Museum Retail Manager

The Delaware Art Museum seeks a Museum Retail Manager to lead strategic buying, product development, and merchandising—while overseeing e-commerce operations. This position ensures the Museum Store enhances the visitor experience, reflects the Museum’s mission, and achieves financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Buying, Merchandising & Product Development

  • Lead assortment planning, open-to-buy, and markdown strategies; analyze SKU performance and sales trends.
  • Research, source, and purchase merchandise aligned with the Museum’s mission, visitor demographics, and exhibitions.
  • Develop custom and licensed products in collaboration with curators, educators, and marketing staff.
  • Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms; maintain strong vendor relationships.
  • Oversee visual merchandising, displays, and product placement to maximize sales and storytelling impact.

Financial Management & Analysis

  • Prepare and manage budgets, sales forecasts, and expense reports.
  • Monitor financial performance, track variances, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Ensure inventory control through cycle counts, reconciliations, and purchasing oversight.
  • Present regular sales and performance reports to leadership.

Collaboration & Institutional Integration

  • Partner with curatorial, education, and marketing teams to integrate retail into exhibitions, programs, and campaigns.
  • Work with the Advancement Team to identify and cultivate Museum Store advisors and donors.
  • Collaborate with membership and development teams to support special events, promotions, and donor initiatives.
  • Attend trade shows, vendor fairs, and professional conferences to identify new products and trends.
  • Align store offerings with the Museum’s brand and mission to create a cohesive visitor journey.
  • Build a cohesive sales team with the Events, Rental, and Visitor Manager who oversees front-line operations.

E-Commerce & Operations

  • Manage the e-commerce platform, including product uploads, content, photography, categories, and promotions.
  • Oversee distribution, allocation, and order fulfillment across on-site and online channels.
  • Ensure compliance with POS systems, cash handling, and financial procedures.
  • Maintain organized stockrooms, receiving processes, and inventory documentation.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Art, Retail Management, or related field preferred.
  • 3–5 years of progressive experience in buying, merchandising, or product development.
  • Proficiency in retail math, sales analysis, e-commerce platforms, and open-to-buy processes.
  • Strong organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and cross-departmental collaboration abilities.
  • Creative thinker with a strong eye for design and merchandising.
  • Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel/Word) and POS systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Highly motivated, collaborative, and discreet with confidential materials.
  • Commitment to the Delaware Art Museum’s mission and programs.
  • Collegial attitude and sense of humor.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a part-time hourly position anticipated to be 20-25 hours weekly reporting to the Director of Operations. The manager must be available for cross-departmental meetings, high traffic events and programs, and weekly on-floor time to create a dynamic retail experience. This will include some nights and weekends. Our hourly rate is $25-$28/hr. depending upon experience. We offer museum membership, employee discounts and free parking.

Commitment to Equity

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all listed qualifications. At the Delaware Art Museum, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your background doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply—you may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to hmorrissey@delart.org with the subject line: “[Last Name, First Name], Job Title.”

Interviews will begin as qualified applications are received; the position will remain open until filled. To learn more about the Delaware Art Museum, please visit delart.org.

DelArt is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity, and we encourage candidates from all cultures and communities to apply.

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