Gallery Sales/Information Associate

Position Summary

This position requires a service-oriented person who is able to relay information to visitors, students, and instructors in a friendly, courteous, tactful and accurate manner. General knowledge about Penland School (history and programs) and craft techniques is necessary; experience with retail sales, packing and shipping is required. Professional attire is expected. The position reports to the Gallery Director and is a seasonal, hourly position, with anticipated hours to average 24 hours/week. Season begins in late February and runs through mid-December. Must be available to work Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9am - 5:30pm. Occasional evening hours may be required.

Primary Responsibilities

Greet and inform visitors/students about Penland School.

Greet and assist incoming students and instructors.

Familiarize visitors with the artists/craftspeople in the area.

Handle sales of artists' work.

Be knowledgeable about the artists and their work.

Maintain tour book and scheduling of guides for weekly campus tours.

Assist with training and recruitment of tour guides.

Assist with organizing and scheduling of special tours.

Be knowledgeable about Penland history and current programs and able to conduct tours as needed (training provided).

Clean and maintain gallery as needed.

Unpack, inventory and tag artist's work as needed.

Assist with maintaining gallery data base.

Assist with customer development needs: customer assistance, follow-up calls and correspondence.

Pack and ship artwork as needed.

Assist in set-up and clean-up for gallery receptions, when scheduled.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must be a high school graduate or equivalent and be at least 18 years of age.

Possess general knowledge of Penland School and craft techniques.

Possess ability to interact and converse easily with a wide range of visitors; give information clearly, patiently and politely and respond with the same abilities to all questions from individuals.

Be able to use a calculator, credit card machine, and handle money with accuracy and ease.

Have ability to use personal computer and standard software.

Successfully handle situations with a wide range of people in a mature, calm and rational manner.

Make informed decisions concerning the gallery, sales, and visitors needs as problems arise.

Work well independently and under supervision.

Possess high sense of responsibility, punctuality and be highly cooperative.

Maintain strong attention to details and accuracy.

Willingness to safely and sensibly move and carry gallery items such as pedestals, artwork, boxes and furniture.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and to work at a computer. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls and to speak fluently and to hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Specific vision required by this job is close vision.

Compensation

Compensation discussions are a part of the interviewing process.

To Apply

The position will remain open until filled, however the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by July 27, 2011. E-mail resume and cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the position and contact information (include email contact) info for 3 references to Kathryn Gremley, Gallery Director:

gallery@penland.org

or mail to Gallery Director, Penland School of Crafts, PO Box 37, Penland, NC 28765.

Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 415 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 15 teaching studios and 50 historic and contemporary buildings. Penland School of Crafts is an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 63. Penland conducts its business with an annual operating budget of $5 million.