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Gallery Director Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Gallery Director information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$44.8K

$97.3K

$157.4K

How much do gallery director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for gallery director in Springfield, MA is $97,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
More about Gallery Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Gallery jobs in Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Gallery jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Gallery Director jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Gallery Director jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Gallery Director jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Gallery Director job openings:
Gallery Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gallery Director job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,257 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Art Preparator (Part Time)

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Hartford, CT • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Art Preparator position, working in close association with the Chief Preparator, the Chief Registrar, and other members of the Preparator team, provides direct support to the implementation of the Collections Management Policy as it relates to the care, installation, and documentation of the The Wadsworth’s collection and exhibition programs. This position is directly responsible for ensuring the physical safety, best handling and installation practices of the permanent collection as well as borrowed objects while on view, in preparation for movement, and while in storage.

In general, this position contributes to the carrying out of the The Wadsworth’s short- and long-term exhibition schedule, regular gallery rotations, incoming and outgoing loans, collection storage projects and other assignments as needed.


SCHEDULE

This is a non-exempt, hourly position, Monday – Wednesday , 8 am – 4 pm.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Member of the Preparator Team:

  • Consistently applies the highest professional working standards for the handling, installation, housing, packing, and movement of all art in the Museum.
  • Completes the daily work schedule, meeting associated goals and deadlines.
  • Installs gallery lighting equipment. Maintains inventory of lighting fixtures and lamps, screening options and light level measuring devices.
  • Prepares and installs casework, platforms, pedestals, labels and other exhibit specific support materials.
  • Operates various mechanical devices used to install, or move works of art.
  • Accurately records all art movements “changes of locations” both in physical and digital form.
  • Conducts inventories of storages and galleries
  • Follows the parameters & procedures for purchasing materials and supplies, ensuring proper authorization & expense tracking are upheld.
  • Works closely with the team, and with other departments, in the conceptualization, design and fabrication of housing/storage needs for all artworks.
  • Maintains an organized and functional preparatory workspace, as well as all museum storage areas.
  • Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.
  • Provides support to other departments in areas related to the functions described above.
  • Screens cargo shipments in compliance with TSA’s CCSP.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training/Work Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, furniture/product design, architecture or engineering.
  • Minimum two years of art handling/preparatory work experience in a fine art museum


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge & experience of concepts, principles and practices of current museum practices and collections management standards.
  • Thorough understanding of best practices for object installation, handling & packing of an encyclopedic collection [paintings, works on paper, costumes, textiles, photography, sculpture, furniture & decorative arts].
  • Experience in various aspects and of museum lighting
  • Experience with the design and fabrication of storage containers
  • Experience/certification in the use of standard equipment used in the fabrication, movement, and installation of art (i.e: power tools, forklift, pallet jack, scissor lift)
  • Carpentry skills required.
  • Mount making skills essential.
  • Excellent organization, communication and listening skills
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to plan out multi step projects with a projected timeline and budget.
  • Ability to work within deadlines, both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
  • Basic PC skills with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word and Excel.