Sr. Manager, Retail

How You’ll Contribute

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.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Consumer Products and Visual Merchandise Planning (20%)

• 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

Museum Shop Visitor Experience and Execution (20%)

• 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

​Receiving, Quality Control, and Replenishment (20%)

• 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

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National Geographic Live, Traveling Exhibitions, and Off-Campus Events (20%)

• 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

Team Leader (20%)

• 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

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

7+ years of work experience and 3+ years of management experience preferably in a museum or visitor attraction retail setting

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• 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

Desired Qualifications

• 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

Supervision

2 direct reports.

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $99,750.00 - $105,000.00.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, 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) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); 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; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

On-Site Flex - Staff members who must be physically present at Base Camp to do the vast majority of their work supporting overall building and museum operations. On-Site Flex staff hours are determined in consultation with supervisors, and are responsive to the needs of the MOE and other building operations, often including nontraditional (M-F, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) work hours.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.