Managing Head of Retail Sales

The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

The Sales Manager is responsible for developing, directing, and personally executing enterprise-wide sales strategies that generate earned revenue in support of the Wisconsin Historical Society's (WHS) historic sites, museums, programs, and public services. This position plays a critical role in sustaining the Society's mandated and mission-critical operations by expanding admissions, program revenue, commercial partnerships, and other non-state and non-federal revenue sources that are foundational to maintaining public access, educational delivery, collections stewardship, and facility operations.

As the Society transforms its operating model and prepares for major new facilities, capital investments, and expanded public engagement, the Sales Manager provides strategic leadership to modernize and professionalize sales functions across the DMHS while remaining directly accountable for continuous, hands-on revenue generation in a competitive, market-driven environment. This includes aligning sales strategy and execution with marketing, guest experience, programming, retail, and development efforts to support the Society's long-term financial sustainability and public commitments.

The position operates with a high degree of independence, exercises significant discretion and professional judgment, and is accountable for achieving ambitious revenue targets that directly support the Society's 10-year goal of generating $20 million annually in non-state and non-federal support. Revenue performance in this role has direct implications for the Society's ability to meet statutory obligations and manage institutional risk.

This position is in the unclassified pay schedule/range 01-00 with the starting salary between $35.00-$45.00 per hour. WHS does not sponsor work visas. This position works full-time in the office.

Experience in management of event or venue sales

Experience serving as a lead worker or supervisor to staff, including making recommendations regarding hiring, evaluating, promoting, discharging, etc.

Experience in establishing a multi-year sales strategy targeting increased revenue

Experience in identifying and pursuing new tourism, education, corporate, nonprofit or commercial market opportunities

Experience building and maintaining informed data tracking methods relating to client pipelines, tracking outreach, negotiations, conversion rates and revenue outcomes

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions. .

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

jobs user information and technical assistance.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position has been filled.