Gallery Manager

Corbett vs. Dempsey; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Corbett vs. Dempsey in Chicago seeks a Gallery Manager to join staff, with a 5-day week (Tue–Sat, 10am–5pm) and occasional evenings. The role supports daily gallery operations, front desk tasks, and events, collaborating with directors and owners on short- and long-term projects.

A passion for art galleries and art history is essential. The candidate will manage reception, inquiries, and client relations, assist openings and public programs, coordinate travel for artists, and help with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Visual Art, Communications, or related field.
• Strong interest in contemporary art.
• 2–5 years experience in a professional setting.
• Excellent writing, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize multiple projects, and work well under pressure.
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat.
• Familiarity with Mac environment, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Front Desk and Gallery Operations: answer phones, manage emails, greet clients, maintain guest book, handle sales, order office supplies, and assist with shipments.
• Marketing and Social Media: create exhibition previews, manage mailing lists, distribute eBlasts, run social media, update gallery website.
• Exhibitions and Fairs: plan checklists, design exhibition materials, manage guest lists and RSVPs, handle art fair logistics.
• Other: maintain artist files, manage artwork images, provide general staff support.

Skills

Excellent writing

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Initiative

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art History, Visual Art, Communications, or related field

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Acrobat

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Contemporary art gallery Corbett vs. Dempsey seeks Gallery Manager to join staff. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, 5 days a week (Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm) with flexibility to work occasional evenings. Manager will work closely with gallery staff to assist with short- and long-term projects and support daily operations of the gallery. The candidate should be comfortable with independent and group work, taking direction from multiple people, answering phones, general email outreach and more. A passion for art galleries and art history is a must.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Front Desk and Gallery Operations

• Field phone calls for the gallery; routinely check and manage voicemail; maintain general gallery e-mail account; address inquiries and connect clients with directors and owners.
• Manage the reception area and maintain guest book; greet clients and visitors with friendly and professional demeanor; organize and maintain book and music inventory; conduct merchandise sales.
• Order office supplies; run errands; receive deliveries and prepare shipments and mailings.
• Serve as point of contact for gallery utilities. Provide general tech support for computers and Gmail account. Interface with third-party vendors to maintain server, phones, internet, and security systems.
• Maintain clean and orderly appearance of gallery spaces.
• Assist and staff gallery openings, dinners, and public programs. Coordinate catering and venues.
• Coordinate travel for visiting artists including flights, reservations, and meetings.
• General assistance to owners, directors, registrar, and preparator.

Marketing and Social Media

• Create exhibition and fair previews and artist PDFs for clients and press contacts.
• Manage gallery mailing lists.
• Prepare and distribute eBlasts for exhibitions, events, and music releases.
• Manage short-term and long-term social media strategy for gallery and record label; prepare images and text and execute postings; track analytics.
• Maintain and update gallery website including artist, exhibition, event, and news pages.

Exhibitions and Fairs

• Make checklists for exhibitions and fairs.
• Design and produce exhibition materials with external vendors including vinyl, postcards, and other print assets; maintain exhibitions displays, materials, and signage.
• Compile guest lists, coordinate distribution of invitations, and manage RSVPs.
• Oversee logistics for art fairs including completing applications and contracts, managing deadlines.

Other

• Manage print and digital artist files; track and file press, awards, and external exhibitions and programs; update and maintain artist CVs.
• Artwork image management and database support.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Visual Art, Communications, or related field.
• Strong interest in contemporary art.
• 2-5 years experience in a professional setting.
• Excellent writing, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize multiple projects, and work well under pressure.
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat.
• Familiarity with Mac environment, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.