Assistant Director

Voices Boston; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

Four weeks paid time off

Commuter transit benefits

Retirement plan with employer match

Profit sharing

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Gallery NAGA in Boston seeks an Assistant Director to support the Director and Associate Director in sales, exhibitions, and artist relations. The role emphasizes client cultivation, event planning, and operational coordination.

The position is full-time with a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a Tue–Sat schedule including some evenings for openings. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this fast-paced gallery environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Arts Administration, or related field.
• Previous experience in an art gallery, museum, or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of the contemporary art market and current art world trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with meticulous proofreading and editing.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Mac computers, gallery database software, and email marketing platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Squarespace.
• Professional, discreet, and proactive with a positive attitude.
• Mandatory Tue–Sat schedule, including some evenings for events.
• Experience handling fine artwork is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with clients, collectors, and art professionals.
• Assist in developing sales strategies and campaigns.
• Handle inquiries and manage post-sales activities including invoicing and delivery coordination.
• Provide excellent customer service to gallery visitors during exhibitions.
• Coordinate installation and de-installation of exhibitions and support inventory processes.
• Assist with gallery events, openings, and art fairs, including guest lists and vendor liaison.
• Manage website and inventory database accuracy.
• Provide administrative support to Director and Associate Director, including calendar management.
• Assist with daily operations including front desk coverage and reception duties.
• Maintain tidy gallery and office spaces.

Skills

Sales & Client Relations

Exhibition & Operations

Marketing & Communications

Art Handling

Administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art History / Fine Arts / Arts Administration

Tools

Mac OS

Gallery database software

Microsoft Office

Adobe Photoshop

Squarespace

Job description

Gallery NAGA is a contemporary art gallery located in the historic Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. Since 1977, we have been a dedicated space for art and dialogue, championing both emerging and established artists from the New England area and beyond. We are known for our focus on exceptional painters and furniture makers, but also exhibit a wide range of artistic practices, including photography, printmaking, sculpture, and holography.

Position Summary:

Gallery NAGA is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and experienced Assistant Director to play a key role in the daily operations and long-term growth of the gallery. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director and Associate Director to support sales, manage exhibitions, and cultivate relationships with artists and collectors. This is a full-time position that requires a professional demeanor, strong attention to detail, and a passion for contemporary art.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales and Client Relations:

• Actively cultivate and maintain relationships with new and existing clients, collectors, and art world professionals.
• Assist in developing sales strategies and campaigns.
• Respond to inquiries, and manage post-sales activities, including invoicing and delivery coordination.
• Provide excellent customer service to all gallery visitors, guiding them through exhibitions.
• Handle client calls, appointments, and digital and in-person viewings.

Exhibition and Operations Management:

• Help coordinate the installation and de-installation of gallery exhibitions, ensuring all timelines and requirements are met.
• Work with the team and artists to gather information for exhibition inventory and create exhibition materials, including invitations, posters and press releases.
• Assist in the planning and execution of gallery events, openings, and art fairs, including managing guest lists and liaising with vendors.
• Manage and maintain the gallery's website and inventory database, ensuring accuracy and detail.
• Provide administrative and clerical support to the Director and Associate Director, including calendar management and correspondence.
• Assist with the daily operations of the gallery, including providing front desk coverage, answering phone calls, greeting visitors.
• Assist in daily upkeep of the gallery and offices and maintaining a tidy work environment.

Marketing and Communications:

• Collaborate with the team on the gallery's marketing and communications plan, including social media content and press and client outreach.
• Proofread and review all external copy and materials before final review.
• Ensure brand consistency across all communication channels (website, social media, email campaigns, press releases, etc.).

Artist Support:

• Liaise with gallery artists, supporting them with exhibition coordination and other needs.
• Maintain artist files and ensure they are up-to-date with professional and personal details, press, and accomplishments.

Art Handling and Installation:

• Assist with the safe packing, unpacking, and movement of artworks of various sizes, mediums, and fragility, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.
• Ability to routinely lift artworks up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Work with the installation team to hang and place artworks according to gallery plans and specifications.
• Monthly preparation of gallery spaces for exhibitions, including patching and painting walls, cleaning (scrubbing pedestals, dusting, vacuuming, cleaning windows and desks), and lighting.
• Help with the de-installation of exhibitions, carefully removing artworks and preparing/wrapping them for storage or shipment.
• Assemble basic exhibition furniture, such as pedestals and display cases, as needed.

Salary and Hours:

• Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 annually, based on experience
• Hours: 35 per week, Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
• Full health and dental coverage
• Four weeks paid time off, tied to annual gallery closures
• Tuesday–Friday, 4-day work week from (approx.) mid-July through Labor Day Weekend.
• Commuter transit benefits
• Retirement savings plan with 3% employer match (after 3 years of employment)
• Profit share
• Professional development opportunities

Qualifications:

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Arts Administration, or a related field.
• Previous experience in an art gallery, museum, or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of the contemporary art market and current art world trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with meticulous proofreading and editing abilities.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced and every changing environment with frequent interruptions.
• Proficient in Mac computers, gallery database software, and email marketing platforms.
• Proficient/Advanced in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and Squarespace.
• Professional, discreet, and solution-oriented with a positive and proactive attitude.
• Mandatory Tuesday–Saturday work schedule, including a few evenings for scheduled events and openings.
• Experience handling fine artwork is a plus.

About this Organization:

Our primary focus is painting, and we represent many of the most highly regarded painters working in Boston and New England. In addition, exceptional contemporary photographers, printmakers, and sculptors exhibit with us, as well as the international doyenne of holography, Harriet Casdin-Silver.

We also specialize in studio furniture, presenting work by many of the premier makers of unique and limited edition furniture in the country.

Homepage banner image: Detail of glassworks by Carrie Gustafson (Mass Cultural Council Crafts Fellow 2011).