The Appalachian Arts Center, a part of Southwest Virginia Community College’s Educational Foundation, is seeking a Director.

The Appalachian Arts Center is a 4000 square foot gallery, marketplace and educational resource. The Center’s retail gallery space is devoted exclusively to the exhibition and sale of work created by over 175 local & regional artists, craftspeople, authors, and musicians.  The Arts Center also contains a rotating exhibition space with approx. six special exhibits each year.  The Arts Center also serves as an educational community resource in a variety of ways, such as artist talks, professional development & craft workshops, etc.

The Director position at Appalachian Arts Center entails managing, coordinating, and executing daily functions within the retail gallery and exhibition/community space.
Duties include:

• responsibilities connected to managing a retail business, such as merchandising, inventory, maintaining hours open to the public, accounting, cleaning, marketing, etc.
• creating/maintaining relationships between the Center and the artisans represented there, along with current/potential customers
• planning special events, meetings, rotating exhibitions
• working with community leaders/members solidifying the Arts Center’s importance/role in the community
• participating in local, regional, & statewide initiatives representing the Center, SWCC, & southwest Virginia

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, creative, hard worker with experience in art & craft, along with experience in a retail setting.  The ideal candidate would also have experience and enjoy working with the public & fostering relationships within a community.  The Director position requires strong communication skills, multi-tasking ability, & the belief of the importance of art & craft in the community.

This position is part-time (24 hours per week) focused around the open hours of the Appalachian Arts Center (Tuesday-Saturday 12:00-5:30 pm).  Therefore, the ideal candidate should appreciate a flexible schedule & this unique experience in beautiful Southwest Virginia.  Compensation is dependant on experience.

If interested, please submit your letter of interest & resume (including three references) to Mary Lawson at mary.lawson@sw.edu or P.O. Box SVCC, Richlands, VA 24641.  Applications are due by August 16, 2010.  This is a delivery date not a postmark date.  For more information, please contact Mary Lawson at 276-964-7348 or email mary.lawson@sw.edu.