Responsible for the overall design, management and operation of the museum shop. Play a crucial role in setting the tone at the museum. Develop a vision for the shop that advances the mission of the museum and its priority of welcoming our range of College, local and international visitors. Serve as the principle buyer for the shop and manage the shop staff. Work to build recognition of the shop and the museum by developing collaborations with artists, artisans and museum colleagues; building relationships with museum members and visitors; and creating on-site and on-line displays. Engage with college departments and alumnae to create new initiatives that expand the reach of the shop and the museum, and engage with downtown Northampton to connect the shop and the museum with the larger community.
Retail and Merchandise: Set the tone and atmosphere of the shop through customer service and on-site and online displays. Work with artists, craftspeople, manufacturers and other museum staff to develop products unique to the museum. Build strong relationships with vendors and manage negotiations with vendors and artisans. Manage product inventory.
Marketing and Sales: Cultivate a brand and tone for the shop by building relationships with museum supporters and visitors, Smith College alumnae, and members of the Smith College and Five College communities. Collaborate with colleagues in marketing to promote visibility of the shop and the museum. Work with other college departments and alumnae to develop initiatives such as trunk shows and sidewalk sales events that will broaden the reach of the shop. Work with consultants and museum marketing department to strengthen the store’s digital presence.
Shop Administration: Hire, train, schedule and oversee sales staff, student workers and volunteers. Manage financials for the shop, including POS and inventory system, annual budgeting and expense control, and profit margin analysis. Attend museum staff meetings and contribute to committees focused on visitor services.
Education/Experience: High school degree plus a minimum of four years of related work experience in a retail environment or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Experience in a museum shop or similar retail environment is preferred.
Skills: Excellent communication, organizational, customer service and management skills. Must possess a keen eye for design and have significant experience with merchandising. Must be reliable and able to work independently. Must be comfortable and clear with delegation to both student workers and volunteers. Ability to work a cash register, handle money and work with figures. Must be able to work weekends and occasional evening hours.
Physical Requirements: The work requires the ability to lift or move 30 pounds.
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