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About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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

Skills

Merchandising
Buying
Financial performance
Staff leadership
Retail strategy
Revenue growth
Financial planning
Pricing strategies
Customer service
Operating procedures
Retail systems management
Inventory management
E-commerce platforms
Product selection
Sourcing
Visual merchandising
Budget management
Sales monitoring
Margin analysis
Inventory turnover
KPI monitoring
Profitability improvement
Data analysis
Cost management
Operational efficiency
Online store management
Team recruitment
Team training
Staff supervision
Performance goal setting
Coaching
Professional development
Customer experience enhancement
Vendor relations
Compliance management
Marketing partnership
Cross-functional collaboration
Strategic thinking
Execution skills
Financial acumen
Operational discipline
Product development
Color harmony
Fashion trends
Product display
Communication
Collaboration
Customer focus
Adaptability
Resourcefulness

Location

Remote (up to two days per week)

Work Type

Full-time
Hybrid schedule

Experience Level

Director
7+ years of progressive retail leadership experience

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Salary/Compensations

$125,000 - $137,000

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with flexible spending accounts
Paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick leave)
Immediate eligibility to enroll in a voluntary retirement savings program upon hire
Group Retirement Plan available after 1 year of employment with employer match

About the Company

The Asian Art Museum is committed to practicing salary transparency.
Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences.
We provide a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.
Diversity of thought and experience is essential to our mission, and we are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce.

Equal Opportunity

The Asian Art Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories (arrest and criminal histories) consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.