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Museum Retail Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Familiarity with museum retail environments or art-related merchandise Start date: Immediately Department: Merchandising Reports to: Director of Visitor Services Hourly Rate : $24.00 per hour ...

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... Museum, retail sales and historic cabin rentals. The Hui o Laka mission is to nurture the ... the Executive Director with general program management and other duties as required Digital ...

This position is under the supervision of the museum director and operations manager. Basic ... of retail operations and money handling, familiarity with point-of-sales software. Salary: The ...

The Director is responsible for building and leading a high-performing visitor-facing team ... Provide oversight of the Museum Store/bookstore and identify opportunities to improve the retail ...

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Museum Retail Director information

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$39.5K

$104.1K

$190K

How much do museum retail director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum retail director in the United States is $104,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $131,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum retail director do?

A Museum Retail Director oversees all aspects of a museum's retail operations, including museum shops and online stores. Their responsibilities include managing staff, selecting merchandise that aligns with the museum's mission, developing sales strategies, and maximizing revenue for the institution. They also collaborate with curators and exhibit teams to create unique, exhibition-related products and ensure an excellent visitor shopping experience. In addition, they analyze sales data, manage budgets, and build relationships with vendors to source high-quality merchandise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum retail director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Retail Director, you need expertise in retail management, merchandising, and budget oversight, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and retail analytics tools is essential. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and customer service skills help drive team performance and visitor engagement. These skills ensure profitable retail operations, enhance the museum visitor experience, and support the institution’s financial sustainability.

What are some common challenges faced by a museum retail director, and how can they be addressed?

A Museum Retail Director often faces the challenge of balancing commercial goals with the institution's educational mission. It requires aligning product selection with the museum's exhibitions and audience, managing seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers, and ensuring the retail experience enhances the overall museum visit. Building strong relationships with curators, marketing teams, and vendors is essential. Success in this role often comes from staying adaptable, closely monitoring retail analytics, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

What is the difference between Museum Retail Director vs Museum Store Manager?

AspectMuseum Retail DirectorMuseum Store Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall retail strategy, manages multiple store locations, develops sales goals, and leads team leadership.Manages daily store operations, supervises staff, handles customer service, and maintains inventory.
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, or related field; experience in retail leadership.Usually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; retail or customer service experience preferred.
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning in office settings, occasional store visits, leadership meetings.Hands-on management within the store, interacting directly with customers and staff.

The Museum Retail Director focuses on strategic oversight and expanding retail operations, while the Museum Store Manager handles daily store management. Both roles require retail experience, but the director's role is broader and more strategic.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Retail Director jobs?

For Museum Retail Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Museum Retail Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,058 per year, or $50 per hour.

Sales Associate

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

Brooklyn Museum
Traveler Accommodation • 51 - 200 employees

$24/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist visitors with purchases, restock merchandise, and ensure the shop is inviting and well-organized.

  • Engage proactively with visitors to provide product recommendations, create a welcoming shopping experience, and handle transactions using POS systems.

  • Support inventory management by replenishing merchandise, fulfilling online orders, restocking machines, and assisting with stock and inventory counts.


Job description

Sales Associate
Museum overview
The Brooklyn Museum is a world-renowned cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing art, history, and heritage. Our mission is to bring people together through art and experiences that inspire celebration, compassion, courage, and the will to act. Our vision is to serve as an institution where art is a powerful force for personal transformation and social change. Celebrating our differences and learning about our diverse communities through our collections, exhibitions, and programming are at the core of who we are and what we do. We are committed to creating and cultivating a diverse community of talented, passionate people who are inspired to make the Museum an important hub of community activity and a great global destination. Our staff have the opportunity to grow their professional skills and work collaboratively with colleagues they admire and respect. Read more about our story here.
About the role
As a Shop Sales Associate at the Brooklyn Museum, you will be a key part of our visitor experience, representing the Museum through exceptional customer service in our retail space. This temporary, part-time position supports the Museum’s Art of Manga exhibition, running through March 7, 2027. You will play a critical role in welcoming visitors, assisting with purchases, restocking merchandise, and ensuring the shop is inviting and well-organized. The ideal candidate brings a passion for retail, the arts and Manga, has a strong customer-service mindset, and thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. This role involves both front-of-house interaction and behind-the-scenes attention to detail—whether helping a guest find the perfect gift, handling transactions efficiently, or supporting inventory and online orders. You’ll be part of a collaborative team working to enhance the overall Museum experience through the Brooklyn Museum Shop.
Responsibilities:
  • Deliver exceptional customer service by engaging proactively with visitors to provide product recommendations and create a welcoming, memorable shopping experience, and seasonal gift wrapping.
  • Maintain a professional, positive presence on the sales floor, supporting a team-oriented and guest-first environment.
  • Operate POS systems to complete transactions, including cash handling, opening/closing registers, and keeping accurate records.
  • Sell Museum Memberships using the point-of-sale system or available kiosk.
  • Replenish merchandise, organize, and deep clean the shop space daily, ensuring displays are clean, signed, well-lit, and visually appealing
  • Fulfill online orders promptly and accurately.
  • Restock and maintain Gashapon machines, and troubleshoot issues as needed.
  • Stay informed about Museum programming and exhibitions to better assist visitors and connect them with related products.
  • Attend product/vendor trainings and staff meetings to stay current on merchandise knowledge and visitor experience practices.
  • Adhere to retail zoning and scheduling assignments, supporting smooth operations across shifts.
  • Support Shop leadership in maintaining floor standards and addressing customer concerns.
  • Uphold all Brooklyn Museum Shop policies and standards while contributing to a holistic visitor experience.
  • Assist with stock and inventory counts as necessary.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support Shop and Museum operations.
Qualifications:
  • Interest in Manga and Gashapon a plus
  • At least one year of retail sales experience, preferably in a museum or gift shop setting
  • Experience with POS systems and cash handling
  • Strong customer service skills in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and perform physical tasks as needed
  • Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with a diverse public
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills
  • Ability to uphold Museum policies in a respectful and professional manner
  • Weekend availability and schedule flexibility
  • Fluency in a language other than English a plus
  • Familiarity with museum retail environments or art-related merchandise
Start date: Immediately
Department: Merchandising
Reports to: Director of Visitor Services
Hourly Rate: $24.00 per hour
Position type: Part-time, Temporary
FLSA status: Non-exempt
Union status: Union - UAW Local 2110
Term: Through March 7, 2027
Schedule: 3 days a week for a total of 21 hours per week is the minimum. Saturday and Sunday shifts are mandatory, and other shifts to be discussed/determine. Additional hours may be assigned/requested based on special events at the Museum. The First Saturday events and quarterly training session are mandatory shifts.
Benefit Offerings
The Museum provides competitive compensation along with generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees. Individual benefit offerings may vary based on position type and union status.
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan and Pension Plan
  • Generous paid time off, including annual vacation leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) amp; Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for eligible pre-tax health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses
  • Employee Assistant Program
  • Free admission to various NYC museums and cultural institutions
  • Early access to Museum exhibitions
  • Invitations to staff-only programs, tours, and on-site engagement events
  • Opportunities to participate in community initiatives and Museum programs
  • 40% discount for staff in Museum shops
  • 20% discount at Museum café
  • All positions are based in Brooklyn, New York, with some eligible for a hybrid work schedule (three days on-site / two days remote)
Apply Today
We recognize that it’s unlikely that any candidate will meet 100% of the desired qualifications for a role. If much of this job description resonates with you, we strongly encourage you to apply today. We’re committed to welcoming candidates with a wide range of experiences and perspectives – especially those who see themselves contributing to our mission to bring people together through art and experiences that inspire celebration, compassion, courage, and the will to act.
If you have questions about our online application system, please contact us at job.applicationquestions@brooklynmuseum.org