Exhibition Assistant, Contractor (Temporary)

Arts Hacker; Miami (FL); Hybrid; USD 2,900 - 3,100; Part time

Job summary

YoungArts is seeking an Exhibition Assistant, Contractor, to support the Artistic Programs team with planning, production, and installation for MAW and YAW exhibitions in 2026–27. The role blends on-site work with monthly in-person meetings, based in Miami, FL, and requires hands-on coordination during install periods.

The ideal candidate has experience in exhibition management, art handling, and working with curators, plus strong communication and organizational skills to manage schedules and

Qualifications

• Experience in exhibition management, museum/gallery operations, and/or art handling.
• 2–3 years of progressive experience managing high-performing teams in arts and culture.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Exhibition Organization Support
• Assist the Associate, Lifetime Support for Artists through selection and installation
• Support in organizing artwork files and finalization of artwork selections
• Assist in managing shipping logistics for incoming artwork, including tracking, receiving, and organizing shipping receipts
• Support in creating, printing, and placement of exhibition labels
• Installation & Onsite Support
• Assist in maintaining production schedules
• Support MAW installation and National YoungArts Week install
• Support unpacking and handling of exhibition materials
• Assist with onsite logistics for vinyl installation, label placement, and final walkthrough
• Attend curator walk throughs and the exhibition opening event for National YoungArts Week

Skills

Exhibition management

Art handling

Team leadership

Communication

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Photoshop

Miro

Job description

General Summary of Duties

YoungArts is seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized Exhibition Assistant, Contractor to support the Artistic Programs team, planning, production, and installation of the 2026 Miami Art Week (MAW) Studio installation and the 2027 National YoungArts Week (YAW) Exhibition. This role works closely with the Associate, Lifetime Support for Artists, curators, and internal teams to ensure these exhibitions are managed, handled, prepared, installed, and deinstalled on schedule and to a professional standard.

This is a hybrid contractor role based in Miami, FL. The Exhibition Assistant must be available for monthly in-person meetings, site visits, and hands‑on coordination at the YoungArts Campus Gallery, and be available to work concentrated hours during install periods (late November 2026–early January 2027).

Qualifications

• Direct Reporting: This role directly reports to the Senior Director, Lifetime Support for Artists.

Essential and Other Responsibilities (perform other duties as assigned)

• Exhibition Organization Support

• Assist the Associate, Lifetime Support for Artists throughout the selection and installation process
• Support in organizing artwork files and support the finalization of artwork selections
• Assist in managing shipping logistics for incoming artwork, including tracking, receiving, and organizing shipping receipts
• Support in the creation, printing, and placement of exhibition labels

• Installation & Onsite Support

• Assist in maintaining the exhibitions’ production schedules
• Support Miami Art Week (MAW) installation install (approximately late November 2026)
• Support and help oversee exhibition National YoungArts Week install (approximately late December 2026 – early January 2027)
• Support the unpacking and handling of exhibition materials
• Assist with onsite logistics for vinyl installation, label placement, and final walkthrough preparation
• Attend and support curator walk throughs (December) and the exhibition opening event for National YoungArts Week (January 10, 2027)

Safety Responsibilities

Adhere to all safety and security policies of the organization including those pertaining to physical safety and practices. Report any potential or actual violations to security and HR as appropriate.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Commitment to YoungArts’ values of excellence, collaboration, community, experimentation, respect, and integrity as key strategies toward creating and supporting empathy, a sense of belonging, and humanity to foster the greatest potential for innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
• Prior experience in exhibition management, museum/gallery operations, and/or art handling is required
• Experience supporting curators or artistic teams through a production process
• Working knowledge of Photoshop, Miro, or similar layout/mockup tools is required/preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lift/move artwork and materials as heavy as 50 lbs. as needed
• Evidence of strong leadership skills, including decisiveness, emotional intelligence, prioritization, negotiation, and equanimity in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Flexibility to work outside of regular office hours for programs and events.

Education and/or Credentialing Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• 2-3 years of progressive experience managing high-performing teams and evidence of responsibility growth in the arts and culture field
• Experience beyond requirement will be considered in lieu of education requirement

Working conditions, typical physical/mental demands

YoungArts physical campus and headquarters are in Miami, FL. Work is performed in a hybrid (virtual and on-site) setting. Typical operations take place in an office environment and/or in an event/venue setting.

• General meeting hours for this contractor role will be between 9:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The nature of the work will sometimes require an adjustment to this schedule, including evenings and/or weekends. Contractor will be advised in advance should the work schedule be adjusted.

Anticipated installation schedule includes

• November: standing exhibition meetings and 1-2 installation days TBD
• December: standing exhibition meetings and 3-4 installation days TBD
• January: standing exhibition meetings and 3-4 installation days TBD
• Last day of contract work: January 12, 2027

Compensation: $3,000 contract total (paid in two sums, $1,500 December 15, 2026 and $1,500 January 30, 2027)

YoungArts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and our values of excellence, collaboration, community, experimentation, respect, and integrity.