ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.

Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lucas Museum seeks a highly motivated Buyer to join the Revenue & Engagement team in support of the opening and ongoing operations of the Museum’s retail store. Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, this role will lead the sourcing, development, and procurement of merchandise that reflects the Museum’s mission, exhibitions, and storytelling approach.

The Buyer will support the identification and evaluation of vendors, support licensing and product development initiatives, and ensure timely procurement and delivery of goods. This role will also leverage sales and inventory insights to inform buying decisions, optimize product assortment, and support overall retail performance. The Buyer will partner cross-functionally with Curatorial, Marketing, and Retail teams to create a compelling and cohesive visitor experience.

Responsibilities

Retail Strategy

Partner with the Director of Retail & Product and Revenue & Engagement team to support the launch of the Museum’s retail store, including licensing strategy, vendor onboarding, & contributing to development of standard operating procedures

Collaborate with Curatorial and internal stakeholders to identify product development opportunities tied to exhibitions and collections

Buying & Product Development

Develop exclusive, mission-aligned products in collaboration with internal teams, ensuring accuracy, quality, and integrity of source materials

As directed by the Director of Retail, support supplier selection and negotiation processes, including product, pricing, and terms evaluation

Support development of unique product assortment strategies, including category mix, pricing architecture, and buy quantities

Source and purchase merchandise that complements exhibitions, programs, and the Museum’s collection

Serve as a key point of contact for product development, licensing, and branded merchandise initiatives, including familiarity with contracts and licensing requirements

Identify and explore new product categories to enhance the retail offering and visitor experience

Inventory, Planning & Performance

Ensure timely ordering, delivery, payment and issue resolution with vendors

Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and product trends to inform buying decisions and optimize assortment to maximize profit

Support forecasting and replenishment decisions by identifying high-performing items and potential stock risks

Monitor inventory flow and timing to align with exhibition openings, seasonal changes, and key Museum events

Identify risks and opportunities in sales and inventory performance and recommend adjustments to buying strategy

Generate reports and insights to support Revenue & Engagement leadership in decision-making

Vendor & Relationship Management

Support Retail leadership with sourcing, evaluating, and onboarding vendors, wholesalers, and licensing partners aligned with the Museum’s brand and mission

Support Retail leadership with identification and onboarding of new and diverse suppliers to expand product offerings

Establish and cultivate relationships with vendors and licensing partners to support long-term retail growth

Merchandising & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Stay informed on retail and museum merchandising trends through research, trade events, and industry engagement

Partner with Retail and Marketing teams to support product launches, promotions, and campaigns tied to exhibitions and seasonal programming

Collaborate with creative partners to ensure high-quality product imagery and storytelling for in-store and digital channels

Communicate product knowledge and merchandising direction to store teams to support visual presentation and sales

Qualifications

Background in business administration, economics, or related field preferred

5+ years of experience in a purchasing role, preferably for an arts & cultural institution or prominent consumer brand

Knowledge of intellectual property principles as it relates to retail inventory management

Comprehensive knowledge of commodities

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

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The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.

Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Narrative Art:

Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration.

Community:

Connect to a broad and diverse public.

Operational Excellence:

Create a healthy and durable institution.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).