Overview

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Ford Foundation seeks a Gallery Assistant to assist in all aspects of supporting innovative visual arts projects, exhibitions, and public programs that advance the mission and values of the foundation at the new Ford Foundation Gallery, located in our headquarters at 320 East 43rd Street. He/she/they will report directly to the Gallery Director and work closely with program and operations staff across the foundation.

 We seek an organized, diligent, and engaged professional with a commitment to social justice, who can prioritize long and short term projects efficiently. The ideal candidate will have excellent research and writing skills as well as experience in project management. Candidates must have a deep knowledge of contemporary art and be proficient in software platforms including Microsoft Office, Google Suite. Design, cultural production and social media skills are a plus. The Ford Foundation is dedicated to upholding the inherent dignity of all people, and through its work, it strives to elevate people who are excluded from the political, economic, and social institutions that shape their lives. Ford Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team player who is driven, able to work independently, and a detail-oriented problem solver with exceptional organizational skills , people skills, and who is able to operate calmly in high-pressure situations.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide administrative support to the gallery director.
  • Interact with the gallery visitors and work onsite in the gallery.
  • Assist with logistical coordination of exhibitions and gallery events, including production, installation and de-installation.
  • Assemble images, texts and collateral information for exhibition checklists, catalogs, social media posts.
  • Write short texts for exhibition wall texts, catalog entries, and social media.
  • Research, analysis and reporting as directed.
  • Schedule internal and external meetings and appointments and prepare material as appropriate.
  • Manage correspondence with exhibition partners including artists, curators, museum and gallery professionals, fabricators, shippers, art handlers, and others.
  • Ensure all administration and exhibition files are kept up to date.
  • Provide exhibition and collection related tours as needed.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BA/BS plus a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience
  • Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Proactive; ability to prioritize work assignments and function independently to meet deadlines
  • Detailed knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, and Slides
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to handle communications tactfully and professionally
  • Ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams with shared responsibility and accountability
  • Ability to contribute to a positive, productive, open and supportive environment that motivates everyone to perform at their best

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge of, and interest in, modern and contemporary art
  • 2-3 years’ experience working within cultural institutions
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent administration and project coordination skills
  • Attention to detail, proofreading skills, and immaculate presentation of work

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This position is both sedentary and mobile and will require significant movement around the building. There is also occasionally the need to lift boxes with event/art materials and to move artwork around.

SALARY: Ford Foundation is committed to practicing salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $65,000

Alignment to Culture and Values

  • Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and core values of equity, openness, collaboration, trust, accountability and urgency
  • Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor
  • Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues
  • Action-orientated and entrepreneurial self-starter who can work well independently and in teams

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