Reporting to the Head of the Department of Art and Art History, the Gallery Assistant will work closely with the Stainar Gallery Director with a variety of duties and tasks connected to exhibitions and related programming to support, enhance, and advance the mission of Staniar Gallery as an academic art venue.
Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.
Essential Functions:
- Supports the Staniar Gallery Director’s work in all aspects of gallery operations, including but not limited to: installing and taking down exhibitions, packing/shipping artworks, publicity, educational programming, and general administrative duties.
- Organizes and schedules lectures and receptions for exhibitions.
- Coordinates campus visits for guest artists (including making reservations for travel, lodging, meals, and class scheduling).
- Contributes to programming in collaboration with the Director, faculty, and students, including conception and implementation of workshops, educational materials, and gallery guides.
- Assists the Director with art installation (hanging, painting, lighting, and carpentry work for various exhibition needs).
- Handles art, including transport when necessary.
- Involved in the intake, handling, and packing/shipping of artwork for exhibitions.
- Assesses and documents the physical condition of art pieces.
- Responsible for lighting exhibitions.
- Maintains Staniar Gallery storage area.
- Assists the Director with publicity needs (press releases, posters, website, digital announcement design, social media).
- Aids in the design and distribution of exhibition materials such as catalogs, labels, gallery guides, and text panels.
- Maintains gallery mailing lists, including adding new artists to the mailing list, processing mailing list requests from the visitor sign-in book, keeping the mailing list updated with current institutional contacts, and adding new institutional contacts interested in receiving announcements.
Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour.
Work Schedule: This is a part-time role without benefits. The work schedule is based on departmental needs with an anticipated schedule of 20 hours per week.
Minimum Qualifications:
- This position requires a high school diploma at minimum; a degree in a related field or experience in a gallery or museum setting is preferred.
- The candidate should have strong communication, writing, and analytical skills, and excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
- Installation, object handling, and light carpentry experience is a plus.
- Must have working knowledge of Microsoft office and Adobe Creative Suite software (including Photoshop, and web design tools).
- Must have ability to lift and move heavy (30+ lbs) objects and be comfortable with climbing stationary ladders.
- Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and good driving history.
Application Instructions:
Review of applications will begin at the start of the new year and continue until the position is filled. A resume and cover letter are required. Upload all required documents to the Resume/CV upload section of the application. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.
Non-Exempt, Part Time, Non-Benefit Eligible
Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.