GALLERY and SHOP MANAGER
Status: Full-Time (35 hours/week)
Reports To: Executive Director
Annual Compensation Range: $47,500.00 - $48,500.00 commensurate with experience, plus a $500 monthly wellness stipend, and paid time off (PTO).
The Art Base, a non-profit art center in Basalt, CO, fosters creative expression in the visual arts for all ages and abilities, through education, exhibitions, and opportunities for artists. The Art Base serves the Roaring Fork Valley, specifically the mid-valley and Basalt community, which includes several adjacent unincorporated areas in both Eagle and Pitkin counties, Garfield County, and the Roaring Fork School District. We take pride in providing educational opportunities and artmaking experiences, as well as providing an exhibition venue for artists.
Position Summary:
The Gallery & Shop Manager oversees the daily operations of the Art Base’s exhibition space, front of house, and retail shop. This role focuses on administrative precision, retail management, and creative collaboration with local artists. You will manage our rotating juried exhibitions from an annual call for entry. In addition, you will manage the annual 10 x 10 Name Unseen Exhibition. A key part of this role is having the creative sensibilities to help selected artists think through their vision outlined in their submission and organize their layout before the installer arrives. The ideal candidate is a highly organized administrator who loves artists, community engagement, with a strong interest in visitor experience, and thrives on spreadsheets, deadlines, and efficient systems.
Key Responsibilities
1. Exhibition Logistics, Artist Collaboration & Education (45%)
- Amplify the Artist’s vision: Collaborate with selected artists to translate their submission ideas into our space; help them plan layouts and determine placement before the Install work begins work.
- Gallery Materials: Write accessible, engaging exhibition guides, labels, and educational resources to enhance the visitor's learning experience.
- Jury Process Management. Set up and administer digital submission platform (CAFÉ); organize digital assets for the jury panel, facilitate jurying, and present results.
- Artist Communications: Act as the primary point of contact for artists; issue contracts, send professional notices and updates, and provide clear logistics instructions.
- Intake & Pick-Up Operations: Plan and execute highly organized intake days for artists to hand-deliver work and deinstall days for artists to pick up their artwork.
- Oversee PT Installer or Independent Contractor.
2. Public Events & Programming Logistics (15%)
- Art Openings: Manage all operational and hospitality logistics for opening receptions, ensuring a welcoming and smoothly run community event.
- Event Staffing: Recruit, schedule, and direct volunteers, interns, or part-time staff to handle bartending, greeting, and gallery safety during events.
- Artist Talks: Coordinate the scheduling, tech setup (microphones, seating, etc.), and logistical flow for public artist talks and educational presentations.
3. Shop & Vendor Management (25%)
- Shop Products & Inventory: Manage local art vendors for the Art Base’s small retail shop; track inventory and maintain consignment agreements.
- Vendor Relations: Maintain clear, positive communications regarding sales and stock needs.
- Merchandising: Maintain an appealing, clean, and organized retail display within our gallery and shop to maximize sales.
4. Sales, Financials & Payouts (15%)
- POS Management: Oversee the daily operations of the Point of Sale (POS) system for both gallery exhibition sales and shop merchandise.
- Financial Tracking: Manage a budget, and maintain precise digital records of all sales, applicable sales taxes, and commission splits aligned with Art Base Financial policies.
- Artist Payouts: Work with Bookkeeper to process accurate, timely payouts for exhibition sales and shop vendors.
- Volunteer & Staff Oversight: Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers or staff to provide customer service and educational engagement during operating hours.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Artistic and Creative Sensibilities: Strong eye for spatial design, flow, and visual storytelling in a modest exhibition space.
- Art Writing & Education Interest: Ability to write clear, engaging, and educational exhibition text accessible to diverse community audiences.
- Customer Service Sensibilities: Ability to interact daily with visitors, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience.
- Extreme Organization: Exceptional time-management skills, experience with exhibition software, and a proven ability to manage multiple overlapping timelines.
- Retail or Database Experience: Experience managing Point of Sale (POS) systems and inventory tracking software.
- Basic Bookkeeping: Comfort using spreadsheets and calculating commission percentages, sales tax, and payouts accurately.
This is a full-time 35 hour a week position with some weekends and evenings required.
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: [email protected] This position will remain open until filled.
The Art Base embraces diversity and equal opportunity as a key organizational value. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The Art Base provides equal employment opportunities to all and prohibits discrimination and/or harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Pay: From $47,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
