Kindra Davern
Lakeville,MA
Summary
Results-driven and dynamic retail management professional that excels in achieving company sales goals. Successful at leveraging financial and marketing education to make wise purchasing and merchandising decisions. Forward-thinking in addressing and resolving concerns, optimizing policies and engaging with customers to promote loyalty and drive sales.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
New Bedford Whaling Museum
09.2020 - 04.2024
- Managed all operational aspects of the Museum's Admissions, 3D Movie Theater and Museum Store
- Fostered and maintained a warm and welcoming environment for all Museum Visitors, ensuring they are well-informed about daily programs and events
- Successfully doubled visitor attendance and satisfaction over the last two years by delivering exceptional customer service and offering visitors' additional resources and information
- Addressed visitor complaints in a calm and professional demeanor while utilizing active listening, problem solving and conflict resolution skills
- Directed a team of 10+ people to ensure the Visitor Experience department continued to fulfill the museum's mission while exceeding annual budgetary goals
- Gathered feedback from guests and visitors and provided appropriate recommendations on ways to improve the overall visitor experience and exceed customers' expectations
- Responsible for buying and procuring custom products for the museum store
- Worked exclusively with local artists and consignors to create tailored products that reflected the museum's overall message and mission
- Successfully implemented a new Shopify point-of-sale system and was able to double the museum store's annual revenue and ecommerce sales over the last year
Buyer, RISD Store
Rhode Island School of Design
10.2018 - 09.2020
- Responsible for the procurement and selection of a wide variety of Alumni products, merchandise and gifts that reflect the diversity and needs of the Rhode Island School of Design's customer base - including RISD students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and the general public
- Conducted extensive research to select products that reflect the culture and needs of a diverse and progressive audience through a lens of equity and inclusion
- Negotiated contracts with local and national vendors to acquire a selection of new and upcoming products based on marketing trends
- Collaborated with staff across multiple departments to forecast the needs of the RISD Store and make appropriate buying decisions.
Store Manager and Buyer
Pilgrim Hall Museum
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Responsible for daily operations and optimal function of museum store
- Managed monthly and annual store budget with Finance Director
- Conceptualized and developed exclusive products with local artists for museum store
- Assisted Development Director with local fundraising and author events
- Assisted Development Director with email campaigns and fundraising efforts
- Responsible for annual store inventory and processing all ecommerce orders
- Successfully doubled store's revenue by optimizing online presence, minimizing costs and through direct email and marketing campaigns
Assistant Gallery Director
Axelle Fine Arts Galerie
03.2010 - 12.2014
- Assisted Gallery Director with curating and installing monthly and rotating exhibits
- Built a loyal clientele through gallery receptions, artist openings and extensive phone and email outreach
- Managed the daily operations of the gallery: Opening, closing, bank deposits, Account Receivables, Account Payables, Filing, Inventory control
- Exceeded monthly and annual sales goals for the gallery through exceptional customer service, events, openings and outreach
- Assisted in the production of gallery events and openings
- Wrote, edited and proofread artist and gallery press releases and marketing materials
Visitor Experience Manager
New Bedford Art Museum
09.2006 - 02.2010
- Welcomed and greeted all visitors in a warm and engaging fashion
- Conducted group tours and individual tours of Museum Exhibits
- Assisted Curator with setting up, installing and preparing for new exhibitions
- Assisted in the preparation and execution of all Museum Events
- Assisted with all Museum Mailing and Fundraising Campaigns
- Recommended enhancements to Museum Director based on observation and visitor feedback
- Responsible for posting Museum events and information on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- Hired, trained and developed all volunteers and staff at the Front Desk
Bookstore Manager
Ambassador Books and Media
05.2000 - 08.2006
- Managed all daily operations of bookstore including opening and closing, scheduling, training full time and part time staff, inventory control, quarterly Book Buyback program
- In charge of textbook adoptions and course materials each semester
- Carefully selected art products and supplies from local and national vendors
- Received and distributed all textbooks, course materials and merchandise to students and faculty
- Responsible for all quarterly inventory counts and processing all online orders
- Managed all staff and student inquiries in timely and efficient manner
- Hired, trained and developed part-time and full-time staff
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Sotheby's International Realty
09.1993 - 10.1998
- Managed each stage of brochure production from initial concept, edit and layout, to final print
- Proofread and edited copy for Sotheby's brochures before going to final press
- Scheduled and coordinated photo shoots with local area photographers for brochures
- Produced Sotheby's annual New England Guide to Distinctive Properties
- Coordinated and helped conduct open houses with local brokers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication, Art History
Suffolk University
Boston, MA05.1993
Skills
- Strong and Effective Leader
- P&L Management
- Staff training/development
- Business Growth Initiatives
- Maximizing profitability
- Human Resources
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Merchandise Buyer
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service Management
- Training Management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Sound Judgment
- Operations Management
- Visual Merchandising
- Department Oversight
CPR Heart Saver Certification, 3/2023
CPR Heart Saver Certification for Adults and Infants
Received March 2023
Timeline
Store Manager
New Bedford Whaling Museum
09.2020 - 04.2024
Buyer, RISD Store
Rhode Island School of Design
10.2018 - 09.2020
Store Manager and Buyer
Pilgrim Hall Museum
01.2015 - 10.2018
Assistant Gallery Director
Axelle Fine Arts Galerie
03.2010 - 12.2014
Visitor Experience Manager
New Bedford Art Museum
09.2006 - 02.2010
Bookstore Manager
Ambassador Books and Media
05.2000 - 08.2006
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Sotheby's International Realty
09.1993 - 10.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Communication, Art History
Suffolk University
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