Studio Store Manager

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: KCAI Studio Store Manager

DIVISION: Administration

DEPARTMENT: Administration

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer

PAY TYPE: Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-Time

UPDATED: April 2025

Pay: $50,000 - $55,000

Essential Functional Responsibilities:

The Kansas City Art Institute (“KCAI”) is seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and entrepreneurial Studio Store Manager to oversee all aspects of the newly created KCAI Studio Store. This dynamic position includes managing daily operations, curating and maintaining merchandise and artwork inventory, supervising student workers, and ensuring the store reflects the spirit, creativity, and collaborative ethos of KCAI. With the start-up nature of this position, the responsibilities will evolve as the store is built, launched, and operated.

The Studio Store Manager will work closely with faculty, the Professional Practice Center, and the Alumni Office to facilitate class-based installations, student-designed merchandise, and alumni artist partnerships. The ideal candidate will be passionate about art and design, experienced in retail management, and excited to build cross-departmental relationships that position the store as a hands-on, real-world learning space for students. This role requires someone who can foster a welcoming and inspiring environment, while also supporting student growth and creativity through retail-focused collaboration.

Store Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Studio Store, including opening/closing procedures, cleanliness, and customer service.
• Develop and implement store policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Monitor sales performance and maintain financial records; prepare sales reports as needed.
• Coordinate with campus departments for special events, pop-ups, and campus-wide sales initiatives.

Merchandise & Inventory Management

• Curate and manage inventory of KCAI-branded merchandise, artist-made goods, alumni artwork, and other unique items.
• Collaborate with alumni, faculty, and students to source and showcase original artwork and handmade products.
• Proactively engage faculty to identify opportunities where coursework or class projects can be integrated into store offerings or displays.
• Track inventory levels, place reorders, and coordinate with vendors and artists to maintain stock.
• Manage the point-of-sale system and ensure accurate pricing, barcoding, and inventory tracking.

Student & Artist Engagement

• Develop and oversee a program for student and alumni work.
• Coordinate workshops or educational sessions on selling artwork and entrepreneurship.
• Facilitate collaborations between students, faculty, and KCAI exhibitions for special product lines that timely align with events, visiting artists, and exhibitions.
• Partner with faculty to co-create experiential learning opportunities, such as course-based collaborations where students design, produce, and install work for retail or exhibition in the store.

Financial Oversight & Sales Growth

• Manage the store’s budget, including revenue projections, expense control, and financial reporting.
• Monitor sales performance and implement strategies to increase revenue.
• Work in partnership with Advancement and the Alumni & Professional Practice Center to explore alumni-focused or fundraising initiatives tied to store merchandise.
• Seek funding opportunities, sponsorships, or grants to support store initiatives.

Student Worker Supervision

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of student workers.
• Create a supportive and educational work environment, offering mentorship and opportunities for skill development.
• Schedule shifts, delegate responsibilities, and monitor performance.

Customer Engagement & Marketing

• Create engaging in-store displays and maintain visual merchandising that reflects the artistic identity of KCAI.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote store offerings via social media, newsletters, and campus communications.
• Collaborate with the Institutional Advancement team to develop and maintain a comprehensive customer database to support sales promotion, engagement, and tracking efforts.
• Build strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to foster a sense of community through the store.
• Position the store as a site for ongoing dialogue and experimentation in contemporary art, design, and retail — in collaboration with faculty and institutional partners.

Work Conditions & Schedule:

• Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours for special events.
• Combination of on-site retail work and administrative duties.
• Physical requirements include standing for long periods and lifting boxes up to 25 lbs.

Supervises the following:

• Student workers

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of merchandising, inventory management, and sales strategies.
• Experience working with artists or educational institutions is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and build relationships with faculty, alumni, and students in an academic or creative setting.
• Proficiency in retail POS systems, e-commerce platforms, and financial reporting.
• Ability to develop marketing initiatives and community engagement programs.
• Experience in utilizing project management systems.

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, KCAI Studies, Arts Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience in retail management, preferably in an arts-related setting.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Prior experience in Adobe Creative Suite products and Google Suite
• Prior experience with Monday’s project management software

Statement

Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art Institute’s Human Resource Administrator.

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.