Visitor Services/Gift Shop Manager, Museum of Nebraska Art

The VSGS Manager manages the daily operations of the Museum Front Desk and the Anne Thorne Weaver Shop at MONA. The VSGS Manager is responsible for the overall visitor experience, along with managing visitor services and gift shop staff. They oversee shop merchandising and purchasing, visitor interactions, membership sign up, tour sales and initial tour orientation, and wayfinding and answering questions of daily museum visitors.
 

•  Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor visitor services and gift shop staff
•  Manage an active training and communication system for VS staff and volunteers to stay informed and updated on current and upcoming exhibitions, programs, and other museum activities
•  Develop, implement and maintain procedures for the admission ticketing system. Includes working with Finance Contractor (HBE) and IT (UNK) to ensure terminal set-up, reliability, and security of all data and transactions. Lead VS contact for the Blackbaud and Clover systems.
• Lead the daily operations of the admissions desks with a focus on excellent customer service including response to visitor complaints and other feedback
• Work with Learning and Engagement and other departments that organize special events and programs (member events, films, performances, etc.) to assure the timely and appropriate reception for groups and individuals with reservations. Includes selling memberships and promoting the benefits of all membership levels.
• Develop and implement a gallery attendant program in conjunction with Learning and Engagement
• Work with Marketing and Membership to plan and implement special ticketing and promotions aimed at increasing attendance (includes donation requests, complimentary tickets, discount ticket options, etc.).
• Work with other staff and advocate for visitors with diverse interests, abilities, and needs.
• Update information through all communication systems as necessary
• Manager Daily Operations of the Anne Thorne Weaver Shop at MONA
• Achieve sales targets and maximize profitability through strategic product selection, pricing, and promotional strategies consistent with Museum Mission
• Analyze sales data to identify trends and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Monitor sales performance and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Manage stock levels to ensure adequate inventory without overstocking.
• Reorder merchandise based on sales trends and customer demand.
• Manager Vendor Relationships and Consignment agreement with Nebraska Artists. Negotiate with vendors to secure competitive pricing and product availability.
• Provide exceptional customer service to all customers, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly.
• Train staff on excellent customer service practices.
• Resolve customer complaints effectively.
• Create visually appealing displays to showcase merchandise and attract customers.
• Maintain a clean and organized store environment.

 
Required Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree required.

• 3 to 5 years of customer service experience and/or visitor service experience, with an emphasis in retail experience
• 3 to 5 years in staff and/or volunteer management
• Experience with retail purchasing, product placement, and retail shop merchandising
• Experience in cash handling and POS systems
• CPR/AED Certified and/or working to obtain and maintain set certification

 
Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Knowledge of retail merchandising and visual concepts
• Experience in staffing, coaching, and training employees
• Experience with Bluefin, Clover POS Systems, and Blackbaud admin software
• Experience working with art and artists
• Art handling and art purchase experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

 
 
HOW TO APPLY:   To be considered for the position, application materials need to be submitted by, March 10, 2025. Application materials can be submitted at UNK Employment Opportunity Questions regarding the position can be directed Andrew Dunehoo at dunehooa@unk.edu . Upon a contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate.  Salaries at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive.  The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care.  The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees.  Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.
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