Gallery Assistant

Organizational Background

Under the umbrella of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, Ann Street Gallery presents contemporary art through exhibitions and programming that create new opportunities for education and immersion in the arts in Newburgh. Ann Street Gallery’s exhibitions, events, and programs seek to increase arts literacy and appreciation by engaging community and promoting forward thinking, socially and ecologically responsive, and under-represented positions in contemporary practice. Learn more at https://annstreetgallery.org/

Safe Harbors of the Hudson is an innovative and dynamic housing and arts non-profit located in the City of Newburgh, New York. With the mission of Transforming Lives and Building Community through Housing and the Arts, Safe Harbors is committed to housing equity, cultural access, and downtown revitalization. The organization includes the Cornerstone Residence, affordable, supportive housing for 128 adults; Ann Street Gallery, a contemporary art space; Ann Street Studios, eight artist work studios; the Lobby at the Ritz, a performance venue; Safe Harbors Green, a half-acre park; the historic Ritz Theater, which Safe Harbors is working to redevelop as a performance and event space; and two commercial tenants, Baristas on Broadway, and Grit Works collaborative work/share space.

At Safe Harbors, we enjoy working in a team-based environment and value the benefits of a diversified workplace. Women, people of color, and other underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Safe Harbors of the Hudson is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. Safe Harbors is committed to the maintenance of a drug-free workplace and ensuring compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

Job Description

Safe Harbors’ Ann Street Gallery seeks a reliable, detail-oriented, friendly, and energetic part-time gallery assistant to work 14-21 hours per week including weekend days. This is a year-round position, but work hours will fluctuate based on the gallery’s exhibitions and hours of operation.

The part-time Gallery Assistant will work independently while tending the Gallery during open hours, as well as directly with the Gallery Director during the week to assist with events, workshops, installation, or other administrative and hands-on tasks. The position is responsible for opening and closing the gallery, tending the exhibition(s), Open Reading Room, and Media Space during open hours, and providing a welcoming, safe, and professional atmosphere for visitors in the gallery. The ideal candidate for this role demonstrates superb interpersonal skills in interfacing with the public, excellent communication and organizational skills, a responsible and attentive work ethic, and design skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Opening/closing the Gallery during open hours and occasional events, ensuring the gallery is tidy and presentable, preparing the Gallery as necessary for visitors
• Attending the gallery, welcoming visitors, answering questions about the exhibition and artists, and guarding the artwork on display
• Communicating effectively about the Gallery’s and Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s programming and mission
• Providing general information about Newburgh & other arts-related activities in the local vicinity and surrounding Hudson Valley area
• Assisting the Gallery Director with coordinating volunteers
• Assisting the Gallery Director with exhibition preparations
• Administrative support and computer-based work, such as maintaining a gallery mailing list, assisting with the Gallery’s social media and web archive, outreach, and promotions Collaborative role in development of programming, education, or workshops in support of exhibitions and programs
• Providing support for artist workshops, talks, receptions, or other gallery events
• Collaborate with SHOH staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• College-level degree or equivalent work experience in an arts-related field
• Experience in customer service or public-facing work
• Knowledge of and interest in contemporary art practices
• Presentable attire and punctuality
• Conversant with digital processing, design, and storage tools like Excel, Word, Outlook, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge, Lightroom, InDesign, cloud storage systems, and general competency toward learning and using digital tools to design, store, organize, and communicate information

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Newburgh, Safe Harbors of the Hudson, and Ann Street Gallery
• Experience with exhibition and event documentation, including digital photography, videography, sound recording and editing.
• Experience and interest in graphic design, basic web design, & social media content creation
• Comfortable and resourceful in researching, learning, and implementing new and emerging technologies to support media artworks and gallery functions
• Experience / interest in working within the scope of a nonprofit organization
• Experience / interest in art handling and installation
• Experience / interest in exhibition research and development
• Experience / interest in developing arts and exhibition-related programming for a variety of audiences

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Requires working independently in the gallery, with potential lengthy periods alone in the space
• Requires working closely with Gallery Director, as well as with artists included in Gallery programming
• Requires regular on-site and occasional remote work
• Must be able to lift/carry or move up to 30lbs to move pedestals, chairs, tables, and assist with install/deinstall of exhibitions; requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking in the gallery.

The above content is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.