Job Details

Gallery Operations Manager

Educational and Experience Requirement: Bachelors degree in art, arts administration, museum studies, or a related field. One year of experience in gallery management, exhibition coordination, arts administration or in a related field.

Nature and Purpose of Position: Performs semi-complex administrative and program coordination work for the SHSU Department of Arts gallery operations on and off campus.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manages and oversees the daily operations of the art galleries, including the strategic planning, coordination, and promotion of exhibitions throughout the year.
• Coordinates exhibition schedules and logistics with faculty, students, visiting artists, and the Gallery Committee ensuring alignment with departmental goals and timelines.
• Oversees and directs artwork shipping, installation, lighting, signage, and deinstallation to ensure safety, compliance, and professional standards.
• Prepares reports and maintains oversight of artwork records, inventories, and the gallery calendar.
• Manages budgets, purchasing, and contracts in accordance with university policies, exercising independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Supervises and trains student assistants and interns in art handling and safety procedures.
• Plans and coordinates gallery receptions, artist talks, panel discussions, and departmental events such as the Annual Faculty Exhibition, Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) Reviews, Senior Receptions, and the Master in Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis Exhibition, as well as community and campus events.
• Represents the Department of Art at community meetings, events, and other engagements as needed.
• Develops and recommends guidelines, procedures, polices, and rules related to the gallery.
• Collaborates with the College of Arts and Media (CAM) Director of Facilities Operations and Production on gallery maintenance and exhibition support and collaborates with the CAM Marketing and Communications team to coordinate publicity, gallery calendars, and promotional materials.
• Oversees the documentation of exhibitions and the management of the digital archive of artwork and collections.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Specifications: This position requires strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, balancing administrative precision with curatorial creativity to ensure that all exhibitions and events reflect the mission and excellence of the Department of Art. The role supports the planning and execution of art exhibitions, faculty and student projects, and the coordination of the departments permanent art collection. Requires knowledge of art handling, installation techniques, and gallery operations. Strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills are essential. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and Roland Cut Studio preferred. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws. Ability to supervise business functions. Communicates with other university departments, personnel, and other agencies.

Some travel may be required to transport artwork and materials. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support receptions and exhibitions scheduled throughout the year.

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an at will employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code 51.215.