Assistant Manager, UWM Union Art Gallery

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 17,908 - 24,108; Part time

Job summary

A leading university in Milwaukee seeks an Assistant Manager/Gallery Manager & Curator to provide administrative and exhibition support. The role begins with 15–20 hours weekly, progressing to full Gallery Manager. Ideal for a current graduate student interested in visual arts and arts programming. The position demands strong communication and organizational skills, with specific tasks related to galleries and exhibitions. The pay starts at $13 hourly, increasing to $17.50 in the second year.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in art galleries or museums preferred.
• Ability to follow-through tasks with reliability.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Attend weekly meetings with the gallery manager.
• Coordinate staff training and schedules.
• Assist in developing visitor services program.

Skills

Art gallery experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Computer skills (MS Word, Excel)

Education

Current UW-Milwaukee graduate student (MA, MFA, or PhD)

Job description

Job Overview

Assistant Manager / Gallery Manager & Curator (2-year commitment). Beginning with 15–20 hours per week as Assistant Manager, progressing to full Gallery Manager in year two.

The role provides administrative, managerial, exhibition & installation support for the Manager for Arts Programming and the Union Art Gallery Manager.

Reporting directly to the Gallery Manager and Curator. Anticipated start date is flexible.

Hours and Pay

• 15–20 hours per week with additional hours during installations and special events
• Pay: $13 hourly as Assistant Manager (first year); $17.50 hourly as Gallery Manager & Curator (second year)

Qualifications Requirements

• Prior experience in art galleries, museums, and/or other areas of the arts industry preferred.
• Ability to follow-through tasks with high reliability.
• Great written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Dedication to the learning experience of the entire staff.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Word and Excel.
• Precise attention to detail and good organizational skills.

Education and Experience

• Must be a current UW-Milwaukee graduate student (MA, MFA, and PhD all welcome to apply)
• Knowledge of gallery practices is desirable.
• Role is ideal for a student interested in visual arts, community programming, education, art engagement, and/or working in the arts/creative industry more broadly.
• Candidates of all academic backgrounds encouraged to apply.

Administrative & Managerial Duties

• Attend weekly meetings with the gallery manager to discuss operational needs and assess task delegation for the week.
• Coordinate staff training, staff meetings, and weekly staff schedules.
• Handle personnel issues while in communication with the gallery manager.
• Work with Union Event Services to schedule outside events in the gallery.
• Staff special events through the gallery.
• Assist in developing, administering, and implementing Union Art Gallery’s visitor services program and all daily operations.

Exhibitions and Collections

• Lead the organization, communication, implementation, and installation of all aspects of all student exhibitions in the gallery (2–3 exhibitions each year), including communication with the UWM Department of Art and Design Faculty and outreach to area art programs.
• Train gallery staff to maintain highest level of quality art handling procedures.
• Assist with the supervision of installations and deinstallations, including delegation of pedestal prep, hanging, lighting, and packaging artwork.
• Maintain inventory and make purchases of supplies, tools, and equipment.
• Create labels for each exhibition.
• Conduct and maintain a physical inventory of the gallery’s permanent collection and artwork archive.
• Coordinate the installation of permanent collection items throughout the Union.
• Complete additional duties outlined by the Gallery Manager and Manager for Arts Programming.