Director of Retail Operations

The Director of Retail Operations steers the Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) and Coggeshall Farm Museum Stores towards success through a blend of strategic planning, leadership, and operational oversight. This role encompasses the responsibility of ensuring that the department not only meet its financial targets but also delivers an experience that aligns with the Old Sturbridge Village’s standards and core values. By overseeing various aspects, from sales to customer service, buying to inventory management, and strategic planning, the Director of Retail Operations ensures the profitable operation of the Stores, fostering an environment that motivates staff and satisfies customers. The Director of Retail Operations is expected to have strong understanding of market trends, strategic planning skills, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer needs to position the department for growth and sustainability in a competitive landscape.  The department encompasses three on-site, 1 off-site, and numerous seasonal temporary locations as well as e-commerce, and shipping & receiving for the Village.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Including, but not limited to, the following. Additional duties may be assigned as needed:

• Member of Senior Leadership Team: Active participation in decision making that develops a stronger institution including campus wide processes/procedures and input for yearly calendar planning
• Demonstrate GRIT: Through actions, support and foster the Village’s core values to all staff
• Merchandising/Product Selection: Create compelling assortment of products that exceeds customer’s preferences and sales requirements, considering factors like markup, price strategies, quality, relationship to OSV as well as market trends.
• Product Development: Create products that are exclusive to OSV reflecting seasonal events, themes and market trends.
• Vendor Negotiation: Negotiate with suppliers to secure the best terms, prices, and delivery schedules while maintaining positive vendor relationships.
• Inventory Management: Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels to avoid overstocking or understocking, ensuring products are available when needed.
• Market Analysis: Stay updated on market trends, competitor offerings, and consumer behavior to make informed buying decisions.
• Pricing Strategy: Determine pricing strategies, including markdowns, promotions, and discounts, to maximize sales and profitability.
• Monitoring inventory levels: Projecting and analyzing data to ensure that products are available during peak periods and minimizing excess inventory during slow seasons. Increase inventory turn.
• Sales Forecasting: Accurate projections of sales, staffing, and inventory needs.
• Analyzing sales data: To identify opportunities for business improvement or expansion.
• Budgeting: Developing, preparing, and controlling the store’s budget, aiming for efficiency and revenue growth. Review to readjust to meet or surpass Net Surplus projections.
• Developing and implementing strategies: To drive sales growth and increase profitability.
• Managing and motivating staff: Communicating Village priorities, direction and focus department. Guide and support Assistant Director of Retail to ensure teams are motivated and operate at highest performance levels.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction: By maintaining high standards of service and resolving any issues or complaints effectively.
• Maintaining compliance: With all legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the retail environment.
• Coordinating with marketing: To develop promotional activities and events to attract new customers and retain existing ones for stores, and online.
• Overseeing Daily operations: Develop procedures and systems to ensure that all daily processes run smoothly and efficiently.
• Seasonal Planning: Plan for seasonal fluctuations by stocking relevant products and managing clearance of seasonal items efficiently.
• Assortment Planning: Create a well-balanced product assortment that appeals to different customer segments, considering factors like size, color, and style variations.

Key skills include:

• Strong leadership skills to lead, grow, and support team
• Customer Service skills- lead by example
• Collaborate across functions to gain alignment that leads to solid execution.
• Strong business acumen with hands-on experience managing P&Ls, budgets, and KPIs.
• Agile and results-oriented leader with ability to be flexible based on changing directions
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Passion for inclusive hospitality, team development, and operational excellence.
• Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset
• Ability to successfully work with competing priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word and Excel) and knowledge of Counterpoint, and Shopify are beneficial.

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.

Qualifications:

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field with at least 6+ years of managerial retail industry experience. Museum retail experience is a plus.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs (including weekends and evenings at times).
• Must be able to work in-person at least 4 days/week

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands/fingers to touch, handle or feel. Occasionally required to move around the workplace and reach with hands and arms. Requires close vision.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, we encourage you to contact Human Resources at [email protected] during the application process.

About OSV

Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Step inside more than 40 original buildings, and explore homes, meetinghouses, a district school, a country store, a bank, a working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops – all situated on more than 200 scenic acres. Talk with authentically costumed historians and see heritage breed farm animals. Discover the endless ways to immerse yourself in the Village. Old Sturbridge Village, a museum and learning resource of New England life, invites each visitor to find meaning, pleasure, relevance, and inspiration through the exploration of history.

Old Sturbridge Village is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. We are passionate about developing and maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible working and learning environment for all visitors, staff, and OSV community members. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to different ways of understanding and engaging the world around us.

Individuals in this position are subject to a Criminal Conviction Record check upon hire and every other year thereafter.

Old Sturbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Old Sturbridge Village to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or membership in the uniformed services.

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 403(b), Employee Discount, Paid Time Off
Position Type: Full time
Salary Range: $66,000-$69,000 per year

Applicants who wish to apply should submit their application here.

Security Officer

Working within the Museum Experience Department and reporting to the Safety and Security Manager, the Security Officer will work to ensure the safety and security of Old Sturbridge Village, its’ employees, visitors, and assets through professional patrol, monitoring, and emergency response. This role serves as a visible representative of OSV, performing both foot and vehicle patrols while maintaining vigilance over the museum’s facilities, grounds, and personnel. The Security Officer responds to emergencies, monitors security systems, provides first aid when needed, and works collaboratively with local law enforcement and emergency services to maintain a safe environment for all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guest Experience & Safety: Provide exceptional visitor service while ensuring safety and cleanliness throughout the museum property.
• Patrol & Monitoring: Conduct regular foot and vehicle patrols of assigned areas following Security Standard Operating Procedures and special orders.
• Access Control: Support opening and closing procedures. Detect, intercept, and report unauthorized personnel.
• System Management: Respond to and investigate security and fire system alarms; monitor security communications and reporting systems.
• Documentation: Prepare and submit timely incident reports, investigative reports, required logs, records, and forms.
• Emergency Response: Participate in firefighting, bomb search, and disaster control operations; neutralize dangerous conditions and hazards.
• Medical Assistance: Provide basic first aid and CPR in cases of accident or illness requiring immediate relief.
• Asset Protection: Receive, safeguard, transport, and transmit time-sensitive and special-value items following established procedures for handling cash, negotiables, and related records.
• Traffic Management: Control and direct traffic and parking on the property; direct visitors to proper destinations or contacts.
• External Coordination: Interact with state and local law enforcement, fire department, and emergency medical personnel.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Essential Functions:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• 6 months to 1 year security-related experience
• General knowledge of security practices and principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional appearance, bearing, and demeanor conveying a strong security work ethic.
• Valid driver’s license.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within one month of hire).
• Physical ability to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl regularly.
• Walk distances across varied, uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 lbs. regularly and up to 100 lbs. occasionally; able to lift and carry a person.
• Ability to operate fire extinguishers weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Capacity to work independently with intermittent supervision.
• Ability to make quick, difficult decisions and exercise independent judgment during emergencies.
• Willingness to perform lengthy outdoor assignments and patrols during severe or inclement weather and reduced lighting conditions.
• Availability for varied shifts as needed.

Individuals in this position are subject to a Criminal Conviction Record check upon hire and every other year thereafter.

Old Sturbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Old Sturbridge Village to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or membership in the uniformed services.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, we encourage you to contact Human Resources ([email protected]) during the application process.

Benefits: Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance; Paid Time Off; Employee Discount, and more

Salary Range: $21-$24/hour

Working within the Museum Experience Department and reporting to the Safety and Security Manager, the Security Officer will work to ensure the safety and security of Old Sturbridge Village, its’ employees, visitors, and assets through professional patrol, monitoring, and emergency response. This role serves as a visible representative of OSV, performing both foot and vehicle patrols while maintaining vigilance over the museum’s facilities, grounds, and personnel. The Security Officer responds to emergencies, monitors security systems, provides first aid when needed, and works collaboratively with local law enforcement and emergency services to maintain a safe environment for all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guest Experience & Safety: Provide exceptional visitor service while ensuring safety and cleanliness throughout the museum property.
• Patrol & Monitoring: Conduct regular foot and vehicle patrols of assigned areas following Security Standard Operating Procedures and special orders.
• Access Control: Support opening and closing procedures. Detect, intercept, and report unauthorized personnel.
• System Management: Respond to and investigate security and fire system alarms; monitor security communications and reporting systems.
• Documentation: Prepare and submit timely incident reports, investigative reports, required logs, records, and forms.
• Emergency Response: Participate in firefighting, bomb search, and disaster control operations; neutralize dangerous conditions and hazards.
• Medical Assistance: Provide basic first aid and CPR in cases of accident or illness requiring immediate relief.
• Asset Protection: Receive, safeguard, transport, and transmit time-sensitive and special-value items following established procedures for handling cash, negotiables, and related records.
• Traffic Management: Control and direct traffic and parking on the property; direct visitors to proper destinations or contacts.
• External Coordination: Interact with state and local law enforcement, fire department, and emergency medical personnel.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Skills & Abilities:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• 6 months to 1 year security-related experience
• General knowledge of security practices and principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional appearance, bearing, and demeanor conveying a strong security work ethic.
• Valid driver’s license.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within one month of hire).
• Physical ability to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl regularly.
• Walk distances across varied, uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 lbs. regularly and up to 100 lbs. occasionally; able to lift and carry a person.
• Ability to operate fire extinguishers weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Capacity to work independently with intermittent supervision.
• Ability to make quick, difficult decisions and exercise independent judgment during emergencies.
• Willingness to perform lengthy outdoor assignments and patrols during severe or inclement weather and reduced lighting conditions.
• Availability for varied shifts as needed.

About OSV

Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Step inside more than 40 original buildings, and explore homes, meetinghouses, a district school, a country store, a bank, a working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops – all situated on more than 200 scenic acres. Talk with authentically costumed historians and see heritage breed farm animals. Discover the endless ways to immerse yourself in the Village. Old Sturbridge Village, a museum and learning resource of New England life, invites each visitor to find meaning, pleasure, relevance, and inspiration through the exploration of history.

Old Sturbridge Village is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. We are passionate about developing and maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible working and learning environment for all visitors, staff, and OSV community members. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to different ways of understanding and engaging the world around us.

Individuals in this position are subject to a Criminal Conviction Record check upon hire and every other year thereafter.

Old Sturbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Old Sturbridge Village to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or membership in the uniformed services.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, we encourage you to contact Human Resources ([email protected]) during the application process.

Benefits: Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance; Paid Time Off; Employee Discount, and more

Typical Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Salary Range: $21-$25/hour

Interested applicants can apply here.  

Museum Custodian

Interpreter - Horse Program

Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) is seeking a part-time interpreter to provide support for the day-to-day operation of the Horse Program. Providing a daily horse-ride experience is an enjoyable and educational opportunity for all OSV guests. This role will help facilitate daily rides, the care of the animals plus the housekeeping & upkeep of the facilities to house and care for the animals. This position will report to the Coordinator of the Horse Program. The typical schedule is two to four days per week throughout the year (varying based on seasonal demands).

Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Agriculture or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Horse and/or Large Animal experience preferred but not required
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups.
• One year experience working with the public in museums, educational institution or interest group (4-H)
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate ideas and information clearly both verbally and in written format to a wide variety of audiences.

Essential Duties:

• Provide support to the Coordinator of Horse Program for the day-to-day operation, including such tasks as feeding, watering, cleaning, and observing animals for wellness in a safe and confident manor.

• In coordination with the Coordinator of the Horse Program and museum leadership, design tours and route that best enhance the visitor experience

• Work toward personal expertise with driving and working horses in the museum, along with engaging and educational programs with the public with an ability to Ability to anticipate, prevent and manage animal issues that arise.
• Ability to anticipate, prevent and manage animal issues that arise

• Requires a five-day workweek with unrestricted availability to work weekends, holidays and evenings. Evening programming includes Christmas by Candlelight, Phantoms and Fire, Evening at the Villages or other evening programming.
• Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
• Provide the best experience for all OSV learners. Greet and orient audiences to the Village preparing them for their experience
• Work towards the mastery of information and skills necessary to teach specific aspects of the museum to visitors.
• Collaborating with the Museum Education Department develop and lead programing for the following audiences; Visitors, Old Sturbridge Academy, Discovery Adventures, College Interns, and Fellows
• Occasionally this position might require travel to partner institutions like Coggeshall Farm Museum to provide program and or support
• Understand, identify and appropriately respond to the multiple learning styles of a diverse audience that includes students, families, and other life-long learners. Actively engage these audiences using a range of interpretation techniques including hands-on, participation, tours, immersion, demonstration, recreation, orientation, role-playing, performance, lecture and others. Master the information and skills necessary to teach specific aspects of the museum to visitors.

• Regularly lift loads of 50lbs and occasionally lift 100lbs or more

Old Sturbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Old Sturbridge Village to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or membership in the uniformed services.

Salary: $17-$19 per hour

Applicants who wish to apply should submit their resume here.