Gallery Manager
Position: Gallery Manager
Type: Full-time (40 hours/week)
Location: Fully on-site at The Luminary, 2701 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO
Reports to: Artistic/Executive Director
Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Preferred Start Date: May 15, 2025
Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (open until filled)
POSITION SUMMARY
The Luminary seeks a full-time Gallery Manager to support the organization’s exhibitions, public programs, and visitor experience. The ideal candidate is highly organized, personable, and knowledgeable about contemporary art at both local and national levels. This role requires strong project management and communication skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibition & Program Management
- Assist in planning, research, and production for three annual exhibitions.
- Oversee artwork logistics, including checklists, shipping, fabrication, installation, deinstallation, condition reports, and storage.
- Coordinate exhibition-related events, artist talks, and public programs.
- Organize logistics for artist visits (hospitality, scheduling).
- Support The Luminary’s annual regranting initiative (process applications, coordinate agreements and payments, organize annual awards celebration).
- Assist with artist residencies (scheduling, hospitality, program coordination).
- Collect and manage artist materials for press and promotion (bios, headshots, safety information, social media releases).
Facilities & Studio Management
- Manage gallery maintenance (coordinate wall repair, painting, cleaning, resetting between exhibitions and events).
- Coordinate vendor and contractor services (HVAC, weatherproofing, security).
- Manage artist studio rentals, advertise available spaces, and serve as a point of contact for studio members.
- Ensure AV, tech, and security systems are functioning properly (key logs, alarm codes, lighting).
Visitor Experience & Community Engagement
- Maintain a welcoming and engaging gallery environment to ensure excellent visitor experiences.
- Support gallery operations during open hours, including managing hourly staff, interns, and volunteers at the front desk and bookshop.
- Support venue rentals and community partnerships.
- Assist with annual fundraising event logistics and coordination.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 2 years of experience in exhibition coordination, gallery management, or a related field (museum, non-profit art space, or commercial gallery).
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple deadlines and logistics.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging with staff, artists, and the public.
- Art handling and installation experience preferred (training can be provided).
- Familiarity with tools like Artbase, Gallery Systems, Asana, or Notion is a plus.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends for exhibition openings and events.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, assist with installations, and perform minor gallery maintenance.
- Passion for contemporary art and a commitment to supporting artist-centered programming.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Annual salary: $45,000
- Paid vacation
- Professional development stipend
- Competitive healthcare plan (75% employer-paid after a 90-day review)
TO APPLY
Send your resume and a one-page cover letter detailing relevant experience to Kalaija Mallery at kalaija@theluminaryarts.com with the subject line: “2025 Gallery Manager.”
For questions, contact info@theluminaryarts.com – responses within 72 hours.
Images by Virginia Harold, courtesy of Moving Stories + The Luminary
