THE ROLE
CUE’s Gallery Associate is the key staff person responsible for all aspects of the organization’s physical footprint. This includes facilities management and maintenance, as well as coordination of both onsite and offsite installations for exhibitions, events, and other programs. The position’s primary roles include day-to-day gallery operations, program production, and front-of-house visitor services.
The Gallery Associate will be supervised by CUE’s Programs Manager, and will also work closely with other staff to gain hands-on experience in managing a non-profit gallery space. They will bring to the role a range of skills relevant to the position, and will learn more about all aspects of planning, coordinating, publicizing, and documenting the exhibitions and programs of a small artist-driven organization.
The ideal candidate for this position will be a motivated individual who is interested in joining a small team of passionate people. They will be mission-driven and interested in the ecosystems and communities of arts engagement in New York City and more broadly. They will also share in our commitment to the values of access, equity, and justice.
SCHEDULE
The hours for this position are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with occasional evenings and other hours for events and installation periods. The position is on site at CUE’s gallery space 4-5 days a week. Please note that the remainder of CUE’s full-time staff works a Monday to Friday schedule. This position will be expected to be self-directed on Saturdays, with the support of interns.
COMPENSATION
The salary for this position is $50,000 a year. This is a full time, non-exempt, permanent position. Health insurance, generous paid time off, and pre-tax transit are included in CUE’s employee benefits package.
CUE’S MISSION AND HIRING CONTEXT
More info about our mission and hiring context on CUE’s website (www.cueartfoundation.org/job-openings). Please read before applying! You can also see other open positions at the provided link.
AREAS OF WORK
Oversight of CUE’s gallery space and facilities
Planning, production, and installation for exhibitions, events, and other programs
Visitor services, including greeting audiences and on-site public engagement
Maintenance of technology, equipment, and supplies, including ordering and inventory
Administrative duties for CUE’s gallery and office space
Other tasks as assigned and requested
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibition and Program Production
Work closely with the Programs Manager and Executive Director to coordinate and produce of all CUE exhibitions and programs
Arrange planning meetings with artists and vendors; prepare agendas, notes, and items for follow up
Maintain all internal and external production schedules and calendars for installations, openings, and public programs
Communicate with vendors for installation related work, including crating and shipping, storage, fabrication and construction, framing, lighting, and printing
Assist with spatial layout and exhibition design in collaboration with staff and artists; produce related documentation to visualize exhibition elements
Oversee and implement installation and deinstallation of artwork and exhibitions in the gallery space and offsite, including painting, hanging, A/V setup, and light fabrication
Participate in setup for events and public programs
Coordinate photography and videography assets, including securing vendors, organization and archiving, and dissemination for public use
Plan and track costs against project budgets; make suggestions for keeping projects on budget
Participate in the screening of applications for open calls and programs
Gallery Maintenance and Management
Conduct and oversee day-to-day operations in CUE’s gallery space, including opening and closing, intern staffing, inventory management, cleaning, troubleshooting, visitorship data collection, public inquiries, etc.
Staff front desk, answer phones, interface with the general public, and answer questions related to exhibitions and programs
Oversee ongoing maintenance of gallery space and exhibitions, including cleaning, painting, lighting, audio visual equipment, and other items
Track inventories of equipment, supplies, hardware, and materials; maintain storage and secure items as needed and in accordance with budgets
Office and Administrative Duties
Manage internal gallery and programs workflows in close collaboration with Programs Manager and Executive Director
Draft logistical and operational materials, including MOUs, contracts, agreements, scopes of work, and other items
Process, organize, record, and submit invoices, receipts, and related materials
Maintain inventory of office and gallery supplies and materials
Organize internal server; engage in IT-related support and activities as needed
Manage internship program in coordination with Programs Manager and Executive Director, including calls for applications, timelines, and intern management
Oversee gallery interns in coordination with Programs Manager
Other duties as requested and assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
CUE Art Foundation believes that success in this role is not necessarily based on any particular set of professional qualifications, but that certain characteristics, skills, and lived experience will allow for a candidate to undertake the role and learn from CUE’s context in ways that support both the organization and the employee’s future career goals. The qualifications listed below are simply a guideline, and we encourage those who do not meet them all but believe they are a great fit to apply anyway.
Background
2-3 years of experience in production or administrative support at a cultural organization, museum, gallery, educational institution, or other creative context; fabrication experience is a plus
Interest in emerging and contemporary art; experience working with artists or in an artist-centered context a plus
Understanding of nonprofit and mission-driven contexts; willingness to work on a small team and on many concurrent projects
Project Management and Administrative Skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to develop clear and concise language around project needs and goals
Proficiency with budgeting and tracking and processing project-related expenses
Attention to detail; ability to understand big picture goals and needs and translate them to smaller scale tasks to implement projects with accuracy and efficiency
Comfort with fast-paced environment and tight deadlines; ability to prioritize multiple projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality of work
Experience developing and managing relationships with artists, vendors, staff, and other stakeholders; ability to exercise keen judgment and maintain trust and discretion
Propensity for teamwork; desire to collaborate with others and ability to engage with diverse people working toward common goals
Apt problem solving skills; ability to think creatively to develop practical solutions and willingness to work effectively both with and without standards, templates, and supervision
Technical and Production Skills
Strong spatial sensibility related to facilities, design, and physical footprint
Understanding of production and fabrication processes and methodologies; familiarity with a variety of materials and technologies
Installation skills, including experience using power tools and other light equipment
Knowledge of A/V systems; experience with electrical, lighting, and other building systems is a plus
Knowledge of tools and equipment, including hardware and software needs and maintenance
Proficiency with Google Drive Suite, Excel, Word, and Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with CRM platforms or with modeling software such as SketchUP and CAD is a plus
Character and Motivation
Problem solver who is motivated to mitigate and resolve issues and challenges that arise
Creative thinker who enjoys innovating both independently and in a team context
Quick learner who is able to pick up new tools and learn new processes quickly
Teamworker who is motivated, highly organized, and self-directed when necessary
Energetic presence, with spirit of resourcefulness, flexibility, commitment, and optimism
To apply, please send a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the position and in CUE Art Foundation, along with your resume, to apply@cueartfoundation.org. Please combine both documents into a single PDF file, and put the title of the position in the subject line.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 23rd, 2022. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as submissions will be reviewed upon receipt, and the position may be filled sooner than the stated deadline.
Finalists will be notified by CUE. No phone call or email inquiries, please.
CUE Art Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, age, ability, origin, sexual orientation, religion, familial status, arrest or conviction record, or military status, among other factors. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds or with non-traditional experiences who otherwise would be deterred from applying are highly encouraged to submit an application.