Retail Operations Lead

The Retail Operations Lead will serve in a multi-faceted assistant role to the Retail Operations Manager. They will assist directly with the management and maintenance of museum retail operations, guest services, ticketing, membership sales, and museum exhibits/events/operations/activities, as needed. They will also assist in the management of retail and ticketing team members and the various activities involved in those business units. They will routinely run retail and ticketing points of sales systems and work directly with museum guests. The Retail Operations Lead will work to achieve sales goals in retail, as well as provide exemplary guest service in ticketing and access control – all while aligning with the San Diego Comic Convention mission.


  • Assist as the person in charge when management is off-site.
  • Address any guest concerns in a timely, courteous, and infectiously positive manner. 
  • Assist with retail merchandise ordering, receiving, inventory, pricing, labeling, record keeping, and retail merchandise display design.
  • Assist with all ticketing logistics, ticketing and membership software issues, attendance record keeping, attendance reporting, access control for guests, and daily operational flow of the museum.
  • Assist in updating and maintaining the museum operational calendar.
  • Assist with enforcing company policies and procedures
  • Perform open and close procedures for the store
  • Assist with training, coaching, and development of all team members using company programs, tools, and resources.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork by working alongside the management team, establishing priorities, and providing clear direction.
  • Protect company assets and minimize loss by ensuring all store standards and operating procedures are met, including workplace safety, inventory control, compliance, and loss prevention.
  • Hold keys to the Museum to open and close the store

  • Provide exceptional guest service as you assist in day-to-day gift shop operations.
  • Engage with guests and create an entertaining, fun, exciting, and memorable experience while finding resolutions to any guest service issues.
  • Provide guests with product, museum, membership, and service information.
  • Connect with guests on a one-to-one level about museum offerings and exhibits 
  • Process transactions at a register in the form of cash, credit card, NFC technology, or digital payments.
  • Perform unique transactions such as special orders, special ticket sales, and gift shop mail-outs.
  • Successfully follow directions and complete museum operations, policies, and procedures including cash reporting, sweeping, organizing, and tidying.
  • Assist the Retail Operations Manager with inventory control; help to maintain an orderly and attractive museum space, gift shop, and organized stockroom by keeping merchandise filled, neatly displayed, and making sure all items are accurately priced.
  • Work with Retail Operations Manager with gift shop management, visual merchandising point person, and Retail and Ticketing Associates to maintain visual standards.
  • Accurately count and maintain cash drawers and related banks.
  • Achieving store sales goals and creating strategic sales plans.
  • Meet weekly and monthly payroll goals

  • Create an exceptional guest experience by assisting the public through the ticket sales process, including describing products and services, membership levels and benefits, daily museum activities, upcoming events, as well as Balboa Park information.
  • Assist guests by accurately taking ticket orders and processing payments, while providing an efficient, positive, and professional interaction.
  • When management is off-site, act as the first point of contact for services, deliveries, and outside vendors; representing the museum in a professional and knowledgeable fashion to identify museum staff that must be contacted to address the current operational needs.
  • Articulate museum policies to guests in a consistent, clear, and positive fashion.
  • Communicate accurate information to the public regarding the museum as well as Balboa Park.
  • Enter consistent and accurate data within the ticketing and membership database ensuring accounts reflect correct data and guest relationships.
  • When management is off-site, serve as the first level of escalation for guest concerns and conflicts. 
  • Troubleshoot ticketing and POS system issues and errors as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

  • Excellent writing, speaking, organizational, interpersonal, and cultural literacy skills.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule, evenings, weekends, holidays, museum events, and occasional overtime.
  • Highly organized along with the ability to multitask.
  • Able to proactively intercept, engage, and demonstrate product to guests and effectively communicate product features.
  • Must be tech savvy and able to learn company technology tools.
  • Must be a good problem solver, good with people, and have a pitch-in attitude in our start-up culture. 
  • Must be able to think on your feet with changing priorities and operational demands.
  • Previous retail, cash-handling, merchandising skills, and customer service experience is a plus.
  • Interest in, and knowledge of, various comic and popular arts and culture material a plus.
  • 2+ years’ experience in the customer service industry, preferably at museums or other cultural institutions. 
  • Must be able to handle conflict and high-tension scenarios with grace, empathy, and an eye towards win-win solutions.
  • Ability to learn new company software as needed 

  • Professional environment.
  • Routinely uses standard office equipment.
  • Routine interaction with the public.
  • Flexible availability is required based on museum operational needs.
  • Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and museum events as needed.

  • Frequent sitting, walking, and standing for long periods. 
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with appropriate prioritization.
  • Ability to lift and bend occasionally may be required to lift or move up to 25 pounds with assistance, as needed.

  • $18.00 per hour

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