Head of Retail (Full-Time) - #251286

Company Description

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

Job Description

The Head of Retail role at the Portland Art Museum will oversee the day-to-day operations of The Shop at PAM, delivering a premium, story-driven retail experience that reflects the Museum’s mission and inspires visitor engagement. As a key connector between art, culture, and community, The Shop serves as a bridge that extends the magic of PAM beyond the galleries, offering every visitor the opportunity to take home a piece of that experience.

This strategic leadership role is responsible for cultivating a compelling brand identity, curating products that align with exhibitions and audience interests, and creating a retail environment with a distinctive energy, where every interaction, display, and story naturally inspires discovery and sparks interest in taking pieces of the experience home. The Head of Retail will collaborate with the cafe vendor to manage the shared space in a way that supports the retail vision, aligns with the Museum’s brand, and enhances the overall visitor experience. In addition, the role will lead efforts to grow sales, expand the retail footprint, and foster partnerships with local artisans and businesses that deepen community connection. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and emotional connection, this role positions The Shop as a vibrant destination and a dynamic revenue-generating arm of the Museum.

In this role, you will

Leadership,Team Development & Collaboration

• Lead, hire, train, and develop a high-performing retail team focused on exceptional customer service, personalized engagement, and cultural storytelling
• Create and institutionalize a sales training program (“Sales Book”) that equips staff to deliver elevated, mission-aligned shopping experiences that drive revenue
• Collaborate with Events team and Rental Sales Gallery Manager to integrate retail opportunities into private events and institutional programming
• Collaborate with café vendor to manage and enhance the shared space relationship
  
  

Buying, Merchandising & Product Strategy

• Serve as Head Buyer, curating product assortments that align with exhibitions, audience interests, and revenue goals
• Analyze retail trends, sales data, and visitor behavior to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic decisions around product mix, merchandising, and pricing
• Build strategic partnerships with local makers, artisans, and businesses to expand offerings and foster community connections
• Partner with curators to ensure product offerings align with and enhance current exhibitions, deepening visitor connection and reinforcing exhibition themes
• Maintain optimal inventory levels, using strategic markdowns and sales events to manage aging stock
• Develop and implement an ecommerce strategy to expand the Museum’s retail presence beyond onsite visitors, with a phased approach to launching online sales in the future
  
  

Brand, Marketing & Customer Engagement

• Execute targeted marketing campaigns and promotions that drive both foot traffic and conversion, leveraging Museum channels and partner networks
• Plan and host curated retail experiences such as wine tastings, trunk shows, and product launches to engage new and returning audiences
• Develop and launch a loyalty program and repeat-visitor strategy to increase lifetime customer value and strengthen brand affinity
• Drive a distinctive brand identity across in-store and online platforms, emphasizing craftsmanship, artist stories, and exclusive collections
  
  

Strategic Planning & Financial Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales plan with clear seasonal strategies, inventory turnover targets, and customer engagement goals
• Manage financial performance, including sales forecasting, budgeting, cost control, and margin optimization
• Implement and evolve the retail business plan (“retail playbook”) developed by consultants, adapting tactics to meet changing audience needs and market conditions
• Track visitor demographics and purchasing behaviors to support data-driven decision making and deepen audience insight
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend leadership meetings, team building events and all other Museum meetings that is pertinent to the role
• Performs other related duties as assigned
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Assistant Buyer. Provides indirect supervision to The Shop at PAM Supervisor, retail staff, and the Receiving & Shipping Coordinator
• Decision making authority within department parameters
• Responsible for preparation of annual department budget and meeting financial targets
• Partially accountable for control of capital assets
• Partially accountable for long-range operation planning, while working with the Director of Campus & Retail Operations
• Recruitment, mentoring, performance management, training & coaching. Serves as a leadership example being clear on the strategic direction of the department, being accountable and holding others accountable, and centering collaboration and the values of the Museum
  
  

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, retail management, marketing, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• 5+ years of experience in museum retail management or equivalent experience in an art gallery or high-end retail environment preferred
• 4 - 5 years of experience in retail buying, including product selection, vendor negotiations, inventory planning, and sales performance analysis preferred
• 3+ years of experience in a supervisory role preferred
• Formal training or workshops in leadership, customer engagement, and team development are preferred
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in hiring, training, and supervising staff
• Knowledge of visual arts to inform merchandising
• Experience overseeing retail, including inventory management, merchandising, and point-of-sale systems
• Proficiency in building and executing brand identity and marketing strategies
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for developing partnerships with local businesses and vendors
• Knowledge of financial management, including budgeting, sales forecasting, and cost control
• Understanding of customer engagement techniques, ensuring high levels of client care in the retail environment
• Skilled at analyzing retail trends, customer data, and market opportunities for in-store and online sales growth
• Creative problem-solving skills to drive innovative marketing and sales initiatives
  
  

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.

Job conditions & physical activities

• Schedule/Hours: 40 hours per week with a flexible schedule. Specific days of the week will vary based on business needs but the shop is currently open on Wednesday through Sunday
• Onsite/Not Remote
• Frequent weekend and occasional evening hours
• Occasional travel
• On-call status
• Extensive computer work
• Frequently standing for extended periods during store or café operations
• Frequently moving throughout the retail space and café to monitor operations
• Frequently lift/push/pull/carry merchandise, boxes, or supplies, typically weighing up to 25-50 pounds
• Frequently reaching and bending to stock shelves, arrange displays, or retrieve items from storage
• Occasionally climbing ladders or steps to access higher shelves or storage areas
• Occasionally operating point-of-sale systems or computers for extended periods
  
  

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

Benefits

• This role is exempt/salaried and full-time
• The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade K ($77,911 minimum - $92,466 midpoint - $109,076 maximum), based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee perks and discounts
  
  

Application Process for Head of Retail

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.

Application deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.