
Assistant Retail Manager
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
1 Positions
ID: 88546
Posted On 03/11/2026
Job Overview
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called River Works Discovery.
The Assistant Retail Manager is part of a team that is responsible for the daily management of all store staff and coordination of resources for the store. Duties include but are not limited to: overseeing the point of sale system, inventory management, and creating merchandise displays. The Assistant Retail Manager is a guest service-based and forward facing position that also helps serve as a periodic Manager on Duty (MOD) for the museum and is regularly visible and available to visitors. An ideal candidate will have the opportunity to manage a work schedule that allows for work/life balance while achieving the goals set for the work required.
This is a part time (approximately 30 hours per week but may vary), permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include an optional 403b retirement plan.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds.
Primary duties
- Provide daily management of store staff and operations, including overseeing point of sale (POS) transactions, restocking, customer service, and creating merchandise displays
- Collaborate with the Museum Store Manager to conduct staff hiring, onboarding, training, and management
- Assist in coordination of all necessary inventories for special exhibitions and museum events
- Advise on inventory management and ordering decisions
- Conduct tasks such as tagging, stocking and display
- Ensure proper receiving practices, including unpacking and checking against purchase orders and packing lists
- Maintain store’s physical condition and appearance and organize storage areas
- Lead as a Manager on Duty (MOD) to coordinate the successful daily operations of the Museum & Aquarium
- Tasks include opening and closing the campus, preparing cash deposits and balancing drawers, and supporting associates in delivering a quality guest experience
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or relevant work experience preferred
- Previous experience in a supervisory or management role preferred, but not required
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong communication and organizational abilities
- Knowledgeable with technology and database management
- Exceptional written & verbal communication skills
- Outstanding external and internal customer service skills
- Effective personnel management and problem-solving skills
- Ability to prioritize, focus, and manage time effectively
- Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
- Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, including lifting up to 30lbs, either with or without reasonable accommodation
- Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
Research suggests that many often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.

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