Volunteer Opportunity: Shop Manager Westmoreland Historical Society

The Westmoreland Historical Society (WHS) is seeking a dedicated and organized Volunteer Shop Manager to help oversee daily operations and strategic coordination of the Society’s museum shop. This volunteer leadership role is essential to ensuring a welcoming visitor experience and the smooth functioning of the shop, which supports WHS’s mission through earned revenue and community engagement.

Position Overview: The Volunteer Shop Manager serves as the primary coordinator for shop operations, volunteers, inventory, and systems. Working closely with WHS staff, the Shop Committee, and fellow volunteers, this role combines hands-on retail management with planning, training, and event coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Coordination & Training

• Schedule shop volunteers and manage shifts using the Teamup app
• Train new shop volunteers on procedures, systems, and customer service
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to shop volunteers

Shop Operations & Systems

• Troubleshoot register and credit card machine issues
• Lead point-of-sale system updates and coordinate related volunteer training
• Enter, price, and maintain merchandise in the register inventory system

Merchandise & Inventory Management

• Coordinate merchandise ordering in collaboration with the Executive Director within the approved merchandise budget
• Unpack shipments, ticket merchandise, and prepare items for sale
• Arrange, sign, and maintain merchandise displays, including seasonal shop changes
• Conduct the annual shop inventory

Financial & Administrative Tasks

• Address vendor invoices and payment-related issues in coordination with WHS staff
• Order shop supplies (bags, tissue paper, etc.) according to the shop supply budget

Online Shop & Events

• Maintain and edit the online shop site with assistance from WHS staff
• Coordinate shop-related events, such as the annual Candlelight Open House

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Comfort with basic retail systems, inventory tracking, and scheduling tools (or willingness to learn)
• Ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and committee members
• Attention to detail and reliability
• Interest in local history, museums, or nonprofit work preferred
• Volunteers in Pennsylvania and at WHS are required to have the following up-to-date clearances:
  • Volunteers who have resided in PA continuously for the past 10 years:Child Abuse History Clearance- Act 33 (free) and PA State Police Criminal Record Check- Act 34 (free)
  • Out-of-state volunteers and those who live in PA but have NOT resided there continuously for the past 10 years: PA's Child Abuse and Criminal History Clearances as detailed above AND FBI Fingerprint-based

Time Commitment: This role requires a regular ongoing commitment, with up to 5 hours per week. Additional time may be needed during system updates, seasonal transitions, inventory, and special events.

Why Volunteer with WHS?: As Volunteer Shop Manager, you will play a vital role in supporting the Westmoreland Historical Society’s mission, helping generate critical revenue, enhancing the visitor experience, and contributing to the cultural life of Westmoreland County.

To express interest or learn more, please contact:

Lauren Churilla, Executive Director at lauren@westmorelandhistory.org