JOB SUMMARY

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The primary purpose of this position is to maximize sales and margin by leading the Walker Art Center’s retail, e-commerce, and wholesale business. This role will also model and ensure exemplary customer service for all customers within its scope.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial and Retail Management

• Partner with the Director of Business Development to develop and manage the retail shop's budgets and financial goals (sales, gross margin, profit, etc.) and work with staff to achieve these goals.
• Identify areas for business growth, developing and implementing plans to achieve growth
• Develop and maintain systems to track and analyze business metrics
• Utilize industry-standard control procedures to accurately manage annual inventory count and reconciliation, determining and implementing loss prevention strategies
• Manage and reconcile retail invoices
• Ensure compliance with IRS-unrelated business income considerations for merchandise selections and display
• Define and maintain departmental policies, procedures, etc.
• Oversee all aspects of the Walker’s e-commerce strategy

Merchandising

• Build and present merchandise plans, buying strategies, and general business trends
• Oversee merchandising and product display with a concentration on continued improvement
• Ensure proper e-commerce product setup, including accurate descriptive copy and artists’ biographies with a focus on accessibility and ease of purchase
• Identify ideal purchasing cadence of core items to support sales forecasting and optimize sell-through, turn, and storage capacity
• Strategize increasing margin, via product-mix shift, pricing, and sell-through strategies

Product Development

• Working with Walker’s Design Department and external partners to develop inspirational, innovative, accessible, and saleable Walker-specific merchandise
• Maintain merchandise within inventory budgetary guidelines and departmental goals toward innovation
• Assist in the fabrication of products for select exhibitions and programs, working closely with Walker programming departments to ensure interpretive alignment

Develop and Lead a Service-Focused Team

• Ensure customer service excellence within retail staff through modeling and training
• With the leadership and retail staff, strategize and execute plans to continue to build customer base and loyalty
• Provide leadership and performance coaching for retail staff to maintain motivation and ensure customer service and sales goals are attained
• Establish a mentorship-focused environment to identify future leaders within the retail staff
• Recruit, train, and manage all retail staff
• Manage staff availability and schedules, ensuring timely communication and budgetary alignment

Internal and External Partnership

• Communicate a clear strategic vision to Walker staff and leadership
• Network with peers at other retailers and museum shops to ensure the Walker adheres to current best practices in the industry
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with e-commerce vendors and server hosts; negotiating contracts and troubleshooting any issues to arise
• Develop frameworks to track our most loyal customers in order to provide customized communications and potential loyalty structures
• Communicate relevant departmental information to external and internal audiences

Marketing and Communications

• Working with Content and Communications, develop an annual marketing and communications plan to include strategies for:
  • Direct marketing and advertising plans, identifying potential vendors and co-op marketing opportunities
  • Public Relations and press communications featuring select merchandise, events, and exclusives
  • Partner with Walker Design and external collaborators, to develop promotional imagery

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Minimum of 7 years of retail buying experience required
• Minimum of 3-5 years of people leadership experience preferred; demonstrated coaching and motivational skills preferred
• Minimum 3 years’ experience being individually accountable to achieve revenue goals required
• Experience developing and managing retail budgets and a firm understanding of retail math, accounting, and open-to-buys is required
• Must be conversational in design concepts and trend awareness; candidates who have worked in art and design industries strongly preferred
• Excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in using cash registers, retail POS/inventory control computer systems
• Ability to work in a Windows environment; cloud-based software systems; knowledge of Shopify a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position; they do not purport to describe all functions of the role. All Walker role descriptions allow for potential career growth through broadening accountabilities. Other duties may be assigned and/or the essential functions of the position may change or be changed.

Job Specifications

• This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $75,000 annually.
• The walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.