Director of Retail Operations

Job title: Director of Retail Operations

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 balances strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations and also oversees the café operator to support revenue generation, enhance visitor experience, and promote external visibility.

What You'll Do

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a retail strategy aligned with the museum’s mission, exhibitions, and audience goals; identify revenue growth opportunities across in-store, online, and pop-up channels; collaborate with CFO/CAO on financial planning, pricing strategies, and revenue optimization.
• Retail Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations of the museum store; establish SOPs, internal controls; manage retail systems (POS, inventory, e-commerce); provide hands-on operational support as needed.
• Buying & Merchandising: Lead product selection and sourcing; develop cohesive, mission-aligned merchandise collections; maintain optimal inventory levels and strong visual merchandising.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage the annual operating budget; monitor sales, margins, inventory turnover, and KPIs; analyze trends to inform purchasing decisions; ensure data accuracy and cost discipline.
• E-Commerce: Oversee the museum’s online store and ensure alignment with in-store offerings; support a functional digital presence as a complementary channel.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and supervise retail staff and volunteers; foster a customer-focused, inclusive environment; set goals and provide coaching and development.
• Customer Experience: Create a welcoming, educational retail experience that enhances the visitor journey; uphold high service standards and weave storytelling into retail spaces.
• Partnerships & Compliance: Build relationships with vendors, artists, and publishers; ensure compliance with financial, legal, and safety regulations; partner with Marketing, Curatorial, Experience, and Development on special projects.

What We're Looking For

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field (or equivalent experience); 7+ years of progressive retail leadership experience; track record of driving sales growth and managing budgets; strong merchandising, buying, and inventory management; leadership and staff development; excellent written and verbal communication; high integrity, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• Preferred: Experience in museum, gallery, cultural, or destination retail; familiarity with mission-driven merchandising and artist/vendor partnerships; experience maintaining e-commerce platforms.

Nice to Have

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

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $125,000–$137,000 per year; Hybrid, full-time role in San Francisco, CA.