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Gallery Coordinator

Penland School of Craft
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Penland School of Craft is an international center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 420 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 16 teaching studios and 60 historic and contemporary buildings. We are an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 70. Penland operates with a $54 million endowment and an annual operating budget of $7.7 million. We are located about an hour northeast of Asheville, NC. Our mission supports making lives meaningful through making.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Penland welcomes everyone. Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, and other people who identify as people of color or BIPOC individuals are encouraged to apply, as are people holding other marginalized identities related to gender, sexual orientation, ability, and class background.

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to fulfilling our mission. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit, and we value the perspectives and contributions of all people. We want the Penland experience to include varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics. Penland is committed to being a community that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination.

Position Summary

The Gallery Coordinator reports directly to the gallery operations coordinator and plays a key role on the gallery team in all aspects of the retail sales gallery; including sales, customer service and cultivation, eCommerce, FOCUS exhibitions, and artist development. Working collaboratively with the gallery operations coordinator, they plan and execute special exhibitions in the FOCUS Gallery, and provide support for the John & Robyn Horn Gallery. This is a technical, administrative, and services-oriented position.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Works directly with visitors and gallery customers to share information and facilitate purchases, orders, commissions, and inquiries about Penland-affiliated artists; works with gallery team to develop new customer relationships and sustain long-term customer service
  • Supports the gallery operations coordinator with all aspects of inventory management and record-keeping
  • Coordinates all aspects of gallery-related art handling for the Lucy Morgan Gallery: receiving, installation, de-installation, packing, shipping, and condition reports
  • Supports Visitor Center Gallery exhibition as requested
  • Works with gallery team to develop new artist relationships, sustain long-term artist representation, and actively build a diverse and inclusive artist roster
  • Works collaboratively with gallery operations coordinator to plan and execute FOCUS Gallery exhibitions. Works as a team to plan innovative exhibitions in support of sales goals; serves as point of contact for FOCUS artists; sets project schedule and deadlines; takes lead role for FOCUS photography, webpage content, marketing, and social media
  • Supports John & Robyn Horn Gallery gallery curator as requested
  • Works collaboratively with gallery team to facilitate eCommerce site; including photography and eCommerce SHOP maintenance
  • Participates in all shared administrative responsibilities, team meetings, budget and sales goals development, training sessions, and other meetings upon request; performs additional duties as required.

Qualifications

  • Commitment to advancing Penland’s mission, educational philosophy, and equity, inclusion & diversity efforts and goals
  • Knowledge and curiosity about the field of contemporary craft and the artists, processes, and materials represented by the Penland Gallery as an extension of Penland School
  • At least 2-3 years of relevant retail gallery experience; or equivalent combination of applicable customer service and professional experience
  • Energy and enthusiasm to welcome artists, visitors, and patrons to Penland and the gallery and to cultivate relationships with diverse groups of people with professionalism and respect
  • Commitment to serve as a strong, collaborative, and effective member of the gallery team; an eagerness to actively participate in the work that needs to be done; dependable, adaptable, and responsive to the changing needs of the gallery
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as strong planning, administrative, and organizational skills
  • Proven experience in facilitating multiple projects while working independently, proactively, and collaboratively; detail-oriented, self-motivated, able to set priorities and meet deadlines; also important, the capacity to recognize when to ask for advice
  • Functional ease with Google Suite, Mac OS, Adobe Creative Suite, social media platforms, and DSLR photography; basic experience with Wordpress and POS software is preferred
  • Working knowledge of gallery and exhibition operations; the Penland Gallery & Visitors Center supports large and small format exhibition spaces and an online shop, presenting work in a range of craft media from functional to conceptual
  • Skillful use of hand and small power tools, the ability to climb a ladder, and safely move heavy and fragile objects is required
  • Valid and active driver’s license required
     

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, work at a computer, and perform repetitive tasks. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or touch objects, tools, or controls and to talk fluently and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and bend. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more. Specific vision required by this job includes close vision.

Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position working 40 hours per week, Tuesday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm. Occasional evenings are required. The salary range for this position is $17.70 to $18.68 and is negotiable based on the skills and experience you bring to the position.

Benefits

We take care of our staff through a wide range of benefits. For your wellness, we offer multiple medical plans, vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, and an EAP program. This includes generous vacation, sick, extended sick, floating holiday leave programs, access to studios, free classes, two paid sabbaticals, meals during programming, and other discounts. Additionally, new staff are offered interim housing if you are moving into the areas. We have other generous benefits that we can explore more during the interview process.

How to Apply

Please apply at, https://penland.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/76682. Applications will be accepted through January 19, 2024. We will start to review applicants after January 12, 2024.