Senior Director of Retail and Merchandising

The High Line is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Director of Retail and Merchandising to lead the development, launch, and long-term growth of a mission-aligned retail business. This strategic leadership role will oversee the creation of a dynamic, multi-channel retail operation, encompassing an on-site kiosk, e-commerce, wholesale partnerships, and brand licensing opportunities. The goal is to establish a sustainable and values-driven retail enterprise that reflects the High Line’s distinct identity, enhances the visitor experience, and generates meaningful revenue.

With foundational planning complete—including external consultancy and internal alignment—the Senior Director will be responsible for operationalizing the vision, including hiring and managing the retail team, finalizing and executing the buying and merchandising strategy, and launching both physical and digital sales channels. The target launch for the retail kiosk and e-commerce store is April 2026.

This role will report directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

Retail Strategy & Execution

• Finalize and implement the long-term retail business plan developed with consultants and senior leadership.
• Lead the design and execution of a multi-channel retail model, including physical retail, e-commerce, and wholesale distribution.
• Oversee seasonal operation of a branded on-site retail kiosk or pop-up location.
• Direct the successful launch of the High Line’s e-commerce store.

Team Leadership

• Build and manage a high-performing retail team, including specialists in store operations, merchandising, e-commerce, and buying.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-aligned team culture that supports professional growth and shared accountability.

Buying, Product Development & Merchandising

• Expand and refine the initial buying plan to reflect High Line values and meet commercial targets.
• Oversee visual merchandising and ensure product assortment supports storytelling, diversity, and sustainability.
• Collaborate on custom product development and strategic sourcing.

Wholesale & Licensing

• Develop and lead partnerships with wholesale vendors to extend the High Line brand reach.
• Create and manage brand licensing programs to support visibility and long-term revenue generation.
• Establish brand guidelines to ensure consistency and protect brand integrity across all merchandising efforts.

Financial Management & Operations

• Develop and manage P&Ls, revenue forecasts, operational budgets, and inventory planning.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure retail success and drive continuous improvement.
• Select and oversee implementation of retail systems including POS, inventory management, and e-commerce tools.

Inventory Management & POS Implementation

• Oversee the implementation of a scalable POS and inventory system integrated across platforms.
• Develop SOPs for inventory control, SKU rationalization, replenishment cycles, and sell-through targets.
• Partner with Finance and Operations to ensure inventory management aligns with audit and fiscal requirements.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Collaborate with teams across marketing, programming, community engagement, and development to align messaging and campaigns.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the retail function and executive leadership, consultants, and external vendors.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in retail, merchandising, or consumer products leadership, ideally within a cultural, nonprofit, or design-forward organization.
• Proven success in launching and growing omni-channel retail operations, including brick-and-mortar and e-commerce.
• Demonstrated ability to create compelling products that balance storytelling, cultural impact, and market viability.
• Strong expertise in merchandising strategy, vendor negotiations, inventory planning, and visual merchandising.
• Experience managing wholesale and/or brand licensing programs.
• Track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Passion for cultural institutions and alignment with the High Line’s values and mission.

This position is based at the High Line headquarters in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan, New York City, with a hybrid schedule