Retail Buyer & Visual Merchandiser

Title: Retail Buyer & Visual Merchandiser

State Role Title: Retail Manager II

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 4

Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia

Location: Broad Street Station

Agency Website: https://smv.org/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Science Museum of Virginia is seeking an innovative Retail Buyer & Visual Merchandiser to lead the charge in selecting exceptional, theme-driven merchandise that aligns with the museum’s exhibitions and mission. This is more than a retail role—it's your chance to shape the identity and experience of the Museum Store.

In this key position, you'll design and source exclusive exhibit merchandise, craft compelling visual displays, and drive sales growth both in-store and online. Primary responsibilities include generating sales with a focus on increasing sales on a monthly and annual basis, while also creating a positive, engaging shopping experience for guests. As a brand ambassador, you'll connect with our community, enhance the guest shopping experience, and help transform each store visit into a memorable extension of the museum journey.

From strategic buying and seasonal planning to inventory management and e-commerce oversight, you’ll have your hands in all facets of our retail operations. If you thrive in a fast-paced cultural environment and are excited to merge creativity with commerce, this is the opportunity for you!

Benefits

The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 13 paid holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience working in a fast-paced retail environment, with extensive knowledge of retail merchandising methods and procedures. They should possess a thorough understanding of retail operations and inventory management, along with the ability to effectively use and manage a computerized POS system. Strong computer skills are essential, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. The candidate should also have substantial professional and administrative experience in retail management, including merchandising, product development and purchasing, inventory control, and managing POS and inventory database systems.

Additional Considerations

Experience in a not-for-profit or cultural tourism retail management experience is a plus.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices.

The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum Welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

The Science Museum will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

• Name: Human Resources
• Phone: ‪804.372.3766‬
• Email: hr@smv.org

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.