General Manager - New Museum in Downtown Nashville

• Lead the development of all operational plans, policies, and procedures in preparation for opening.
• Oversee pre-opening budget planning, ensuring all resources are allocated effectively for hiring, training, marketing, and facility readiness.
• Partner with architects, designers, and contractors to meet operational needs in the final construction and fit-out phases.
• Develop and execute a recruitment and training plan for all museum departments, ensuring staff are well-prepared for opening day.
• Create and implement guest experience standards, ticketing systems, security protocols, and emergency response plans.
• Establish vendor relationships for services, including retail, food and beverage (if applicable), and facility maintenance.
• Work collaboratively with marketing to create and launch a pre-opening awareness campaign and membership drive.
• Develop operational testing and soft-opening strategies to refine guest experience before full launch.

• Develop and execute a long-term business and operational strategy to ensure financial sustainability and guest satisfaction.
• Build a high-performing leadership team across operations, retail and guest services.
• Establish performance goals and key indicators (KPIs) to measure operational success and visitor engagement.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Key Stakeholders, providing updates on museum development, performance, and strategic direction.

• Oversee the development and execution of the museum's revenue strategy, including admissions, membership programs, retail, and event rentals.
• Manage budgets across all operational areas, ensuring efficient cost control while maintaining a high-quality visitor experience.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships.

• Ensure seamless day-to-day museum operations post-opening, including guest services, security, and facilities management.
• Work closely with the museum leadership to implement best practices in visitor engagement and operational efficiency.
• Utilize visitor data and feedback to improve the museum experience continuously.
• Innovate and implement digital and interactive engagement strategies to enhance the self-guided experience.

• Provide strategic oversight and direction for the museum's retail business, including two permanent retail stores and a flex space for seasonal, group, or event-driven retail opportunities.
• Ensure operational excellence in, inventory management, visual merchandising, staffing, and sales performance.
• Collaborate with the retail leadership and support team to establish a compelling and profitable product assortment aligned with the museum's brand and mission.
• Define financial targets and KPIs for the retail operation and implement systems to track sales, margins, and inventory turns.
• Ensure guest service excellence within the retail experience and maintain a focus on staff training, upselling, and brand storytelling.
• Lead efforts to innovate across both in-store and future e-commerce opportunities.

• Represent the museum as its public face, building strong relationships with media, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to drive visitor attendance and engagement.
• Develop partnerships with local organizations, schools, and tourism boards to expand outreach and education programs.

• Foster a collaborative, guest-focused, and mission-driven workplace culture.
• Recruit, train, and develop top talent across all departments, ensuring the museum operates with a strong and dedicated team.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Museum Studies, Hospitality Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience: 7+ years in a senior leadership role within a museum, cultural attraction, hospitality, or entertainment industry, including experience in opening or launching a new operation.
• Operations Development: Proven track record of leading pre-opening operations, including hiring, policy creation, and facility planning.
• Retail Expertise: Demonstrated success leading a multi-location or destination retail operation, including merchandise planning, financial performance, inventory control, visual merchandising, team development, and guest service.
• Strategic Leadership: Experience developing and executing business strategies in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, revenue streams, and cost management.
• Guest Experience Focus: Passion for delivering exceptional visitor experiences and operational excellence.
• Business Development: Experience growing revenue through admissions, retail, memberships, events, and sponsorships.
• Marketing & Public Relations: Ability to serve as the face of the museum, building relationships with media, donors, and community leaders.
• Communication & Influence: Skilled at representing the organization to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

LOMC