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Gallery Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development

Mumford, NY · On-site

$63K - $65K/yr

Wehle Gallery, and Genesee Country Nature Center host nearly 100,000 guests each year on site, off ... The Director of Development is a key fundraising position that balances strategic writing with ...

Guest Services Host I

Rochester, NY · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Always remain in assigned area unless permission is granted by a guest services supervisor or the director of guest services. * Participate in frequent cleaning and dusting of gallery spaces, as ...

Guest Services Host I

Rochester, NY · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Always remain in assigned area unless permission is granted by a guest services supervisor or the director of guest services. * Participate in frequent cleaning and dusting of gallery spaces, as ...

Recruiter available 24/7 * Weekly Pay with direct deposit About KPG Healthcare: KPG Healthcare is a ... Gallery. Recreational activities from boating on Lake Ontario to seasonal festivals provide ...

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Gallery Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$44.3K

$96.1K

$155.5K

How much do gallery director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for gallery director in Rochester, NY is $96,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $135,800.00 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 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,297 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Director of Special Events

Mumford, NY • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position: Director of Special Events
Reports to: Vice President of Programs
Direct Reports:1 full-time, 1 seasonal staff
Other Reports: 20+ volunteers and staff on event days
Hours/Schedule: Full-time, year-round, non-exempt position. Hours vary weekly, including regularly required weekends and some Holidays.
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 Special Events is responsible for the programmatic and budgetary success of the Museum’s site-wide, large-audience special programs and for supporting smaller-scale programs across the Museum.
Responsibilities:
Oversee Planning amp; Delivery of Events: 60%
  • Manage the full planning and execution process for approx. 16 large-scale events from inception to delivery and debrief in an efficient and collaborative manner. Includes:
    • Cross-departmental program coordination and development, resource and budget management, contracting, staffing, volunteer management, day-of support, clean-up, and evaluation.
    • Directing two guided holiday-themed tours; includes script writing, auditions and casting, space and timing logistics, scene set-up, rehearsals, and program delivery.
  • Directly supervise special events team of one manager and one PT, seasonal assistant; schedule regular check-ins to ensure goals are established and met and staff needs are addressed
  • Lead Museum’s annual calendaring process, planning 12 – 18 months in advance with an eye toward internal and external opportunities and limitations and anticipating potential conflicts.
  • Develop and steward relationships with outside event and program partners, including vendors and contracted performers.
  • Support departmental events as needed across the Museum, including guidance in planning and contracting with outside partners.
Administration amp; Budget Management: 25%
  • Develop, monitor, and work within budget for both revenue and expenses for each event; ensure that all event vendors and other expenses are paid in a timely manner, and grants are properly spent and coded.
  • Maintain and manage project management software (Smartsheet) used to track and contract with vendors and performers and communicate programming, internal space use, and operation needs.
Coordinate amp; Collaborate with all Museum Departments: 15%
  • Facilitate collaboration among colleagues from all departments through each step of each special event process including attending and scheduling meetings as needed for communication and coordination with specific attention to:
    • Provide Visitor Services, Marketing, and Development teams with clear, accurate information on each event for ticketing, public relations, marketing, and social media, including preparing engaging talking points and activity descriptions designed to maximize ticket sales and attendance and promote the Museum’s overall mission.
    • Work alongside Development to ensure all sponsors receive agreed upon benefits and hospitality leading up to and during events.
  • Stay attuned to Interpretation, Gallery, and Nature Center projects and daily programming to understand and continually improve the ways special events effectively highlight Museum assets, collections, exhibits, features, subject matter experts, and overall educational mission.
  • Other duties as needed – These all-hands-on deck tasks are a requirement for all staff members- regardless of job title or seniority within the organization and may include assisting with food service, programming, and set up and tear down of large-scale events at the Museum.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 3 year's Event Planning experience required.
  • Bachelor's degree. Work experience will be considered in lieu of degree if aligned with Museums mission and job skillset.
  • Highly organized, collaborative, and independent with demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines with attention to accuracy and detail and creatively problem solve or pivot when necessary.
  • Experience managing budgets, multiple priorities, and work plans with varying timetables, including helping to integrate differing, sometimes competing ideas and activities.
  • Successful track record of supervising staff and/or managing volunteers.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to give presentations to diverse groups of people of all ages both in-person and on-line.
  • Expertise in MS Office suite of programs, project management software.
  • Must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
Working Conditions:
  • Travel as needed and ability to drive Museum vehicles as required.
  • Work is performed outdoors at the Museum in and around Museum buildings year-round and in varying weather conditions, as well as in a sedentary office setting.
  • Lifting up to 20 lbs.; standing for up to 90 minutes; walking up to 1 mile.
Pay Range: $24 – 26/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.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply and include both a cover letter and resume.