Ippodo Gallery, specializing in contemporary Japanese kōgei (art crafts) and fine art, seeks a versatile, personable, and aesthetically driven Gallery Associate, Communications & Sales to support the Sales Team. This hybrid role combines high-end graphic design, digital marketing, in-house photography, press support with select client-facing responsibilities. Strong graphic design ability is essential; communications experience is expected.The ideal candidate brings a sophisticated eye for design, excellent editorial skills, sales acumen, and a genuine appreciation for fine art and Japanese culture.Reports to: Director of Sales / Gallery DirectorCore Responsibilities1. Design & Visual CommunicationsExhibition & Art Fair Media: Design high-quality digital and print materials for all gallery exhibitions; create compelling mailers and promotional collateral for domestic and international art fairs (e.g., Aspen, Fine Art Paris); coordinate printing orders and related logistics.Brand Identity: Maintain and update the gallery’s brand kit, including logo usage, folders, shopping bags, stickers, and business cards.Internal Photography & Event Coverage: Use the gallery’s Sony a6600 mirrorless camera to document gallery events, artist visits, and newly arrived artwork. Professional photographers will continue to cover major exhibitions and art fair installations; this role produces high-quality in-house photography for day-to-day activity.Social Media & Content Creation: Shoot, edit, and publish high-quality Reels, Stories, and other content using Adobe Premiere Pro and related tools. Capture engaging footage of exhibitions, events, artist visits, and daily gallery life while maintaining a polished, consistent brand across Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Coordinate marketing placements (e.g., Downtown Gallery Map, See Saw).Website: Maintain and update gallery pages, exhibition listings, and inventory as needed.2. Editorial & Press RelationsNewsletters & E-Blasts: Compose, design, and deploy Mailchimp newsletters and e-blasts, including press releases and general news.Copywriting: Draft and edit artwork descriptions and artist statements for a range of audiences.3. Sales & Gallery Operations SupportSales: facilitate client meetings; answer online and in-person inquiries and client follow-ups as directed. Sales Assets: Produce artwork factsheets, artist binders, Private Viewing Rooms (PVRs), and sales decks.Front-of-House Hospitality: Act as a sales advisor to visitors, providing information on artworks, facilitating the gallery experience, and answering calls. Represent the gallery in openings and events. Database Management: Maintain the visitor log and register new contacts in Artlogic.Daily Maintenance: Help maintain an immaculate gallery space. Assist with light art-handling as needed. Must be comfortable lifting and carrying boxes and artwork up to 30 lbs.4. Archiving & LogisticsRecord Keeping: Maintain and organize Exhibition, Art Fair, and Artist Binders for archival records.Asset Management: Perform image correction and maintain the gallery’s digital image archives.Qualifications• Graphic Design: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) required.• Photography: Working knowledge of mirrorless cameras and RAW post-production.• Writing: Exceptional writing and editing in English, with the ability to translate complex artistic concepts for a general audience.• Digital Tools: Experience with email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Mailmeteor), social media management tools, and CRM/database entry.• Sales Aptitude: Comfort engaging directly with clients and visitors, and supporting the sales process in a gallery setting.• Artistic Sensitivity: A deep appreciation for Japanese art and culture, with precision in fine-art documentation.• Organization: Highly detail-oriented, able to manage physical archiving and digital workflows simultaneously.• Language Skills: The ability to speak, read, or write Japanese is a strong asset and a major plus, but is not strictly required.• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods during events and to comfortably lift, carry, and handle artwork or shipping boxes up to 30 lbs.
