandising, buying, and inventory management experience
Excellence in team leadership and staff development
Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communications skills
High level of integrity, creativity, and resourcefulness
Preferred

Experience in museum, gallery, cultural, or destination retail settings
Familiarity with mission-driven merchandising and artist/vendor partnerships
Experience maintaining e-commerce platforms
Key Competencies

Strategic thinking balanced with strong execution skills
Financial acumen and operational discipline
Creativity in merchandising and product development
Exceptional aptitude for color harmony, fashion trends, and product display
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
Customer-focused mindset with a passion for arts and culture
Adaptability and resourcefulness

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Environment

Standard museum and office environment, including gallery spaces with variable lighting, ambient noise from public programming, and occasional exposure to art-handling or installation activities.
Occasional travel to off-site locations for meetings and events.
Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
Extended use of a computer monitor, tablet, stylus, phone, and other technology; sustained visual concentration required.
Ability to stand and move for extended periods throughout museum spaces.
Occasional lifting, carrying, or transporting materials up to 25 lbs.
Schedule and Availability

Full-time schedule to support museum store

 hours; must be available to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support museum events and needs.
Ability to work up to two days per week remotely, if operational needs allow.
Occasional flexibility in the work schedule may be required to accommodate collaboratio across different time zones.
Cognitive and Sensory Demands

High degree of sustained concentration, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail required throughout the workday.
Must be able to manage multiple concurrent projects under deadline pressure while maintaining quality.
 

 To apply: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ASI1002AAMF/JobBoard/9e5e0e8e-237d-4ca6-91c0-a4f1fdd16163/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=fd88971b-2fde-450c-a2ce-cf84fadda771