Director of Retail | Dallas, TX

National Aviation Education Center  

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 classroom spaces. The venue also offers space for rental events. The CAF’s 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’s 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.  

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 CAF’s 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 

• Oversee and operate 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 

• Bachelor’s 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.  

Salary Range 

$60,000 - $65,000 

How to Apply