Job Summary
The Alaska Native Market Supervisor is for the overall management, planning, and development of KIC’s Alaska Native Artist Market and associated retail operations. This position oversees operations, cultivates relationships with Alaska Native artists and vendors, supervises staff, manages inventory and sales, and coordinates marketing efforts to promote Alaska Native arts and culture while generating revenue to support KIC programs and services. The position is expected to coordinate and develop activities for the upcoming season to assist artists with preparation and assist with small business development and other tasks within the Tribal Development and Planning Office.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Artist & Vendor Relations
- Recruits, onboards, and maintains relationships with Alaska Native artists and craftspeople to ensure diverse, authentic inventory.
- Develops and manages artist consignment agreements, vendor contracts, and table rental arrangements.
- Coordinates artist table rotations, market events, and featured artist showcases.
- Ensures all products meet authenticity standards and comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act and the Made in Alaska marketing protocols.
- Processes artist payments, maintains accurate consignment records, and resolves payment inquiries.
Retail Operations & Gift Shop Management
- Leads the establishment and build-out of the retail gift shop, including layout design, display fixtures, signage, and point-of-sale systems.
- Manages daily store operations including opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and sales transactions.
- Maintains inventory control systems, tracks sales data, and monitors product performance.
- Ensures store presentation meets professional retail standards with attractive displays and organized merchandise.
- Develops pricing strategies that balance artist compensation, operational costs, and market competitiveness.
- Manages procurement of supplemental gift shop merchandise that complements Alaska Native artwork.
Staff Supervision
- Supervises, trains, and evaluates retail staff; creates work schedules and ensures adequate coverage.
- Provides staff training on customer service, product knowledge, cultural context of artwork, and sales techniques.
- Conducts performance evaluations and addresses personnel issues in coordination with Human Resources.
Marketing & Communications
- Collaborates with KIC Communications to develop marketing strategies, promotional materials, and social media content.
- Plans and executes special events such as artist receptions, seasonal markets, cultural demonstrations, and community showcases.
- Builds relationships with tourism operators, cruise lines, hotels, and local businesses to drive customer traffic.
- Represents KIC and the Alaska Native Market at community events, trade shows, and tourism industry functions as directed.
Administrative & Financial
- Assists in developing and managing the annual operating budget; monitors revenues and expenses.
- Maintains compliance with all applicable tribal, state, and federal regulations including taxes and business licenses.
- Prepares regular reports on sales performance, artist participation, and operational metrics for leadership.
- Coordinate with the Finance Department on monthly reconciliation, financial tracking, and reporting.
- Coordinate with the Small Business Advisor to deliver business trainings, support, advice, and coaching to artists on running a business and to establish an artist support program.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
- Knowledge of Alaska Native art forms, regional cultural traditions, and the Alaska Native art market.
- Knowledge of retail operations including inventory management, point-of-sale systems, visual merchandising, and cash handling.
- Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage customers, artists, and community members.
- Demonstrated sales ability and customer service excellence.
- Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of software including Microsoft Office, POS and current technologies-based systems.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
- Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends for special events.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
- Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently as well as with teams.
Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (merchandise, displays, boxes). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
During tourism season, this position requires increased work hours to ensure adequate coverage; the employee must be able to work six days per week, overtime hours, evenings and weekends, with work hours subject to change as needed.
Conditions of Hire
- May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license or capable of obtaining one, as well as be insurable by KIC’s company insurance.
- KIC is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employees must adhere to KIC drug and alcohol policies and procedures to ensure a safe workplace. Employees must pass a pre-employment and subsequent random and/or for-cause drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
- KIC has several positions that must comply with the P.L. 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (ICPA); all employment offers in the "covered" classification are conditional until KIC has received a federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs.
Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience)
- High school diploma or GED.
- Two (2) years of retail, gallery, or gift shop experience.
- One (1) year in a supervisory or lead role, or similar program management role.
- A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may substitute for education and experience requirements on a year-for-year basis.
- Proof of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience)
- Associate's degree or higher in Business Administration, Art, Marketing, or related field.
- Three (3) or more years of retail management experience.
- Experience working with Alaska Native or American Indian artists, galleries, or cultural organizations.
- Experience in start-up retail operations or new program development.
- Experience in community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.
