Director, Retail and Product Licensing

Director, Retail and Product LicensingABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ARTOpening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museums collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucass filmmaking career. Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, caf, retail store, and community spaces. POSITION SUMMARYThe Lucas Museum is sharply focused on creating a superior and inclusive experience for all our visitors. The Retail and Product Licensing Director has a key leadership role in achieving this objective. The LMNA retail and licensing team are responsible for product development, sales, e-commerce, external retailer relationships and creating an exceptional service led retail offer within the museum. The Director will lead them to maximize growth and revenue in support of the goals and objectives of the museum. The Director will additionally work with a range of external partners to secure licensing deals that reflect the excellence of the Museum, and in maximizing revenue for the Museum.Leading the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art retail and licensing departments, the Director will assume responsibility for the retail stores and licensing initiatives in all forms. The Director is tasked with formulating strategies, overseeing merchandising programs, and directing daily programs to bolster retail sales. An experienced professional with initiative and entrepreneurial skills, the Director will ensure that the retail environment and product offer activates the customers desire to buy, and to gain and increase customer loyalty. The Director will be responsible for maximizing revenue by selling merchandise through other retail outlets, raising revenues for and extending the brand of the Museum. The Director is fully responsible for all retail and licensing operations, operating within the mission of the Museum.The Retail and Product Licensing Director will lead the strategic development and implementation of the Museums long-term retail and licensing vision and short-term objectives, ensuring alignment with the Museums broader mission and strategic plan. The Director will set and meet retail and licensing revenue goals and profitability. The Director will be responsible for monitoring customer preferences and in determining the focus of sales strategies, including price schedules and discounts. The Director will use data to manage actively the SKUs to maximize revenue for the Museum. The Director will lead both the retail and licensing teams in recruitment, coaching, innovation, and continuous learning. The shops are a major touch-point for the visitor, and the Director will create an environment that is inviting and accessible for visitors and will train staff and model the behaviors that will result in the highest level of customer engagement and satisfaction. RESPONSIBILITIESOversee the daily operations of the retail and licensing departmentsDevelop and implement new initiatives in line with department and Museum objectivesWork closely with other departments within the museum to ensure that the Museum's overall mission and goals are metUse data, experimentation, and visitor feedback continuously to improve the retail experience, manage SKUs and drive net profits. This is an essential element of the position and the ultimate success of the MuseumActively manage and monitor the Museums retail and licensing budgets: revenue and expensesEnsure profitability through effective pricing strategies, cost controls and sales promotions, and experimentationDevelop and implement strategies for marketing to promote the retail and licensing operations and drive salesEnsure that the LMNA stores offer the highest standard of customer service and engagement, from product selection to placement, visual merchandising, to post-purchase supportEstablish rapport with licensing partners and ensuring that licensing deals are appropriate and meet the Museums mission as well as ensuring revenue, and the broader promotion of the MuseumUse sales data, customer feedback and market trends to inform the overall buying plan and product strategiesActively manage SKUs, using data to continually shift the mix of product and drive net profitsOversee the Museums e-commerce management, ensuring a seamless online shopping experience from selection to check outAs part of the Museums e-commerce management, actively use data to dynamically change the offering and experiment with new product linesDevelop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, artists, and artisans, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring the timely delivery of quality productsPost-opening, continuously refine the practices, hiring, retention and training. The sales staff needs deeply to understand that they are the ambassadors for the Museum. All visitors should feel welcomeActively champion the Museums commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging in hiring, in sourcing and in connection with visitorsQUALIFICATIONS5+ years of experience in a leadership role in a retail environmentDemonstrable experience in licensing, brand management and product developmentFinancial and strategic operational planning abilityExperience in managing and motivating staff of both senior and entry levelsDemonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging in hiring, staffing, management, training and leaderships practicesStrong commitment to and demonstrated ability to use data and experimentation to drive net profits and improve visitor experienceExperience in running an international licensing program is a plusAbility to influence and engage direct reports and peersExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsDemonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues across the MuseumStrong organizational and problem-solving skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamInnovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and outputSolid strategic planning, organizational, and project management skillsAbility to work under pressure and meet deadlinesEQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIBThe Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.*************************************************************************************************************** The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society. VALUES Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors. People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Narrative Art: Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration. Community: Connect to a broad and diverse public. Operational Excellence: Create a healthy and durable institution. All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.$150,000 - $180,000 a yearCompensation details: 150000-180000 Yearly SalaryPI350a505308c8-30511-34924058