Gallery Director

China Institute; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

China Institute of America seeks a visionary Gallery Director to provide strategic, curatorial, operational, and fundraising leadership for its renowned Gallery. Reporting to Institute leadership, the Director will oversee exhibition development, partnerships with museums, and audience engagement.

The role requires leading at least two major exhibitions annually, building donor support, and representing the Gallery within US and international museum and cultural networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or related field.
• 7–10 years of leadership experience in a museum, gallery, or cultural institution.
• Experience managing exhibitions, programs, budgets, and staff.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Art History, Museum Studies, or related discipline preferred.
• Proven fundraising, donor cultivation, and institutional partnership development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Gallery.
• Oversee planning and presentation of at least two major exhibitions annually.
• Develop and manage the Gallery’s annual budget, staff, and operations.
• Build relationships with museums, scholars, donors, and cultural partners.
• Lead publications, media outreach, and public programming.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Fundraising & donor cultivation

Public speaking & communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art History / Museum Studies / Arts Administration

Job description

About China Institute in America
Founded in 1926 by distinguished American and Chinese educators and thinkers John Dewey, Paul Monroe, Hu Shih, and Kuo Ping-Wen, China Institute of America is the nation’s oldest bicultural nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing understanding and appreciation of Chinese civilization, culture, history, and contemporary society.

Since 1954, the China Institute Gallery has presented more than 120 exhibitions exploring the richness and diversity of Chinese art and culture. Building on this distinguished legacy, the Gallery presents both historical and contemporary exhibitions while expanding its focus to include broader areas of art, design, and cultural expression that engage increasingly diverse audiences.

Position Summary
China Institute of America seeks an accomplished and visionary Gallery Director to provide strategic, curatorial, operational, and fundraising leadership for its renowned Gallery.

Reporting to Institute leadership and working closely with the Gallery Committee, curators, and staff, the Gallery Director will oversee the development and presentation of high-quality exhibitions, strengthen partnerships with museums and cultural organizations, expand audience engagement, and secure resources to support a dynamic and sustainable exhibition program.

The Director will lead the planning and execution of at least two major exhibitions annually and serve as a prominent ambassador for China Institute within museum, academic, and cultural communities in the United States and internationally.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced museum professional with a demonstrated record of curatorial leadership, successful fundraising, relationship building, and public engagement. Expertise in Chinese art and culture is strongly preferred. Chinese language proficiency is desirable but not required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Administration

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Gallery, ensuring alignment with China Institute’s mission and strategic goals.
• Develop and manage the Gallery’s annual budget, ensuring strong financial oversight and fiscal responsibility.
• Supervise Gallery staff, consultants, and vendors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Recruit, cultivate, and engage an active and effective Gallery Committee.

Exhibitions & Programs

• Oversee the planning, development, and presentation of at least two major exhibitions annually.
• Guide curators in proposal development, exhibition planning, interpretive content creation, and checklist preparation for Gallery Committee review.
• Expand programming beyond traditional fine arts to attract broader and more diverse audiences, including younger visitors.
• Collaborate with other China Institute departments to develop interdisciplinary programs and temporary exhibitions throughout the Institute’s public spaces.
• Oversee related exhibition publications, educational initiatives, catalogue sales, public programs, and media outreach.
• Partner with Institute leadership and development staff to secure support from individual donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other funding sources.
• Lead donor cultivation and stewardship efforts, including efforts to strengthen and expand the Friends of the Gallery program.
• Build and maintain relationships with museums, scholars, collectors, artists, and cultural institutions in the United States, China, and internationally.
• Negotiate exhibition loans, partnership agreements, and service contracts to support successful exhibition development and implementation.

Publications & Thought Leadership

• Serve as general editor for exhibition catalogues and interpretive materials, ensuring editorial excellence and timely production.
• Contribute, when appropriate, to books, scholarly publications, exhibition catalogues, articles, and digital content.
• Represent the Gallery through lectures, gallery talks, conferences, professional associations, and public events.

Marketing & Audience Development

• Partner with marketing and communications staff to promote exhibitions through print, digital media, public programming, and special events.
• Develop strategies to increase visibility, audience engagement, and community participation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, gallery, or cultural institution.
• Demonstrated experience managing exhibitions, programs, budgets, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related discipline.
• Extensive curatorial and exhibition management experience.
• Proven track record of fundraising, donor cultivation, and institutional partnership development.
• Experience managing complex exhibition projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong professional network within museums, cultural institutions, collectors, and the broader arts community in the United States and internationally.
• Knowledge of Chinese art and culture.
• Chinese language proficiency is a plus but not required.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of museum best practices and emerging trends in the museum and cultural sector.
• Strategic leadership and organizational management skills.
• Strong project management and execution capabilities.
• Ability to build collaborative teams and foster a positive, professional culture.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate productive relationships with donors, trustees, scholars, artists, and community partners.
• Commitment to expanding audience engagement and advancing accessibility and inclusion.

Working Conditions

• Domestic and international travel as required.
• Availability to attend evening and weekend events.
• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

China Institute of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.