Gallery Management & Operations

The Big Idea; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Big Idea, a Wellington contemporary art gallery, is seeking a proactive Gallery Manager to oversee operations, exhibitions and artist/client relationships.

You'll work closely with James Blackie to coordinate sales, inventory, exhibitions and events, with scope to grow into a senior gallery management role as you demonstrate leadership and independence.

Hours are full-time (about 40 per week); remuneration is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of New Zealand contemporary art.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with artists, collectors and visitors.
• Outstanding organisational ability and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Initiative, resourcefulness and ability to work independently.
• Professional, discreet approach to client relationships.
• Comfort with digital platforms, social media and business software.
• Willingness to take ownership and contribute to a small, ambitious team.
• Commitment to ongoing learning about NZ art and the gallery environment.

Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors and provide a warm, knowledgeable gallery experience.
• Assist with artwork sales, private sales, commissions and secondary market transactions.
• Respond to client enquiries and provide informed advice about artworks.
• Build and maintain relationships with collectors, clients and supporters.
• Maintain accurate records of sales and client communications.
• Support proactive client follow-up and development of new sales opportunities.
• Assist in planning, coordinating and delivering the gallery's exhibition programme.
• Coordinate exhibition logistics, including installation and deinstallation.
• Help coordinate exhibition openings, artist talks and private client events.
• Ensure exhibitions are presented to the highest professional standard.
• Assist with photographic and video documentation of exhibitions and gallery activities.
• Manage and update the gallery website, including artwork listings, artist information and exhibitions.
• Create, schedule and publish engaging social media content.
• Write and edit exhibition communications, artist profiles, newsletters and promotional material.
• Capture and edit photography and video content, including artist interviews and exhibition previews.
• Assist in developing marketing initiatives that increase engagement, visibility and sales.
• Maintain consistency and quality across all gallery communications.
• Take responsibility for the daily presentation, organisation and smooth operation of the gallery.
• Maintain accurate stock, sales, client and administrative records.
• Coordinate suppliers, contractors, freight and other operational requirements.
• Assist with financial administration, invoicing and monitoring operating expenses.
• Maintain the gallery's systems and processes, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure the gallery is consistently welcoming, clean, organised and professionally presented.

Skills

NZ art knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Organisation

Communication

Initiative

Digital platforms

Client relationship management

Attention to detail

Tools

Website management

Social media

Inventory systems

Job description

Arts programming, artistic direction & curatorial, Management & leadership

A contemporary art gallery located on Wellington's waterfront, James Blackie works with some of New Zealand's leading artists, collectors and institutions.

Our activities span a dynamic programme of exhibitions, artist representation, private sales, commissions and significant secondary market artworks.

We pride ourselves on our personal approach, the strength of our relationships and our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for artists and collectors alike.

As our gallery programme and activities continue to develop, we're looking for an exceptional person to join our team and play an important role in the gallery's next chapter.

This is a varied, hands-on position spanning gallery operations, exhibitions, artist and client relationships, sales and marketing.

Working closely with James Blackie, you'll be involved in virtually every aspect of running a professional commercial art gallery, with the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and responsibilities over time.

We're looking for someone who is personable, highly organised, driven, resourceful and confident. Someone who enjoys people, takes initiative, has excellent attention to detail and brings genuine enthusiasm for New Zealand art.

The position offers considerable scope for professional development, with the opportunity to progress into a Gallery Manager role as experience, capability and independence are demonstrated.

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcome visitors and provide a warm, knowledgeable and professional gallery experience.
• Assist with direct artwork sales, private sales, commissions and secondary market transactions.
• Respond to client enquiries and provide informed advice about artworks and artists.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with collectors, clients and gallery supporters.
• Maintain accurate records of sales, enquiries and client communications.
• Support proactive client follow-up and the development of new sales opportunities.

Artists & Artwork Management

• Maintain and nurture relationships with represented artists.
• Liaise with artists regarding available artworks, exhibitions, commissions and upcoming projects.
• Assist with the identification and development of new artist relationships and artwork opportunities.
• Register, catalogue, photograph and manage artworks using the gallery's inventory systems.
• Coordinate artwork movements, deliveries, collection and associated documentation.
• Assist with artwork research, provenance and valuations where required.

Exhibitions & Events

• Assist in planning, coordinating and delivering the gallery's exhibition programme.
• Manage exhibition logistics, including artwork preparation, installation and deinstallation.
• Help coordinate exhibition openings, artist talks and private client events.
• Ensure exhibitions are presented to the highest professional standard.
• Assist with photographic and video documentation of exhibitions and gallery activities.

Marketing & Communications

• Manage and update the gallery website, including artwork listings, artist information and exhibitions.
• Create, schedule and publish engaging social media content.
• Write and edit exhibition communications, artist profiles, newsletters and promotional material.
• Capture and edit photography and video content, including artist interviews and exhibition previews.
• Assist in developing marketing initiatives that increase engagement, visibility and sales.
• Maintain consistency and quality across all gallery communications.

Gallery Operations & Administration

• Take responsibility for the daily presentation, organisation and smooth operation of the gallery.
• Maintain accurate stock, sales, client and administrative records.
• Coordinate suppliers, contractors, freight and other operational requirements.
• Assist with financial administration, invoicing and monitoring operating expenses.
• Maintain the gallery's systems and processes, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure the gallery is consistently welcoming, clean, organised and professionally presented.

About You:

We're looking for someone who combines a genuine interest in art with excellent interpersonal skills, strong organisation and a proactive attitude.

Essential qualities and skills:

• A strong knowledge of, and genuine enthusiasm for, New Zealand contemporary art.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage naturally and professionally with artists, collectors and visitors.
• Outstanding organisational ability, attention to detail and time management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Initiative, resourcefulness and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the gallery director.
• A professional, personable and discreet approach to client relationships.
• Confidence using digital platforms, social media and general business software.
• A willingness to take ownership of responsibilities and contribute positively to a small, ambitious team.
• A commitment to ongoing learning and developing knowledge of New Zealand art, artists and the commercial gallery environment.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Previous experience in a commercial gallery, auction house, museum or other arts organisation.
• Experience in sales, client relationship management or premium customer service.
• Photography, filming and video editing skills.
• Image editing and graphic design capability.
• Experience managing websites, email marketing and social media.
• Familiarity with artwork handling, cataloguing and inventory management.
• Financial administration experience.

Professional Development & Progression:

The scope and responsibilities of this position will reflect the successful candidate's experience and demonstrated capabilities.

There is a clear opportunity to progress into a Gallery Manager role, subject to demonstrated leadership, sound judgement, strong client relationship skills and the ability to independently manage the gallery's day-to-day operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with James Blackie, who retains responsibility for the gallery's artistic direction, artist representation and major commercial decisions.

Position: Gallery Management & Operations

Location: James Blackie Gallery, Clyde Quay Wharf, Wellington

Hours: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, subject to confirmation

Remuneration: Competitive and commensurate with experience