Heritage Center Hówašte Gift Shop ProgramManager

Position Title: Heritage Center Hówašte Program Manager
Department: The Heritage Center

Supervisor: Executive Director Of The Heritage Center

Status: Full-Time

Classification: Exempt

Prepared By: Executive Director Of The Heritage Center

Mission
The mission of Red Cloud Indian School (RCIS), a Catholic Institution administered by the Jesuits and the
Lakota People, is to develop and grow as a vibrant Church, through an education of the mind and spirit
that promotes the values of the Lakota Culture. RCIS includes two elementary schools, a high school,
Heritage Center, and six parishes on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in SW South Dakota. By integrating
both Lakota culture and heritage with spiritual beliefs from the Lakota and Catholic traditions, RCIS aims
to educate both the mind and the heart of its students, creating leaders of tomorrow with competence,
conscience, and compassion.

The Heritage Center Vision
A world in which Lakota values are lived and celebrated.

The Heritage Center Mission
To support Lakota artists and culture bearers to be thriving members of their communities and the
larger world.

The Heritage Center Hówašte Program
is a non-profit social enterprise facilitating culturally-connected community development by creating
economic and capacity-building opportunities for Lakota artists, along with opportunities for visitors to
learn about the vibrancy of contemporary Lakota art and culture in a region with an incredible history
and future to share.

Position Summary: The Heritage Center Hówašte Gift Shop Program Manager, in consultation with The
Heritage Center Director, is responsible for all aspects critical functions of the Hówašte Program and all
other aspects of shop operations with the overarching responsibility of providing superior customer
service, maximizing sales while providing maximum exposure to and opportunities for local artists, and
enhancing the mission and image of The Heritage Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Essential Duties:

1. Ensuring the gift shop is operational during all advertised hours of operation

2. Customer service, including but not limited to greeting visitors, answering phones and
attending the gift shop counter.

3. Oversees, coordinates, and performs all sales transactions and cash management,
resolves discrepancies, prepares, reconciles cash receipts for deposit, and submits End of
Day sales reports.

4. Supervises all regular and seasonal gift shop staff and interns, which typically includes
recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation,
and problem resolution.

5. Oversees and plans social media marketing and engagement for the gift shop.
6. Coordinates with the Advancement department and seasonal tour staff on all aspects of

providing an excellent visitor experience.
7. Assists with the development and implementation of operating budgets, policies,

and procedures consistent with those of the organization.
8. Provides sales coordination and problem resolution for gift shop staff; performs direct sales

and customer service as needed.
9. Monitors and coordinates ordering, receipt, and return of merchandise and/or equipment;

verifies invoices and billing and resolves errors and discrepancies; as appropriate, oversees
shipping and delivery of merchandise to customers.

10. Inventory database management – All incoming items for the gift shop must be processed
according to established guidelines, which include but are not limited to using a standardized
numbering system, data entry at the time of order and management of gift shop POS
software

11. Conducts annual physical inventories.
12. Maintains knowledge of inventory and local artists, craftsmen, and vendors in order to

provide quality-merchandising purchases, and to develop a positive rapport and reputation
for the program.

13. Plans and conducts regular buying days both on and off-site to purchase work from and
provide assistance to Lakota and Oceti Sakowin artists to maintain shop inventory and ensure
capacity-building program goals.

14. Maintains gift shop handbook, which includes all responsibilities, special offers, procedures,
THC history and current press materials.

15. Develop and implement a plan for regular uploading of inventory into the online POS
platform, and reviewing sales data to ensure stock of current inventory categories.

16. Prepares monthly reports that track revenue, expenses and inventory turnover.
17. Oversees area stock and visual merchandising; participates in the development

and implementation of on-floor sales promotion campaigns.

II. Additional Functions:

1. Trains THC staff to assist with sales and inventory reconciliation when necessary.
2. Assists with a marketing plan that includes placement of ads, special offers, coupons, events

and other incentives. This plan should be incorporated with the Advancement department
and have measurable results.

3. Work with THC Staff to determine off-site sales opportunities and staffing of special events.

Updated 11/2023 -by ED THC

4. Attendance at conferences and art markets at the discretion of the Executive Director and the
availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:
A. Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Lakota Studies or related is preferred. High School diploma or

• Supervisory experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, digital photography

• Knowledge of point of sale (POS) software
• Attention to detail
• Cash handling skills
• Knowledge of Lakota culture and art
• Excellent organizational development skills

B. Physical requirements: Ability to sit at a desk and use a personal computer, telephone or other
desktop office equipment—70% of work time, standing and bending at the waist and lifting less
than 5 lbs.—28% of work time, bending at the waist and lifting 5-15 lbs. 2% of work time.

To Apply:
Send completed application and resume to
Brenda Bad Heart Bull, ED of Human Resources
Mahpiya Luta/Red Cloud
100 Mission Drive
Pine ridge, SD 5777brendabadheartbull@redcloudschool.org

Updated 11/2023 -by ED THC