The Deputy Director serves as a key member of The Dalles Art Center's leadership team, helping to ensure the successful day-to-day operation of the organization and the delivery of high-quality arts programming. This role oversees administrative operations, gallery shop sales, artist consignment management, exhibit logistics, and organizational systems that support TDAC's exhibitions, events, classes, and community initiatives. The Deputy Director manages calendars, timelines, databases, financial tracking systems, commission sales records, property maintenance schedules and internal communications while helping to maintain an organized, welcoming, and efficient environment for visitors, artists, instructors, volunteers, and community partners.
This versatile position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. The Deputy Director works closely with the Executive Director to coordinate programs and operations, support fundraising and special events, assist with marketing and communications efforts, and ensure that office systems, equipment, and facilities function smoothly. Success in this role requires proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, point-of-sale systems, and office software, along with strong customer service skills and a genuine enthusiasm for engaging with artists, patrons, and the broader community. A background in retail sales, nonprofit administration, arts management, or a related field is preferred. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities include:
- Securing exhibit information such as artist bio, images and copy; creating and managing timelines for exhibit installation & breakdown; communicating details, dates and deliverables with artists; and updating the website with exhibit information.
- Input exhibit and gallery artwork into point-of-sale software, produce price tags and wall cards. Track sales of artwork and report to bookkeeper for artist payments.
- Cultivate and recruit artists, craftspeople and other makers to sell their work at TDAC. Provide helpful input to artists on pricing and offerings.
- Prepare exhibits with the help of contractors and/or volunteers.
- Manage the annual calendar of public programs including Artist Talks and other exhibit related programs, readings, performances or other public events. Confirming program details with a 4 – 6-month lead time.
- Manage marketing and advertising of in-house programming and events.
- Operate Gallery Gift Shop – welcome visitors, share information about TDAC and complete sales using point-of-sales program. Manage scheduling of Gallery Assistants and volunteers.
- Manage office equipment and files, recruit, train and schedule volunteers, contact technicians for any system issues (e.g. alarm, elevator or HVAC).
- Manage and conduct regular updates and run reports from the following systems: Liberty Point of Sale, Little Green Light database, Quickbooks and Wix.
Necessary skills:
- Experience using common business software applications such as Microsoft 365 suite (Word/Excel/PowerPoint), Google Workspace tools (Drive/Docs/Sheets/Gmail).
- Familiarity with updating Wix websites or other website platforms (e.g., Squarespace, WordPress).
- Retail sales and/or merchandising experience in a gallery, gift shop or craft store.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Project management and/or high-level organizational skills.
- An ability to work independently and solve problems.
- Excellent customer service.
Nice to have skills/background:
- A familiarity with the Mid-Columbia area artist community.
- A background in hanging exhibits and artwork.
Full-Time Position
Expectation of hours: this role is a full-time 24 – 40 hours a week role that requires Wednesday-Saturday daytime shifts as well as some weekday evening hours depending on the exhibit, education, and events schedule. This role is primarily an on-site role.
Hourly salary: $20-$22
Benefits:
- $100 per month stipend towards personal medical health plan
- $500 per year reimbursement budget for dental and/or medical expenses
- Paid Holidays: 9 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
- Vacation & Sick Pay: 15 days (accrued vacation may be used after completion of 3 months employment)
The Dalles Art Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
To apply for this role, send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Ability to Commute:
- The Dalles, OR 97058 (Required)
Work Location: In person
