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We're Hiring!

Job Title: Operations and Vendor Coordinator (Part Time)
Location: Chicago, IL (in person at the Chicago Cultural Center)
Pay: $23 per hour
Hours: Part time, 3 to 4 days per week (7 hour shifts). Weekend availability required
Start Date: ASAP
Probationary Period: 3 months

About Buddy
Buddy is a store in the Chicago Cultural Center in downtown Chicago with the mission of supporting and showcasing local artists, makers, and small businesses. Its nearly 2500 square foot retail space features 300+ artists at any moment including prints, photos, art objects, functional art, textile, publications, music, jewelry, care products, toys and much more. The space also features annual programs, including a rotating Art 4 Sale exhibition series, rotating Randolph St. display window installations, and monthly in-store events. Buddy is a program of Public Media Institute, a Bridgeport-based non-profit that has been supporting Chicago artists for over 30 years. 


Is this you?
If you love spreadsheets, talking to strangers, juggling five tabs, and never quite knowing what your day will look like... apply!
This is a highly dynamic role with equal parts administration, communication, customer service, and creative problem solving. It is ideal for someone who thrives on structure but doesn’t mind organized chaos. We are looking for someone who can balance deep focus (data entry, logistics) with public-facing joy (helping someone find the perfect weird Chicago-made gift).


Core Responsibilities
The Inventory & Artist Liaison helps keep Buddy running smoothly on the sales floor and behind the scenes. You will:

  • Manage inventory for over 450 artists using Shopify and Google Sheets
       → This includes receiving, entering, tracking, updating, and correcting thousands of items
       → Requires precision, patience, and comfort with large data sets
  • Coordinate vendor logistics
       → Daily email communication with artists and vendors about restocks, new work, drop-offs, payments, etc.
       → Keeping up with hundreds of relationships and making sure nothing slips through the cracks
  • Customer service and retail operations
       → Greet customers, share artist info, make gift suggestions, and handle register sales
       → Restock, tidy, and merchandise the shop to reflect Buddy’s unique style
  • Inbox and admin management
       → Monitor our general inbox, respond to public inquiries, and help the team stay organized
       → Process artist onboarding, tag and barcode new items, and maintain accurate digital records
  • Shipping and events
       → Occasionally pack and ship online orders
       → Assist with in-store events, exhibitions, and installations


You would be great if:

  • You have worked in retail or the service industry
  • You are obsessed with details and keep things organized across multiple systems
  • You are a confident communicator, both in writing and in person
  • You have solid Google Sheets and digital inventory experience (or learn quickly)
  • You are familiar with Chicago’s art scene and genuinely excited to support local artists
  • You are an artist, and have experience selling your own work
  • You are comfortable lifting boxes, climbing ladders, and moving things around when needed
  • You bring ideas, adapt to new challenges, and keep your cool in a busy environment


Bonus Points (but not required):

  • Experience with Shopify or other POS and inventory platforms
  • Visual merchandising experience or an eye for display
  • Experience with Basecamp
  • You are an artist, curator, organizer, or superfan


Compensation and Benefits

  • $23 per hour
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance available
  • PMI covers 50% of monthly premium
  • Plans available through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HMO options)


How to Apply
Send us:

  • A resume
  • A brief note about what you'd bring to the role at Buddy in the body of your email (please do not send it as an attachment)
  • Your weekly availability, including weekends
  • Email applications to: jobs@hi-buddy.org
  • Priority will be given to early applicants


Additional Info
This is an in-person position based at the Chicago Cultural Center. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and especially encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled candidates to apply. Buddy is a project of Public Media Institute and is committed to building an equitable workplace and vibrant cultural ecosystem.