Head of Retail - Portland Art Museum (Portland, OR)
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.
To view this job and apply, click here.
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 caf 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 caf operations
Frequently moving throughout the retail space and caf 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.
Required
Preferred
Job Industries
Retail
