Gallery Assistant - Not accepting applications at this time

DEPARTMENT:  University Galleries
REPORTS TO:  Director of Exhibitions Management

Summary:

The Gallery Assistant of University Galleries provides support to the implementation and execution of the exhibitions program in alignment with the university’s mission – to advance human creativity. University Galleries includes Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery, the Art Alliance, Hamilton Public Art Project, and Hamilton Hall & Aaronson Galleries. The Gallery Assistant works directly with the Director of Exhibitions Management to aid in the production and execution of public exhibitions, and as a collaborative team member for delivering dynamic public programming. The Gallery Assistant works across all functional areas of standing up an ambitious schedule of contemporary art exhibitions, providing support for exhibitions logistics, visitor services, critical administrative tasks, and maintenance and content creation for galleries’ social media channels. The ideal candidate is imaginative and creative while being meticulous in the skills required to execute curatorial projects, and demonstrates strong ambition for contributing to the cultural production of the City of Philadelphia.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Aid in production and implementation of exhibition programming and logistics:

  • Assist the Director of Exhibitions Management with registration duties including: Overseeing release and receipt of shipments, generating condition reports for incoming/outgoing loans.
  • Assist the Director of Exhibitions Management with art handling assistance as needed: Packing, unpacking and installing artworks to best practices/museum standards, gallery upkeep and exhibition maintenance, technical support for audio/visual displays.

Support Visitor Services & Public Programs:

  • Assist the Director of Exhibitions Management and the Program Coordinator with visitor services at the galleries, including:
  • Brainstorming and executing audience-building public programs centered on exhibitions.
  • Serve as a public-facing point of contact within our galleries, greeting visitors and answering curatorial questions.
  • Collaborate with the director of exhibitions management and program coordinator to plan for and ensure adequate coverage and the training of visitor services assistants.

Administrative support:

  • Assist with internal gallery calendar and management of digital exhibition archives.
  • Schedule external and internal photographers for documentation around exhibitions.
  • Ensure proper accreditation for photographic documentation of exhibitions as presented to the public, management and distribution of images to press inquiry.
  • Populate, review, and update the galleries website as new content is developed / approved.
  • Review and attune exhibition calendar in partnership with gallery staff.
  • Generate gallery checklists, maps, labels, or didactics for public distribution.
  • Occasionally liaise with artists and lenders to facilitate travel and accommodations.

Social media execution and strategy:

  • Draft communications materials including exhibition press releases and social media messaging for review and approval.
  • Develop engaging content consistent with Rosenwald-Wolf and Art Alliance social media platforms/voice.
  • Remain current on social media trends and best practices as well as new and emerging platforms.
  • Manage/execute social media strategy and calendar. Utilize best practices to continuously improve audience engagement with content.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent; they do not purport to describe all functions.  Incumbent may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may change from time to time as necessary.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a creative discipline or related field required.

Experience:

  • A minimum 2 years of professional experience in a commercial or institutional art environment, studio, or logistics company. 
  • A knowledge of and passion for contemporary art.
  • Awareness of museum best practices and standards.
  • A strong interest in curatorial research/practice.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and great attention to detail.
  • Fluent in Microsoft Office, Apple software, Adobe Creative Suite applications (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator).
  • Highly organized, manages time efficiently, is detail and deadline driven. 
  • Ability to work independently and adapt to changes while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • An appreciation of the core values of the University and interest in working to support of its mission.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Mission driven, and possessing the ability to operationalize big picture concepts and thinking into tactical steps that can be executed.
  • Collaborative and works effectively as a team player.
  • Practices close listening, and understands the interests and concerns of others, anticipating reactions.
  • Provides assistance to others when they need it.
  • Recognizes the efforts and contributions of others, and endeavors to integrate within a cohesive plan relative to a given effort / project.
  • Is an effective communicator, and prioritizes transparent, frequent and timely communication.
  • Demonstrates an ability to present information succinctly and with impact relative to a target audience.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • None.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the staff member is continuously required to:

  • Frequently required to talk and hear, stand, walk, use hands, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift/carry/pull objects in collaboration with others.
  • Ability to climb up and down a flight of stairs.
  • Ability to work on ladders at least 12 feet tall.
  • Physically capable of using hand and power tools such as drills, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches.
  • Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, twist, work above shoulders, stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform other similar actions.
  • Ability to work for extended periods seated at a desk, on a computer.
  • Ability to work for extended periods of time on foot.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and peripheral vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a staff member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing this job, the individual will be exposed to moderate noise levels within an office environment, and variable noise levels at special events (example: concert, opening reception or other creative project).

About The University:

University of the Arts’ mission is simple: to advance human creativity. Established in 1876, UArts believes creativity is the most essential skill for success in today’s society and has educated generations of groundbreaking artists, performers, designers and creative leaders for more than 141 years.  After being granted university status in 1987, University of the Arts became the largest institution of its kind in the nation, offering programs in design, fine arts, media arts, crafts, music, dance, theater and writing. It now features 30 undergraduate arts majors, 15 graduate programs and the nation’s first PhD program in Creativity. UArts is also home to innovative centers across disciplines, including the Center for Immersive Media, Lightbox Film Center, Philadelphia Art Alliance and Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery. Learn more about UArts.

TO APPLY:
Interested, qualified applicants should submit letters of application and resumes to the Human Resources Department via email to jobs@uarts.edu. Please ensure job title is in the Subject line.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, The University of the Arts publishes its Annual Safety Report at the following link for your reference:

http://www.uarts.edu/about/campus-crime-fire-reports.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Title IX Statement: The University of the Arts prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its programs and activities, including admission and employment, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Director for Title IX, Equity, & Compliance is responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. To contact the Director for Title IX, Equity, & Compliance, e-mail titleix@uarts.edu,, or visit The University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, Room 260, or call 215-717-6366. To learn more about the University's Title IX policy and response to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, please visit www.uarts.edu/titleix. Inquiries may also be directed to the Federal agency responsible for enforcing Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.