Manager, Visual Merchandising & Space Planning

Smithsonian Institution

  • Washington DC
  • $80,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 8 days ago
  • Apply easily
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the
Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are
not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust
positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by
side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life
Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave,
Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and
Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health
& Dependent Care).CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation
  • Complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the
U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Trust applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of
this announcement.OVERVIEW
The Manager, Visual Merchandising & Space Planning is responsible for the creation and implementation of visual
strategies that enhance the retail experience, support the merchandising objectives and museum mission while
maintaining the visual presentation standards as established by the Visual Presentation and Store Planning
departments. The Manager, Visual Merchandising & Space Planning collaborates in the development and execution
of floor sets and tests from initial concept to in-store execution. In partnership with Merchandising, Store Sales &
Operations, and Store Planning the Manager ensures products are presented for optimal profitability and a
compelling Brand experience.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following, as other duties may be
assigned:
  • Develops standards in presentation of merchandise and establishment of prioritizing work plans to meet
timelines associated with merchandising objectives.
  • Directs other team members on the development of all creative concepts, proposed fixturing and display
accessories and props to present merchandise for seasonal sets, special events, new product launches and
tests.
  • Deliver consistent innovation and merchandising solutions that improve the store experience, drive traffic
and meet Brand and creative objectives.
  • Collaborate with internal partners (Store Planning and Design, Merchandising, and Store Sales &
Operations) on the development of all presentation packages, which may include pictorial documents in
Illustrator or other computer programs, to meet the strategic and financial goals of the organization.
  • Take ownership and prioritize tasks associated with executing multiple projects as directed by VP of
Merchandise to meet all Visual and Merchandising calendar timelines.
  • Creates calendar of all store's visits for visual merchandise team members to ensure customer/associate
relationship and effective translation of visual strategies across all store types are maintained.
  • Develops and conducts ongoing training sessions on visual merchandising techniques and standards for the
retail stores, including identifying opportunities and providing feedback for improvement to presentations.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal skills when presenting creative ideas and working cross-
functionally.
  • Stay up to date with trends for a specialized gift store environment via market patterning to influence work.
  • Maintains a visual fixture, prop, and sign holder inventory for their assigned locations.
  • Works closely with retail team partners and vendors on presentations and displays.
  • Creates Price Point Signage using templates as provided by the Store Planning and Design department and
ensures in store signage is accurate, up-to-date, and in properly placed sign holders.
  • Requests supplemental store signage - ensuring that displays are supported with proper product
information, UBIT, and other signs appropriate for fixtures featuring merchandise.
  • Partners with Store Sales & Operations to ensure merchandise includes provenance cards where
appropriate.
  • Maintain and update store layouts as needed, seasonally and quarterly.
  • Maintain and create a photo library by store of all visual presentations. Determine standard photo format
for consistent files for all stores.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:Education and Experience: Bachelor of Arts degree (B. A.) and/or 3-5+ years of experience executing visual
presentation strategies in a multi-store specialty environment.
Experience required for this position is as follows:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs- Word and Excel, and Adobe Illustrator.
  • Ability to work in Sketch-Up and Power Point
  • Ability to work with basic tools including hammer, screwdriver, saw, paintbrush, and other tools to assist in
creative prop building tasks or minor repairs.
  • Ability to read and interpret Smithsonian Institution and SE Museum Store policies and procedures and
understand standard retail concepts and practices.
  • Prior management of a team of 3+ more staff members
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed
equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the
interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and
should be included as part of your application package. Any false statement in your application may result in your
application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.How To Apply:
Please forward a resume, and cover letter to:Please include the position title in the subject line.
Applications received on or before September 10, 2025, at 5:00 pm (EST) will be considered. Resumes should
include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending
dates of job (month and year).What To Expect Next:
Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be made compared to the qualifications and
experience as it applies to this job. After a review of applicant resume is complete, qualified candidates' résumés
will be referred to the hiring manager.Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the point-of-contact listed in the “How To Apply”
section above. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To
learn more, please review the Smithsonian'sThe Smithsonian offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees who qualify. Benefits include:Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan,
Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early
Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety
of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the
richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information:YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED
Trust Applicants Demographic Form
Thank you for your interest in the Smithsonian Institution and this Trust Hiring position. The Smithsonian is
requesting your response to this optional equal opportunity survey. The information is used to determine if our equal
opportunity efforts are reaching all segments of the population that is consistent with Federal equal employment
opportunity laws. Your responses will not be shown to the panel rating the applications, to the selecting/hiring
official, or anyone else who can affect your application in the hiring process. This form will not be shared with the
hiring official or placed in your official personnel file should you be hired.
The aggregate information collected will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. No personally identifiable
information will be requested on the form and the information collected will not be attributable to you. Please

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