Sr. Manager, Retail

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Retail reports to the Sr. Director, Hospitality & Retail as part of the Operations team within the Campus & Experiences Division. The Sr. Manager, Retail plans, organizes, and executes activities to optimize operational processes, analyze business performance, drive sales and enhance the Museum of Exploration Shop experience to meet the objectives of the Society's overall retail strategy. The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp). In 2026, we are opening the Museum of Exploration, featuring a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
7+ years of work experience and 3+ years of management experience preferably in a museum or visitor attraction retail setting
Experience in a visitor attraction or museum retail shop or warehouse
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed
Understanding of current retail trends
Ability to analyze sales data with strong business acumen
Strong written and oral communication skills
Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a team or group to accomplish a task
Management and development of people
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workplace tools
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in building and leading a team
Strong work ethic with ability to execute retail strategy to optimize growth and streamline processes
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
Proactive customer service mindset

Responsibilities

Execution of visual merchandising strategy in coordination with Shop Manager to ensure timely placement of products and in-store signage to align with marketing calendar and maximize revenue
Lead internal department purchasing process including sourcing, procurement, and invoice tracking
Assist Sr. Director of Retail in consumer product development, vendor relationship management, and purchase order submittals
Set the in-shop visitor experience strategy and performance standards in accordance with the Museum of Exploration Service Principles
Manage inventory levels and assess item sales pace to make recommendations for sales promotions and closeout strategy
Track KPIs and sales targets through daily, weekly, and monthly reporting to meet departmental revenue goals
Set daily operations procedures for the store team to maintain safe clean environment for team execution and optimal visitor experience
Oversee the merchandise receiving process to ensure POS accuracy, audit accountability, and inventory management
Maintain inventory, receiving, and operational reports monthly – submitting to the finance by defined end of month date
Assess the quality of products received to ensure NGS artwork, sampling, and brand standards are being executed as specified
Monitor in-stock levels for both the Shop and Retail Warehouse to generate re-orders and internal product transfers
Establish and manage appropriate control procedures to protect NG assets
Lead the buildout, staffing, and execution of NG Live and Off-Campus Events
Generate B2B sales for traveling exhibition product lines, working with host venues to execute contract, assist with merchandise fulfillment and re-orders
Select merchandise, create visual plans, and coordinate logistics for National Geographic Live and Off Campus Events/Pop-Up Shops
Partner with NG Live Tour Manager to connect with venues to execute contract terms for merchandise sales including generating inventory sheets, invoices, and sales tracking
Model and ensure a culture of exceptional service, proactive planning, and enthusiastic collaboration across Retail operations.
Recruit, hire, and train Retail management and supervisor team members
Maintain a culture of learning and staff development, facilitating opportunities to further education and participation in the Society’s development programs.
Coordinate monthly schedules retail management and supervisors and approve time off requests in accordance with the Society’s Annual Leave Policy
Appraise staff performance and lead goal setting process for Retail management and supervisors

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year)
10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
paid parental leave
adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
fertility benefits
learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
pet adoption assistance and insurance
pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks