Gift Shop Manager

The Whale Museum is seeking a person to fulfill the role of Gift Shop Manager, a member of the Visitors’ Experience Team. Year-round FT employment (includes benefits).

Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Our facility is located on San Juan Island, northwest of Seattle, Washington. This remote island is accessible only by ferry, boat or plane. The Museum is open daily, year-round.

The Gift Shop Manager’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• oversee operation and maintenance of the Gift Shop and online store
• coordinate staff recruitment, training, and scheduling
• ordering, display and inventory of merchandise
• oversee all aspects of visitors’ experience, including welcoming to the Museum, fielding questions
• create and incorporate educational content into displays
• conduct education programs, guided tours, other educational programs, and special events as needed

The Gift Shop Manager is cross trained with the Museum Manager, reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with the Education Curator, and other staff to plan, budget and implement specific projects associated with their areas of responsibility.

The successful candidate will be highly flexible. Required work schedule includes weekend coverage, most holidays, and some evenings on a year-round basis.

Required Experience: retail, customer service, budgeting/accounting, administrative, inventory, management, web/social media, and computer skills. Candidates must enjoy managing people & schedules; be energetic, hard-working, cheerful, and enjoy working with the public.

Qualifications: a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or 3 years’ experience in a relevant field, excellent communication skills (oral and written), excellent attention to detail, excellent computer/technological skills (i.e., word processing, database management, spreadsheets, graphics, and social media. Specific programs include: Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Access, Excel, and Publisher, as well as, Adobe Create Suite), experience with public communication, and retail/customer service experience. A varied skill set and flexibility are major assets. Familiarity with the Pacific Northwest environment, Salish Sea ecosystem and its inhabitants are a plus; emphasis is placed on knowledge of the federally-listed endangered community of Southern Resident Orcas, the threats they face and efforts underway to help them recover. The successful candidate will follow governmental mandates related to COVID-19, i.e., mask wearing and fully vaccinated. Salary (range $45,000-$50,000) varies based on experience. Benefit package includes: Health Care (medical, vision, dental), Simple IRA Retirement Plan, and Vacation.

How to apply:

Electronic submissions are encouraged. It is suggested that a PDF compiled with the requested information be submitted. Active review of submitted applications will begin immediately, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Application package should include: a cover letter, resume and up to five references (either reference letter or contact information for each reference). Please email to:  Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director (jenny@whalemuseum.org)