Gallery Manager

Job Title: Gallery Manager

Location: Asheville, NC

About Gallery Mélange:
Gallery Mélange is an artist-owned gallery located in Asheville, NC, dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and fostering meaningful connections between artists, collectors, and the community. We are seeking a motivated, sales-driven Gallery Manager with strong digital marketing expertise to lead our team in driving sales, building strategic relationships, and managing day-to-day operations.

Position Overview:
The Gallery Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the gallery’s success by focusing on sales, engaging with clients and businesses, and implementing digital marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility. This role also involves operational oversight and creative collaboration with artists. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a passion for art, a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and a dedication to excellence in client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Client Engagement:

• Drive sales by cultivating relationships with collectors, visitors, and clients, delivering exceptional, personalized experiences that go above and beyond.
• Develop relationships with interior designers, home décor companies, and other relevant professionals to create collaborative partnerships and drive sales.
• Organize networking events, such as luncheons or gallery tours, to foster relationships with key client groups.
• Actively promote exhibitions and gallery offerings to clients, businesses, and the local art community using innovative sales strategies.
• Maintain a client database to track engagement and ensure regular follow-ups, fostering long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their needs, recommend suitable pieces, and coordinate custom projects with the production team to ensure exceptional satisfaction.
• Stay informed about gallery inventory, new arrivals, and artist updates to provide expert knowledge and tailored client recommendations.

Digital Marketing & Brand Visibility:

• Create and execute digital marketing campaigns across social media platforms to showcase artists, exhibitions, and events.
• Develop and manage promotional email newsletters to engage clients and share updates about new pieces, events, and exhibitions.
• Maintain the gallery's website, ensuring it is visually compelling, user-friendly, and up to date.
• Produce engaging content, including photography, video, and blog posts, to share artists' stories and highlight gallery offerings.
• Analyze digital performance metrics and adapt marketing strategies to improve audience engagement and reach.

Operations Management:

• Oversee daily gallery operations, including opening/closing procedures, inventory management, and artwork installation.
• Schedule and coordinate exhibitions, ensuring smooth execution from planning to opening.
• Assist with the curation, installation, and rotation of artworks for exhibitions and gallery displays.
• Ensure the gallery remains an organized, welcoming, and visually stunning space that reflects the Gallery Mélange brand.
• Work during peak retail hours, including weekends and holidays (Gallery is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Leadership & Initiative:

• Act as the primary point of contact for gallery staff, artists, and clients, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for gallery growth, including partnerships, pop-up exhibitions, and special events.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to part-time staff or interns, fostering a creative and professional work environment.
• Take initiative to implement new strategies that enhance sales, operational efficiency, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Sales Experience: Proven track record of driving sales in a retail, gallery, or customer-focused environment. Experience working with interior designers or home décor professionals is a plus.
• Digital Marketing Expertise: Proficiency in managing social media platforms, email marketing, and analyzing digital performance metrics.
• Self-Starter: Ability to work independently, solve problems proactively, and take initiative.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Art, Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Technology: Experience with tablet-based POS systems (Shopify and Square preferred). Familiarity with design tools like Adobe Suite, Canva, or willingness to learn through provided training.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and relationship-building abilities with clients, artists, and team members, both written and verbal.
• Passion for Art: A deep appreciation for contemporary art and fine jewelry, and the ability to share that enthusiasm with clients and the community.

What We Offer:

• Compensation: Competitive salary with performance-based commission incentives.
• Professional Development: Paid design coaching or training with tools like Canva and Adobe Suite to enhance promotional skills.
• Employee Benefits: Five days of paid time off, employee discounts, and participation in gallery events.
• Work Environment: A vibrant, inclusive space that values collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.
• Jewelry Education: Paid education opportunities to support becoming a certified GIA Associated Jewelry Professional.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25