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Each Art Preparator (AP) assists with program operations and logistics, and are an integral part of each cruise ship art program.

Art Preparators are selected from a variety of multicultural backgrounds. Art Preparators should be coachable, professional, and willing to learn. English proficiency and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. (23 kg) of equipment and supplies are required.

Art Preparators have the opportunity to advance to the Art Associate job position when the necessary skills are demonstrated.

Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinate art displays for gallery events and art auctions in accordance with cruise ship safety standards and art handling best practices in a professional and enthusiastic manner.
• Supervise inventory of artwork, marketing collateral, and office supplies.
• Manage the quality and integrity of the onboard art collection, art gallery, and art storage areas in line with cruise ship safety standards.
• Lead a team of hired art movers, educating them on art handling best practices and cruise ship safety standards.
• Participate in all required shipboard safety trainings and drills.
• Be punctual to all Art Auction setups, seminar setups, and checkout setups. Arrive promptly when Team asks for assistance.
• Assist the Principal Auctioneer during auctions by gathering requested artwork, bringing artwork on and off the auction stage, managing artwork setup, and safely returning artwork to storage.
• Be coachable and willing to diversify your knowledge with the program, the collection, and logistics.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with shipboard management, staff, and crew while remaining compliant with cruise line operations and requirements.
• Be open to both positive feedback as well as constructive feedback.

Compensation:

Accommodations and meals on board are provided, as well as travel to and from ship assignments.

Art Preparators are given a weekly base salary and branded polo shirts to be worn while on duty.

Each Art Associate (AA) works directly with the Gallery Director and Principal Auctioneer in developing, maintaining, and executing the cruise ship art program.

An Art Associate’s primary function is to generate leads and sales, market the onboard art program, and arrange gallery and auction displays while maintaining a positive attitude and enthusiastic work ethic.

Art Associates are given feedback daily and are formally evaluated once per month by their Principal Auctioneer. Within the Art Associate job position, there are regular promotions in earning potential.

Job Responsibilities:

• Curate and set up art displays (as well as transport art when needed) in high-traffic areas to market the onboard gallery, generating art awareness and interest among cruise guests.
• Initiate and engage in consultative conversations with guests, educate guests about the onboard art program and art auction business, determine a client’s level of interest, and develop sales leads.
• Independently manage the full sales process.
• Generate client invoices while answering shipping, payment, and fulfillment questions.
• Be Punctual: Be early for any events that involve guests as they often arrive early to events.
• Participate in all required shipboard safety trainings and drills.
• Develop and maintain a promotional mindset, which includes constantly marketing the artwork, the gallery, and yourself.
• Be coachable and willing to diversify your knowledge with the program, the collection, and logistics.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with shipboard management, staff, and crew while remaining compliant with cruise line operations and requirements.
• Be open to both positive feedback as well as constructive feedback.

Compensation:

Accommodations and meals on board are provided, as well as travel to and from ship assignments.

Entry-level Art Associates earn a weekly guaranteed base pay. After the first 30 days on board, Art Associates are able to receive open commissions based on targets achieved.

The Gallery Director (GD) is “second in command” in the onboard art program and plays a critical role in its success. A Gallery Director’s chief function is to manage the onboard Art Gallery and to actively enrich the art program by organizing supplemental lectures, gallery exhibitions, and collecting events.

Gallery Directors also supervise the daily performance of other Team Members and provide constructive feedback in a positive manner when needed, as well as assist in training Team Members.

Gallery Directors are given feedback daily and are formally evaluated once per month by their Principal Auctioneer. Gallery Directors are expected to practice their auctioneering and oration techniques continually as well as learn and execute all logistical aspects such as posting, inventory, etc. Once a Gallery Director has consistently demonstrated mastery of each of the aforementioned tasks, they will be considered for the Principal Auctioneer job position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the Principal Auctioneer in developing and executing a comprehensive onboard marketing plan.
• Function as a strong, collaborative, one-on-one sales professional, which includes hosting clients who request personal appointments to discuss potential acquisitions in a professional and positive manner.
• Support the art program through art enrichment lectures, gallery exhibitions, and other collecting events.
• Manage and schedule front-of-house auction registration staff.
• Be Punctual: Be early for any events that involve guests as they often arrive early to events.
• Provide positive support to all Team Members (Auctioneer, Art Associates, Art Preparator) when needed.
• Curate art displays, assist the Art Associates and Art Preparator with moving art when needed, and supervise auction preparations.
• Participate in all required shipboard safety trainings and drills.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with shipboard management, staff, and crew while remaining compliant with cruise line operations and requirements.
• Provide guidance to AAs and APs using the PA’s discretion so that they can meet and exceed standards and achieve their professional goals.
• Be open to both positive feedback as well as constructive feedback.

Compensation:

Accommodations and meals on board are provided, as well as a stipend to and from ship assignments.

Gallery Directors earn a weekly guaranteed base pay in addition to open commissions based on targets achieved.

The Principal Auctioneer (PA) is the department head of the art program on each cruise ship. Each Principal Auctioneer is held accountable for their art program’s success.

As the primary source of onboard auction revenue, Principal Auctioneers promote the art program via direct and platform sales during live art auctions. All events—auctions, exhibitions, and seminars—are planned and carried out under the Principal Auctioneer’s supervision.

Principal Auctioneers are chosen based on a demonstration of high performance ratings, consistent sales records, and professionalism as well as positive leadership skills. There are additional advancement and management opportunities available to Principal Auctioneers with a proven track record of running a successful onboard art program.

Job Responsibilities:

• Individually conduct auctions in an enthusiastic and entertaining fashion.
• Manage and lead a multicultural art team in a professional and motivational manner, much like an entrepreneur or small business owner.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with both shipboard and shoreside management while functioning as the department head for the onboard art program.
• Continually strategize and improve programming, auction techniques, and collection promotion.
• Design and present educational art history seminars.
• Create and execute an effective marketing plan and gear all activities toward its implementation.
• Lead and coach Team using positive and constructive feedback on a daily basis.
• Provide guidance to all Team Members so that they can meet and exceed standards and achieve their professional goals while being open and available for any matter and/or concern.
• Conduct monthly performance evaluations for every Team Member.
• Participate in all required shipboard safety trainings and drills.
• Be Punctual: Be early for any events that involve guests as they often arrive early to events.
• Establish and delegate Program’s needs and requirements in a professional manner such as capturing and generating leads and revenue and managing logistics (i.e. inventory, posting, onloads, offloads).
• Be open to both positive feedback as well as constructive feedback.

Compensation:

Accommodations and meals on board are provided, as well as a stipend for travel to and from ship assignments.

Principal Auctioneer’s earnings are determined by an uncapped commission structure with guaranteed base earnings. A six-figure yearly income is common under this model.

CSS covers costs under an approved budget designed to properly operate the art program. Auctioneers may, at their own discretion, exceed the budget (typically on high revenue cruises) and may incur expenses. These are typically offset by increased net earnings.