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Gallery Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Director of Education

Mumford, NY

$25 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Wehle Gallery collection of wildlife and sporting art and 19th-century clothing. Position Overview: The Director of Education is responsible for the programmatic and budgetary success of high-quality ...

Gallery Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$44.4K

$96.3K

$155.9K

How much do gallery director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for gallery director in Rochester, NY is $96,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $136,200.00 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 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 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 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.

How much do gallery directors earn?

Gallery directors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the gallery. Salaries can vary widely, with some earning over $150,000 in high-profile or large institutions, and additional compensation may include bonuses or benefits.

What does a gallery director do?

A gallery director oversees the operations, management, and strategic planning of an art gallery or exhibition space. They coordinate exhibitions, manage staff, handle budgets, and promote the gallery to attract visitors and collectors. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gallery jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Gallery jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What job categories do people searching Gallery Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Gallery Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Gallery Director jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Gallery Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Gallery Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,297 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Us:
Genesee Country Village amp; Museum is the largest living history museum in New York and the third largest in the country. The Museum opened in 1976 and includes 68 buildings in Historic Village, the Genesee Country Nature Center with 5 miles of trails, and the John L. Wehle Gallery collection of wildlife and sporting art and 19th-century clothing.
Position Overview:
The Director of Education is responsible for the programmatic and budgetary success of high-quality, culturally competent, mission-centered on- and off-site education programs for PreK – 12th grade students and their teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and community and senior centers.
Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
Program Development amp; Delivery: 30%
  • Lead and coordinate the development, annual calendar, registration, and scheduling, and delivery of programs on-site at the Museum (including school field trips and homeschool programs) and off-site at schools or other locations in the community for 12,000 – 16,000 individuals.
  • Ensure on- and off-site programs are in alignment with:
    • Museum standards and best practices, promoting the breadth of GCV amp;M's collection, environment, and expertise.
    • Community engagement and representation goals and strategies (i.e., Seeking Freedom initiative)
    • New York State curriculum objectives
  • Coordinate with outside partners from variety of cultural, racial, socio-economic, and other backgrounds and identities to ensure programs are relevant and accessible to diverse audiences.
  • Maintain schedule of internal and external program evaluation and apply learning.
  • Support the planning and execution of National History Day, including maintaining relationships with national and regional offices and school liaisons.
Administration amp; Budget Management (30%)
  • Develop and manage $300,000 education budget; ensure expenses are managed, revenue goals are met, and grant funds are successfully and accurately distributed.
  • Lead education outreach, lead and recruit for Teacher Advisory Board, establish new education relationships, plan and execute teacher workshops, and attend and represent the Museum at educator networking events.
  • Collaborate with Marketing team and support marketing efforts to ensure program messaging is appropriate for unique educator audience.
Staff Management (30%)
  • Directly supervise education team; schedule regular check-ins to ensure goals are established and met and staff needs are addressed
  • Effectively schedule staff to support the goals and work of the department.
  • Regularly use and model variety of teaching strategies to support the success of learners of varying abilities and learning styles; coach staff in effective teaching styles and strategies.
  • Train and evaluate staff to effectively deliver programs, including guiding staff who are not direct reports; regularly provide formal and informal feedback.
Museum Support (10%)
  • Contribute content for Museum development efforts, collaborate as needed to help establish development goals and cultivate new opportunities.
  • Other duties as needed – GCV amp;M’s culture occasionally asks staff to assist cross-departmentally for the benefit of guest experience and shared workload. Examples include supervising camp lunches, helping to prepare spaces between programs or events, and providing staffing support for large scale special events.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to work with individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities.
  • Demonstrated experience managing budgets and multiple priorities and work plans with varying timetables, including helping to integrate differing, sometimes competing ideas and activities.
  • 5+ years' experience in museum education, PK-12 education, or related field and 2+ years' experience supervising staff and evaluating performance.
  • Working knowledge of New York state history and specific knowledge of nineteenth-century U.S. social and cultural history.
  • Undergraduate- or graduate-level degree in museum studies, museum education, PK-12 education, and/or non-profit administration/operations.
  • Competence with Microsoft Office Suite and project management or database software.
  • Valid driver’s license with no restrictions; reliable personal transportation
Working Conditions:
  • Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time.
  • Be able to walk up to 1-3 miles per shift in inclement weather and on uneven terrain.
  • Perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling and pushing, lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply and include both a cover letter and resume.
Hours/Schedule: Full-time, year-round, non-exempt position. Monday- Friday Schedule with occasional weekends or evenings
Pay Range: $25 – 27/hour
Benefits: GCV amp;M is proud to support the health and wellbeing of our employees. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, NYS Disability, Supplemental Disability, Vacation, Personal time, Floating Holidays, accrued NYS Sick Leave, and an employee assistance program. Every employee is provided with a yearly family level membership to GCV amp;M.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village amp; Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Commitment to Representation: Museums have a vital role to play as community anchors—spaces where history, culture, and identity are preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to all. To truly fulfill this mission, museums must build intentional, ongoing relationships with the communities they serve—especially those historically underrepresented.
Genesee Country Village amp; Museum is actively committed to expanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections, the telling of history, and outdoor spaces. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences.