Visual Presentation Specialist
Smithsonian Enterprises, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Application Deadline:
21 April 2026
Location:
Washington, DC
Compensation:
$52,000 - $55,000 per year
Overview The Visual Presentation Specialist is responsible for the creation and implementation of visual strategies that enhance the retail experience, support merchandising objectives and the museum mission while maintaining the visual presentation standards as established by the Visual Presentation and Store Planning departments. The Specialist collaborates with their supervisor in the development and execution of floor sets and tests from initial concept to in‑store execution. In partnership with Merchandising, Store Sales & Operations, and Store Planning the specialist ensures products are presented for optimal profitability and a compelling brand experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
Follows direction of supervisor in maintaining standards in presentation of merchandise and establishing prioritizing work plans to meet timelines associated with merchandising objectives.
Collaborates with supervisor and other team members on the development of all creative concepts, proposed fixturing and display accessories and props to present merchandise for seasonal sets, special events, new product launches and tests.
Delivers consistent innovation and merchandising solutions that improve the store experience, drive traffic and meet brand and creative objectives.
Collaborates with internal partners (Store Planning & Design, Merchandising, and Store Sales & Operations) on the development of all presentation packages, which may include pictorial documents in Illustrator or other computer programs, to meet the strategic and financial goals of the organization.
Take ownership and prioritize tasks associated with executing multiple projects as directed by supervisor to meet all visual and merchandising calendar timelines.
Creates calendar of store visits to ensure customer/associate relationship and effective translation of visual strategies across all store types. Visits to stores include identifying opportunities and providing ongoing training sessions on visual merchandising techniques and standards for the retail stores.
Demonstrates excellent written and verbal skills when presenting creative ideas and working cross‑functionally.
Stays up to date with trends for a specialized gift store environment via market patterning to influence work.
Maintains a visual fixture, prop, and sign holder inventory for assigned locations.
Works closely with retail team partners and vendors.
Creates price‑point signage using templates provided by the Store Planning & Design department and ensures in‑store signage is accurate, up‑to‑date, and properly placed in sign holders.
Requests supplemental store signage – ensuring that displays are supported with proper product information, UBIT, and other signs appropriate for fixtures featuring merchandise.
Partners with Store Sales & Operations to ensure merchandise includes provenance cards where appropriate.
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre‑employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) and/or 3–5+ years of experience executing visual presentation strategies in a multi‑store specialty environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs – Word and Excel, and Adobe Illustrator.
Ability to work in Sketch‑Up and PowerPoint.
Ability to work with basic tools including hammer, screwdriver, saw, paintbrush, and other tools to assist in creative prop building tasks or minor repairs.
Ability to read and interpret Smithsonian Institution and SE Museum Store policies and procedures, and understand standard retail concepts and practices.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Benefits Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Equal Opportunity & Accommodation The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SECareers@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
For more information on the Smithsonian's EEO program, visit: https://www.si.edu/oeo
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21 April 2026
Location:
Washington, DC
Compensation:
$52,000 - $55,000 per year
Overview The Visual Presentation Specialist is responsible for the creation and implementation of visual strategies that enhance the retail experience, support merchandising objectives and the museum mission while maintaining the visual presentation standards as established by the Visual Presentation and Store Planning departments. The Specialist collaborates with their supervisor in the development and execution of floor sets and tests from initial concept to in‑store execution. In partnership with Merchandising, Store Sales & Operations, and Store Planning the specialist ensures products are presented for optimal profitability and a compelling brand experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
Follows direction of supervisor in maintaining standards in presentation of merchandise and establishing prioritizing work plans to meet timelines associated with merchandising objectives.
Collaborates with supervisor and other team members on the development of all creative concepts, proposed fixturing and display accessories and props to present merchandise for seasonal sets, special events, new product launches and tests.
Delivers consistent innovation and merchandising solutions that improve the store experience, drive traffic and meet brand and creative objectives.
Collaborates with internal partners (Store Planning & Design, Merchandising, and Store Sales & Operations) on the development of all presentation packages, which may include pictorial documents in Illustrator or other computer programs, to meet the strategic and financial goals of the organization.
Take ownership and prioritize tasks associated with executing multiple projects as directed by supervisor to meet all visual and merchandising calendar timelines.
Creates calendar of store visits to ensure customer/associate relationship and effective translation of visual strategies across all store types. Visits to stores include identifying opportunities and providing ongoing training sessions on visual merchandising techniques and standards for the retail stores.
Demonstrates excellent written and verbal skills when presenting creative ideas and working cross‑functionally.
Stays up to date with trends for a specialized gift store environment via market patterning to influence work.
Maintains a visual fixture, prop, and sign holder inventory for assigned locations.
Works closely with retail team partners and vendors.
Creates price‑point signage using templates provided by the Store Planning & Design department and ensures in‑store signage is accurate, up‑to‑date, and properly placed in sign holders.
Requests supplemental store signage – ensuring that displays are supported with proper product information, UBIT, and other signs appropriate for fixtures featuring merchandise.
Partners with Store Sales & Operations to ensure merchandise includes provenance cards where appropriate.
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre‑employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) and/or 3–5+ years of experience executing visual presentation strategies in a multi‑store specialty environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs – Word and Excel, and Adobe Illustrator.
Ability to work in Sketch‑Up and PowerPoint.
Ability to work with basic tools including hammer, screwdriver, saw, paintbrush, and other tools to assist in creative prop building tasks or minor repairs.
Ability to read and interpret Smithsonian Institution and SE Museum Store policies and procedures, and understand standard retail concepts and practices.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Benefits Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Equal Opportunity & Accommodation The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SECareers@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
For more information on the Smithsonian's EEO program, visit: https://www.si.edu/oeo
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