Career Opportunity:
Part Time Product Photographer & Retail Associate for the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace
OPPORTUNITY:
Job Title: Product Photographer & Retail Associate - Part-Time
Organization: Friends of Southwest Virginia
Reports To: Deputy Director of Operations
Location: One Heartwood Circle, Abingdon VA 24210
Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt, 8-28 hours per week
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Friends of Southwest Virginia is seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and customer-focused individual to support the retail and online merchandising efforts of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace. The primary focus of this position is photographing and visually merchandising artisan products for the online store, digital marketing, and promotional materials in a way that showcases the craftsmanship and story behind Southwest Virginia’s makers.
This position will be responsible for creating high-quality product photography, styling merchandise, organizing digital product images, and assisting with online inventory presentation to help grow e-commerce sales and strengthen the Cultural Center’s digital presence.
In addition to digital merchandising responsibilities, this role will also serve as part of the front-line marketplace team by welcoming guests, assisting customers with purchases, and providing visitor information about regional attractions, events, and tourism opportunities.
General Responsibilities
Support online retail growth through strong visual merchandising and product photography while assisting with marketplace operations and exceptional guest service. Availability on some evenings and weekends is required.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
● Photograph merchandise for e-commerce listings, digital marketing, and social media campaigns
● Style and stage artisan products using props, lighting, and displays to create compelling product imagery
● Edit and optimize product images for consistent quality, sizing, branding, and web presentation
● Upload and organize digital product files for online store listings and promotional use
● Assist with product descriptions, measurements, pricing verification, and inventory accuracy for online sales
● Collaborate with retail and marketing staff to feature seasonal collections, artisan spotlights, and promotional campaigns
● Maintain organized photo archives and digital asset libraries
SECONDARY RETAIL RESPONSIBILITIES
● Greet guests and provide a welcoming visitor experience
● Assist customers with merchandise selections and purchases
● Share information about Southwest Virginia attractions, events, and tourism opportunities
● Operate point-of-sale system and accurately process transactions
● Assist with special events
● Open and close the building as trained
● Keep retail areas clean, organized, and stocked
● Assist with physical inventory
● Promote ‘Round the Mountain memberships and membership renewals
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience with photography, visual merchandising, content creation, or retail sales
● Strong eye for composition, lighting, styling, and visual storytelling
● Basic experience with photo editing software and digital file management
● Strong communication and organizational skills
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively
● Basic computer knowledge and comfort with digital platforms
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● High school diploma or equivalent
● Experience with product photography or e-commerce merchandising
● Retail sales or customer service experience
● Experience with social media, digital marketing, or online store platforms
● Experience working public events
HOW TO APPLY:
Open Until Filled. Earlier applicants have a better chance of being interviewed, so apply ASAP. No phone calls.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA:
Southwest Virginia includes 19 counties and four independent cities located near the southern and western border of Virginia. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, established in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, takes the lead in developing a creative economy in Southwest Virginia. In 2011, the Commission became the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, a self-sustaining community development organization with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through a supporting non-profit, the Friends of Southwest Virginia, businesses and individuals help artists, crafts people, localities, nonprofits and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed. A multifaceted plan identifies the cultural and natural assets of the region; coordinates initiatives, organizations and venues engaged in cultural and natural heritage toward more efficient operations for all partner organizations; and develops a comprehensive strategy and capital improvements plan to maximize the impact of state investments in this significant restructuring effort.
Key initiatives include:
- Branding and marketing Southwest Virginia to the world as a distinct culture and destination
- Developing and sustaining Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway
- Expanding outdoor recreation development initiatives and marketing throughout the region
- Planning and implementation of downtown revitalization throughout the region to instill a high quality of life within our communities and promote them to the world for a broad spectrum of economic development opportunities
Efforts to build Southwest Virginia's creative economy are the work of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission. Partners include the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Resources. Funding partners include the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission and Appalachian Regional Commission.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA CULTURAL CENTER & MARKETPLACE:
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is your tempting first-taste of the culture and heritage of Southwest Virginia, a coalition of 19 counties, four cities and 54 towns. From the sounds of the region’s distinctive bluegrass to the sights of world-renowned folk artists from around the mountains, you’ll find moments of discovery for the entire family
For art and craft lovers, the Cultural Center has four shopping galleries featuring juried craft from ’Round the Mountain Artisan Network and showcases the individuals who have devoted their lives to interpreting SWVA through all forms of the arts.
Located off Interstate-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace is your starting point for any trip to Virginia; be inspired with the culture of the region and take off to discover craft, food, and heritage!
Hours are Monday - Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sundays from 1pm-5pm.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $14.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
