Position Title: Shop Maine Craft Gallery Sales Associate

• Reports To: Director of Operations
• Application Deadline: Open until filled
• HOURS + PAY: 16-40 hours per week, $16/Hour Starting Rate
• Benefits: Health, dental & vision insurance (partially paid), gallery discount, vacation, holiday and sick paid time off package & paid parental leave.
• Locations: Center for Maine Craft and Maine Craft Portland
• Position Requires access to reliable transportation and weekend availability

Center for Maine Craft: 288 Lewiston Rd. West Gardiner, ME 04345
Maine Craft Portland: 521 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101

Overview

Shop Maine Craft employs Gallery Sales Associates both seasonally and year round. Gallery sales associates are the front of house support of retail sales and customer service. Job success will rely on strong interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for the arts, and the ability to work collaboratively with our amazing sales team!

Hours and Pay

Gallery sales associates are needed for 16-40 hours per week. Hours may be reduced Oct-Nov and Jan-May. Must be available nights, weekends and holidays. Starting pay is $16/hour. Optional vision and dental insurance plans are available to all employees. Plans are paid 75% by Shop Maine Craft and are available with no waiting period.

Job Description

Our galleries represent members of the Maine Crafts Association and we support them by being strong advocates of their work. Our staff actively promote the visibility, stature, and significance of the organization within the community, and work collaboratively to cultivate a positive working, shopping and learning environment. Gallery sales associates are responsible for making and processing sales, handling fine craft objects, managing inventory and maintaining display and store appearance. They are responsible for communicating information about Maine Crafts Association members, craft objects, mission and programs to the various constituencies who visit the galleries each day. Gallery sales associates also assist management in additional projects and events as needed. 

Travel Consultation (West Gardiner only): Gallery sales associates are responsible for daily maintenance and attendance of the information desk, located within the Center for Maine Craft. Basic information desk operations entail providing personalized, over-the-counter tourist information services to walk-in-visitors seeking travel assistance and tourism-oriented literature about the state of Maine. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge and interest in handmade craft 
• Experience with retail and/or hospitality industry
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Ability to work flexible hours, nights and weekends 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Knowledge of Point of Sale Systems, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive. WordPress and WooCommerce a plus!

Essential Qualifications

A successful candidate will have experience with the following broad topics. We welcome applicants who are not currently well versed in all areas and have other valuable proficiencies and transferable skill sets as well as an interest in learning.

• Knowledge of Fine Craft Traditions and Techniques
• Point of Sale Systems
• Retail Merchandising
• Maine Tourism
• Arts Administration
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• E-Commerce
• Exhibition Installation 

About the Galleries

Located in West Gardiner and Portland, Shop Maine Craft Retail Galleries sell and exhibit the work of over 400 Maine Crafts Association members. Each gallery provides a unique shopping experience to the public, showcasing Maine’s legacy of creativity and craftsmanship through a broad spectrum of media, technique, and creative design.  They also act as community resources for State and cultural tourism, connectivity to our membership, and access to our broad range of programming offered by Shop Maine Craft and Maine Crafts Association. 

To Apply: Please be prepared to provide a cover letter and resume with job references at the link below.

Shop Maine Craft does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, public assistance, ethnic background, religion, marital status, economic class, age, disability or handicap (mental or physical), sex, creed, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and any other legally protected characteristics in admission or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. Shop Maine Craft complies with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity and will take “affirmative action” measures to ensure the enforcement of its policies.

Shop Maine Craft believes that diversity and inclusion are essential to fulfilling its vision of building and supporting our community of craft artists. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit, and we value the perspectives and contributions of all people. We want Shop Maine Craft experience to include varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics. SMC is committed to being a community that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination.