Retail Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION

RETAIL MANAGER

Part-time, Nonexempt

20-24 hours per week 

$23.50-$29.00 per hour 

Reports to:  Enterprise Director

Direct Reports:  None

Our Retail Manager is dedicated to executing the operational systems involved in the planning, developing and ongoing success of the museums’ growth-oriented revenue-generating retail business activities, setting an inviting and inclusive and mission-forward retail experience for MMAM. They will ensure operational excellence by drilling into the smallest of details, while focusing on implementing the strategic short- and long-term sales goals of the museum’s retail arm and social enterprise efforts - to create an integrated visitor experience, from start to finish, creating magnetic and meaningful retail experiences that explore our relationship with water.  

This role balances front-of-house retail duties, such as display and merchandising, with back-of-house operations, including managing inventory and detailed sales reporting..

Reporting directly to the Enterprise Director, serving as a key member of the museum’s Enterprise Team, the Retail Manager will dive into the details of running a destination retail shop, meeting or exceeding sales goals. 

We aim to work with someone who is committed to setting the highest of service standards, emulating our core values to visitors, clients, patrons, staff and volunteers - (1) centering our work in relationships and collaboration, (2) stewarding sustainability, equity and hospitality, (3) operating with honesty, transparency and trust, (4) being bold and brave, and (5) always enterprising, always outstanding.

Responsibilities will include: 

Retail (95%)

• Managing, implementing, and promoting the museum retail experience under the explicit direction of the Enterprise Director. 
• Being responsible for various retail operations including: inventory management; product merchandising, daily store operations; sales reporting; support for Visitor Experience Associates who are the main touch point of interaction for all retail transactions; payment reporting for all consignment artists; and other duties as assigned. 
• Creating and maintaining a clean, safe, accessible, and aesthetically-pleasing retail space
• Assigning and directing retail projects (such as merchandising and inventory) to staff and volunteers, as needed
• Running a profitable retail store as a growing revenue source and primary visit factor
• Process, pack and ship orders (when needed), and in-store purchases that require shipping

Other (5%)

• Regularly managing and communicating sales reports and quarterly goals
• In coordination with the museum’s communications team, supporting the Enterprise Director in developing and managing a promotional plan for the store, including marketing, social media, etc.,
• Manage client and customer data using the museum’s customer relationship software
• Support colleagues as needed.  

POSITION SPECIFICS: 

• Part-time, Nonexempt (average 20-24 hours per week)
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends required 
• Work location: on location 
• Benefits: eligible for Part-Time benefits outlined in the MMAM Employee Handbook, including PTO, SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match, and cafe, retail and program discounts.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that much of the following matches your experience:

You’ll likely demonstrate: 

• Self-driven enterprising personality
• Collaborative spirit and desire to engage with a variety of MMAM departments and outside organizations to support the MMAM’s engagement experience and programmatic goals. 
• Experience in customer service, reservation systems, ticketing and point of sale procedures. 
• Possess ability to problem solve in a quick and resourceful manner
• Ability to converse about themes in art and share rich information regarding MMAM programs and exhibitions. 
• Knowledge of PC computer skills including cloud-based ticketing and membership systems, and Excel desired. 
• Sophisticated cash-handling and reporting experience
• Ability to handle a variety of operations simultaneously. 
• Proven ability to work with a wide range of personalities and people across a variety of generations.
• Stellar interpersonal social skills 

Nice to have:

• High school degree or equivalent plus three to five years of related experience
• Experience working in a museum, arts or cultural organization.
• Experience advancing equity agendas in the for profit or not for profit sector
• Minimum of 3 years experience owning or managing a successful restaurant, retail or rental business
• 21 years of age

Values - This person is a champion of:

• Centering their work in Relationships and Collaboration.  
• Stewarding Sustainability, Equity and Hospitality.
• Operating with Honesty, Transparency and Trust.
• Being Bold and Brave.
• Always Enterprising, Always Outstanding.

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is committed to being an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals.  The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs possible without undue hardship.

Mission

We create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water.

Vision 

To spark wonder and create a more compassionate and connected world for all. 

About

Before there ever was a Minnesota Marine Art Museum, there was a Maritime Heritage Society, a community group dedicated to preserving and sharing stories about life on the river. Their commitment set in motion the creation of a museum to showcase art inspired by water. MMAM opened in 2006 with the vision of creating a nationally recognized center for arts and culture in Southeast Minnesota. The initial collections consisted of traditional marine paintings and regional folk art. After expanding the quality and diversity of its collections, evolving the exhibition program, adding an annual roster of educational programs and temporary exhibitions, and enlarging its facility, today’s MMAM is a dynamic and surprising experience for tens of thousands of visitors a year.

MMAM operates from Mni Sota Makoce (Land Where the Waters Reflect The Clouds), the traditional homeland of the Dakota people. Residing here since time immemorial, Dakota still call Mni Sota Makoce home, with four federally recognized Dakota nations and many more Dakota people residing in what is now the state of Minnesota. Due to continued legacies of colonization, genocide and forced removal, generations of Dakota people remain disenfranchised from their traditional homeland.  Presently, Mni Sota Makoce has become a refuge and home for many Indigenous nations and peoples, including seven federally recognized Ojibwe nations.  We humbly encourage our audiences to reflect upon the historical legacies held in the lands they occupy.  

MMAM is committed to ecological stewardship. We strive to make our communities—social, cultural, and natural— better off than we found them. Built on a former industrial site, the museum’s five-acre gardens—our 7th Gallery—are not only a source of natural beauty, they are the base of MMAM’s sustainability goals. The land has transformed to become a biodiverse ecosystem that sequesters carbon and improves climate sustainability. From the roots of the plants to the roof of the museum, MMAM is working to achieve Net Zero by 2030.

To apply

Please send your resume, cover letter and two professional references to hello@mmam.org.

• Applications accepted through 5p on December 8, 2025.
• Interviews will take place beginning the week of December 15, 2025.
• The desired start date is December 29, 2026.