Description:
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is seeking a creative, collaborative, and motivated individual committed to supporting the Visitor Experience team through retail efforts in the museum store. This position will require both front-facing operations through daily admissions, the 3D theater, and retail operations, while also bolstering the Museum Store’s inventory through the research and development of product. While on the floor, the candidate will model staff behavior and assist visitors in having a welcoming, fun, and safe experience. The candidate will also be responsible for researching, selecting, and procuring merchandise for the Museum Store, with an emphasis on custom product that are reflective of the Museum’s exhibitions and collection.
Reporting to the Visitor Experience Manager, the ideal candidate will have a keen eye for quality, a passion for visitor experience and retail, and a commitment to supporting the Museum’s educational and outreach initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Management & Department Tasks
- Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and training of Visitor Experience Associates (7) to ensure that everyone can effectively engage and serve guests from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Mentor Associates by modeling desired behavior, observing their work, and providing timely feedback.
- Serve as the senior most Visitor Experience staff member on Fridays and Saturdays. As part of this responsibility, this position will supervise the Visitor Experience Associates on those days.
- Directly interact with the public approximately 24 hours per week to both cover staff lunches, vacations, and other high traffic moments as well as serve as a role model for Visitor Experience Associates.
- Other duties as assigned.
Museum Store & E-Commerce
- Work with the Visitor Experience Manager in the development of an assortment of compelling museum store products by buying and creating custom merchandise that complements current exhibitions and programs.
- Oversee inventory levels and reorder products as needed with the goal of optimizing stock levels and minimizing excess inventory. As part of this responsibility, this position will coordinate and manage the Museum Store’s annual physical inventory.
- Work closely with the Visitor Experience Manager and other colleagues to create visually appealing displays and compelling e-commerce descriptions that highlight the merchandise and enhance the overall shopping experience at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
- Develop, evaluate, and negotiate terms with vendors including price, shipping costs, and payment terms to maximize sales and gross margin.
- Obtain product information and then communicate that information to the Visitor Experience Manager and Associates to allow them to better share and sell the product to our visitors.
- Maintain accurate financial records and prepare end-of-month reports that track store performance.
Visitor Services & Admission
- Foster a warm and welcoming environment for all Museum visitors, ensuring that they are informed about daily programming and other offerings, including membership and 3D theater.
- Gather feedback from guests and assist the Visitor Experience Manager and the Director of Museum Experience & Community Engagement in making improvements to the visitor experience to better meet or exceed guest’s expectations.