Alaska Native Market Gift Shop Supervisor

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…