Job Positions

Position Summary

The Volunteer Gift Store Manager provides leadership and operational oversight for the Museum Gift Store, ensuring it reflects and supports the mission of the Friends of the Center for African American History and Culture. This role is responsible for daily store operations, merchandising, customer engagement, and promotional activities while working collaboratively with museum leadership and the Finance Committee.

Although this is a volunteer position, the organization may offer performance-based compensation or stipends tied to gift store sales, subject to Board and Finance Committee approval and applicable nonprofit regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Museum Retail Operations

• Oversee day-to-day gift store operations to ensure a clean, welcoming, culturally respectful, and engaging environment for museum visitors.
• Ensures merchandise aligns with the mission, values, and historical focus of the Center for African American History and Culture.
• Maintains accurate inventory records, monitors stock levels, and recommends replenishment or new merchandise.
• Research vendors and recommend merchandise purchases to the Finance Committee for approval.
• Manages point-of-sale operations, including cash handling, reconciliation, and daily sales reporting.
• Implement inventory controls and loss-prevention practices.

Visitor Experience & Customer Service

• Provides exceptional customer service to museum guests, donors, and community members.
• Assists visitors with product selection, gift recommendations, and historical or cultural context related to merchandise.
• Addresses customer inquiries, returns, or concerns in a courteous and professional manner.
• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages repeat visits and community support.

Merchandising, Marketing & Promotions

• Develops visually appealing displays, signage, and seasonal presentations that enhance the visitor experience.
• Plans and executes promotional activities tied to museum exhibits, cultural celebrations, and special events.
• Coordinates with museum leadership or communications volunteers to promote the gift store through social media, newsletters, or community outreach.
• Establish partnerships with local Black-owned businesses, artists, and cultural organizations when appropriate.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

• Recruits, trains, schedules, and supervise gift store volunteers as applicable.
• Prepares sales summaries, inventory reports, and budget recommendations.
• Communicate regularly with the Finance Committee Chair regarding revenues, expenses, and financial performance.
• Supports financial sustainability efforts while adhering to nonprofit financial policies.

Community & Cultural Engagement

• Curates merchandise that honors African American history, culture, and contributions.
• Organizes gift store-related events such as artist spotlights, book signings, or exhibit-themed sales.
• Actively seeks visitor feedback and recommends improvements to enhance relevance and impact.

Compensation (Volunteer with Performance-Based Consideration)

This position is classified as a volunteer role. The Center may, at its discretion and subject to Board approval:

• Provide stipends, honoraria, or sales-based incentives
• Offer non-cash recognition (museum membership, event access, public acknowledgment)

Any compensation must comply with IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations and may not constitute private or excessive benefit.

Qualifications

Required

• Passion for African American history, culture, and community engagement.
• Experience in retail, customer service, merchandising, or volunteer leadership.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle cash, use point-of-sale systems, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work collaboratively with committees, volunteers, and museum leadership.

Preferred

• Experience in museums, nonprofit, or cultural institution retail.
• Experience managing or coordinating volunteers.
• Familiarity with community-based marketing or social media promotion.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move merchandise up to [e.g., 25 lbs.].
• Availability to work weekends, special events, or exhibition openings as needed.
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with the ADA.