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Gallery Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Goldman Global Arts Gallery is hiring a visionary Gallery Director to lead our commercial and curatorial strategy. Beyond the traditional "white cube" model, you will drive multi-million ...

Gallery Director

Miami, FL · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Goldman Global Arts Gallery is hiring a visionary Gallery Director to lead our commercial and curatorial strategy. Beyond the traditional "white cube" model, you will drive multi-million-dollar sales ...

Gallery Leader

Winter Park, FL · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

RH is seeking a Gallery Leader to lead and develop associates across all functions of the business. The Leader is expected to deliver first-class service internally and externally by removing ...

RH is seeking a Gallery Leader to lead and develop associates across all functions of the business. The Leader is expected to deliver first-class service internally and externally by removing ...

Gallery Leader

Aspen, CO · On-site

$207K - $230K/yr

RH is seeking a Gallery Leader to lead and develop associates across all functions of the business. The Leader is expected to deliver first-class service internally and externally by removing ...

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Gallery Director information

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$45K

$97.6K

$158K

How much do gallery director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for gallery director in the United States is $97,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $138,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Gallery Director?

A gallery director manages the day-to-day operations of an art gallery. Typical duties include establishing policies on art exhibitions, interacting with the public, marketing to increase the number of daily visitors, and building the gallery’s reputation. Exhibitions are a great way to enhance the local art community, and marketing and exhibition management require a gallery director to build community relationships. Gallery directors do so by organizing workshops, adult education opportunities, and field trips. Qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in art management or art history as well as a sincere appreciation of art plus experience honing business or marketing skills, ideally gained by working in a gallery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gallery Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gallery Director, you need expertise in art history, curatorial practices, and business management, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in the art sector. Familiarity with gallery management software, inventory systems, and digital marketing tools is essential. Strong leadership, networking, and communication skills help build relationships with artists, collectors, and the public. These competencies are crucial for successfully curating exhibitions, driving sales, and enhancing the gallery's reputation in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced by Gallery Directors, and how can they be addressed?

Gallery Directors often face challenges such as balancing the curation of innovative exhibitions with commercial viability, managing diverse artist relationships, and ensuring a positive visitor experience. They must also navigate budgeting constraints and marketing demands, especially in a competitive art market. Building strong communication skills, staying current with art trends, and fostering community partnerships are effective ways to address these challenges while supporting both artists and the gallery's growth.

What are Gallery Directors?

Gallery Directors are professionals who oversee the operations, administration, and curatorial decisions of art galleries. They are responsible for managing staff, organizing exhibitions, building relationships with artists and collectors, and promoting the gallery's programs. Gallery Directors also handle budgeting, marketing, and may be involved in acquiring and selling artworks. Their role is essential in shaping the gallery's vision and ensuring its success within the art community.

What is the difference between Gallery Director vs Curator?

AspectGallery DirectorCurator
Primary RoleOversees gallery operations, manages staff, and sets strategic visionSelects, researches, and arranges artworks for exhibitions
CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in art, arts administration, or related fieldTypically holds a master's or doctorate in art history or related discipline
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, gallery spaces, and management meetingsResearch labs, archives, and exhibition spaces
Industry UsageCommonly used in museums, large galleries, and arts organizations

While both roles are integral to a gallery's success, the Gallery Director focuses on overall management and strategic planning, whereas the Curator specializes in selecting and organizing artworks for exhibitions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the arts industry.

What cities are hiring for Gallery Director jobs? Cities with the most Gallery Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gallery jobs? The most popular types of Gallery jobs are:
What states have the most Gallery Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Gallery Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Gallery Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $97,599 per year, or $46.9 per hour.
Gallery Director

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


University Of Southern Mississippi rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

522nd of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Gallery Director
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Gallery Director.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
School of Performing and Visual Arts
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
No
Pay Grade
E11
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
The School of Performing Arts at USM is seeking a new Gallery Director. The Gallery of Art and Design is a universityeducational exhibition space that has enjoyed a long history at USM. Over theyears, Art and Design's exhibition program has presented numerous exhibitionsof national scope, including yearly juried exhibitions of contemporary art andtraveling exhibitions from private and public art collections. The gallery alsoregularly presents Art and Design student and faculty exhibitions. The Galleryis a 2000 sq. ft. contemporary space with dimmable track lighting, modularwalls, and a Unistrut ceiling grid for sculptural installations and suspendedworks and serves as the primary exhibition space for The University of SouthernMississippi Museum of Art. The University of Southern Mississippi maintains apermanent art collection of more than two hundred works, is NAST, NASD, andNASAD accredited, and the School of Performing and Visual Arts houses BA andBFA programs in Theatre, Dance, and Art and Design.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job SummaryTheGallery Director provides leadership for the planning, curation, andimplementation of visual arts exhibitions and related programming for the Artand Design program within the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA).Working collaboratively with faculty and the A&D Exhibitions Committee, theposition supports the University's teaching mission through exhibitions,lectures, receptions, and community outreach initiatives. The Gallery Directoroversees all gallery operations, including exhibition design and installation,budget management, artwork handling and logistics, and event coordination. Thisrole supervises part-time gallery assistants and student workers to ensureprofessional gallery operations. This full-time staff position may include an embeddedinstructional load of up to one to two courses per semester, as needed. Theposition requires a flexible work schedule that may include occasional eveningsand weekends.Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Plans, curates, installs, and deinstalls visual arts exhibitions and coordinates related programming in collaboration with faculty and the A&D Exhibitions Committee.
  2. Oversees day-to-day gallery operations, including scheduling, exhibition logistics, budget management, artwork shipping and receiving, and vendor coordination.
  3. Supervises, trains, and schedules part-time gallery assistants and student workers to ensure professional gallery operations.
  4. Ensures the proper care, handling, and presentation of artwork and maintains safe, professional use of gallery facilities in accordance with industry standards.
  5. Teaches up to one to two courses per semester as needed and collaborates with faculty, staff, and community partners to support academic and outreach goals.
  6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsMaster'sof Arts from an accredited college or university in Art, Art History, ArtsManagement, Studio Art, Museum Studies, Design, or a related arts, and three (3)years of experience working in a professional gallery/museum setting anddemonstrated teaching experience in higher education. Good organizationalskills, collaborative skills, and clear communication skills.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
  • Demonstrated supervisory and managerial skills, including the ability to mentor, train, and provide constructive feedback to student employees with varying skill levels.
  • Knowledge of best practices in museum and gallery management, including exhibition planning, installation, and event coordination.
  • Ability to manage budgets and facilitate expenditures in compliance with University policies and procedures.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, for scheduling, documentation, budgeting, and reporting purposes.
  • Experience establishing work schedules, setting expectations, and overseeing gallery-related projects, exhibitions, and events.
  • Ability to support marketing and promotional efforts for exhibitions and programs in collaboration with faculty and staff.
  • Working knowledge of exhibition installation techniques, including the safe use of basic hand tools (e.g., tape measure, hammer, drill) and surface preparation methods such as sanding, spackling, and painting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move exhibition materials and equipment and to work on ladders as required for installation and gallery setup.

Preferred Qualifications
MFA or PhD from an accredited college or university in Art, Art History, Arts Management, Studio Art, Museum Studies, Design, or a related arts.
Five (5) years of experience in a professional gallery or museum setting in a managerial position.
Three (3) years of experience teaching in an arts program higher education.
Experience managing marketing timelines and event promotion.
Proven fundraising ability.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.