Career Opportunities

Gift Shop and Visitor Services Manager

Description

The Gift Shop and Visitor Services Manager will be responsible for supervising gift shop and front desk operations, leading a two-person visitor services team, managing shop inventory, and creating strategies to enhance customer service. This position, based in Lincoln, will also collaborate with other NSHS retail operations located across the state, such as Chimney Rock, Fort Robinson, and future e-commerce opportunities.

Responsibilities will include overseeing retail operations, gift shop orders, merchandise design, and fostering vendor relationships. As the head of the museum’s Visitor Services team, this position will oversee the implementation of museum policies and procedures, facility rentals and usage during events, and the facilitation of museum initiatives. The Gift Shop and Visitor Services manager will work alongside a dedicated group of museum professionals to ensure every museum visitor has an equally outstanding experience.

The schedule for this position is Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 – 4:30 with occasional events outside of these hours.

 

Look at what we have to offer!

  • 13 paid holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
  • Military leave
  • 156% (that’s not a typo!) state-matched retirement
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
  • Dental and vision insurance plans
  • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
  • Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
  • Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
  • Training and Development based on your career aspirations
  • Fun, inviting teammates
  • A safe and secure environment

 

Job Duties

  • Manage business operations of all NHSH retail outlets, including e-commerce opportunities.
  • Oversee, manage, and supervise the Nebraska History Museum’s Visitor Services team to provide front-end customer service. This includes daily operations such as: opening and closing registers, greeting visitors, answering phones, promoting education programming, highlighting exhibits, answering guest questions, and accepting payment for admissions, merchandise, and services.
  • Carries out opening and closing procedures including floor checks, ensuring phones and point-of-sale system are working properly, and follows proper cash-handling procedures.
  • Develop strategies to improve customer service and community access, drive store sales, and increase profitability.
  • Responsible for following State of Nebraska regulations for inventory control of NSHS retail outlets
  • Maintain front and back end of POS software, including daily reports and reconciliation, product entry, costs, and inventory counts.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors and wholesalers; Purchase all merchandise for resale and determine pricing.
  • Create and implement merchandising and product display strategies to maximize sales.
  • Develop custom merchandise ideas and execute selected designs.
  • Collaborate with site management staff to determine off-site sales opportunities and staffing for special events.
  • Manage promotional schedule aligning with featured exhibitions, programs, and special events.
  • Assist other teams; Provide backup coverage in the gift shop and front desk when needed.

 

**NSHS collects, preserves, and opens to all, the histories we share. We believe a diverse and inclusive workforce is an essential element in making Nebraska’s rich history available to everyone. The State of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications / Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: At least one year of post high school coursework or experience in: administration, office management, accounting, finance, planning, policy analysis and implementation, administrative/management analysis, operations research, program evaluation, research, or similar fields or in a field related to the programs or functions of the employing agency.

Preferred: One year of experience in inventory, warehouse, material supply, or other closely related field. 2 years retail management or retail buying experience.

Other: Occasional in-state travel is required. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Experience and excellent skills in customer service
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong computer, point of sale (POS), and database skills
  • Cash handling experience
  • Learn to become passionate about local, state, and national histories
  • Enthusiastic about connecting with people from all communities and working to create a sense of belonging and connection.
  • Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment

About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

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