Director of Retail

General Summary

The Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC) is located at Dallas Executive Airport. The flagship educational initiative of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) the NAEC is a dynamic facility that includes a museum a working aircraft hangar and classrooms. The venue also offers space for rental events. The CAFs reach includes more than 75 units across the United States and in several countries. CAF aircraft tour throughout the country providing brand awareness in all 50 states through aviation events.

The Director of Retail will grow the online shopping presence of both the CAF and NAEC while ensuring the presence of a quality on-site gift shop at the NAEC. With an emphasis on product selection inventory management and marketing the director of retail will create a dynamic shopping experience for all ages of aviation enthusiasts. Through collaboration with the marketing and content teams the Director of Retail will develop and promote a distinct brand identity for all products.

This is a civilian position and does not require enlistment in the Armed Services.

Responsibilities

Serve as the head purchaser selecting items that align with CAF and NAEC themes aircraft and events

Analyze retail trends online shopping habits and visitor behavior to make decisions about product mix marketing and pricing

Maintain optimal product inventory levels

Ensure fulfillment of online orders

Develop and implement an ecommerce strategy to expand the CAFs reach with special emphasis on coordination with aviation events

In coordination with the NAEC Marketing Specialist develop and implement a plan for local and national retail marketing

Contribute to the operation of the NAEC admission desk and exhibition spaces as scheduled

Skills Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of financial management including budgeting sales forecasting and cost control

Skilled at analyzing retail trends customer data and market opportunities for online and in-person sales growth

Ability to craft a vision from aviation themes to develop brand identity and marketing strategies

Proficient in inventory management

Excellent customer service skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Effective communication skills in writing and orally across various media

Solid computer-proficiency skills and abilities including applications databases and Microsoft 365

Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality

Willingness to collaborate on projects and work with a team

Education and Qualifications

Bachelors degree in business administration retail management marketing or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)

Three years experience in retail environments with an emphasis on retail buying vendor negotiations and e-commerce. Museum or non-profit experience preferred

Experience overseeing retail including inventory management merchandising and point-of-sale systems

Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends evenings and holidays.

Physical Demands

Regularly performs tasks with hands and fingers for grasping and holding objects

Regularly performs office-related tasks at a desk or workstation while sitting such as: keyboarding phones handwriting filing etc.

Sometimes pushes pulls lifts and/or carries up to 50 pounds across a distance with or without supportive devices

Frequently stands walks bends stoops crouches reaches climbs and kneels throughout the workday

Sometimes drives or travels by car/aircraft; occasionally travels out-of-area or overnight

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.