Director of Exhibitions (Full-Time)

What We Are Looking For:
The Director of Exhibitions is responsible for the management of all exhibition programs presented by the Armory and for the development of a creative and strategic vision for exhibitions that align with the Armory mission and Cultural Equity and Inclusion plan. This includes the development of at least one exhibition per year in the Caldwell Gallery, management over guest-curated exhibitions, strategies for public engagement, public programs, interactive activities in the gallery, and staff management & development. The Director also works in partnership with the External Relations Department for fundraising and communications as they relate to the Exhibitions program.

The ideal candidate has the following skills:
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in exhibition management, curation or a similar role in a cultural organization and a demonstrated ability to support artists.
Strong knowledge of fundamental art installation processes and protocols and general care for artworks.
Excellent administrative, organizational, and project management skills.
Proven leadership and team management abilities.
Possess a demonstrated ability to write clearly and effectively.
A passion for cultural arts and visual literacy that drives a desire to follow developments in the field on local, regional, national, and international levels.
A global perspective that informs a commitment to local engagement.
Passion for the Armory’s mission and its cultural equity values is essential.
Intellectual curiosity and a creative mind.
Superior organization and attention to detail.
Working mastery of computer programs including: G (Google) Suite, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, and Airtable or other productivity platforms. Literate on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.
Familiarity with the San Gabriel Valley arts landscape is a plus but not required.
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as required.

Fluency in Spanish and/or another language or languages. B.A. or B.F.A. degree in a curatorial or arts-related field; M.A. degree, or commensurate experience in previous museum, non-profit, or gallery role.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
Management:
Leads and manages the Exhibition team: Exhibition Manager, Visitor Services Associates, Art Handlers/Preparators & independent contractors including, but not limited to, guest curators.
Works with Exhibition Manager to schedule, train, assign, and oversee VSAs, interns, and volunteers.
Drafts, develops and manages Exhibition budgets.
Establishes program requirements and potential funding sources with the Executive Director, Vice President of Development, and the Vice President of Programs.
Assists in the development of grant proposals, grant reporting and Exhibition fundraising.
Develops, manages, and leads public programs in collaboration with the Exhibitions Manager, and in partnership with program directors.
Writes Exhibition related text including press releases, promotional materials, didactics, and wall labels keeping the diversity of audiences in mind.
Reviews and edits text written by Exhibitions team, artists, and guest curators.
Maintains an awareness of and responsibility for the condition of all galleries and other presentation areas (on- and off- site), gallery workshop/storage and departmental programs and resources (equipment, furniture, tools, etc.)
Ensures workplace safety practices are being followed during installation and de-installation.
Conducts regular exhibition and public program audits to check against success metrics and writes departmental year-end reports and summaries.

Exhibition Program:
Oversees all exhibition programs and public programs in conjunction with exhibitions.
Curates at least one exhibition in the Caldwell gallery per fiscal year.
Develops program, exhibition, and performance concepts 2-3 years in advance with the assistance of the Exhibitions Manager, and in cooperation with the Executive Director, Vice President of Programs, Armory Directors, organizations, curators and artists.
Develops metrics for success of exhibition programs and public programs.
Assures that all aspects of the exhibitions meet the highest standards. These include installation, design, delivery and return of art, procurement of insurance, development of exhibition and performance contracts, visitor safety, lighting, sound and seating.
Plans, in collaboration with the other Directors, integrated programming where exhibitions connect with schools, studio, and offsite program participants.
Presents, in collaboration with the other Directors, exhibition content and themes with Armory teaching artists.
Builds new audiences, identifies, and creates opportunities for greater community connections through collaboration with other Directors and community partners.
Works collaboratively with the Communications Team to prepare promotional materials for all exhibition programs, including all digital promotions.
Interfaces with members of Armory staff in areas of education, development, and communication, and often represents the department to artists, lenders, representatives from other institutions, and other stakeholders and partners.
Maintains a working knowledge of professional standards and best practices for arts presentation, audience cultivation, and program design and development.

Salary: Pay range is $65,000 to $75,000 annually, based on experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. This position is hybrid and requires at least three days a week in the building.

Benefits: Benefits include medical insurance coverage, generous vacation time, nine paid holidays plus the holiday break, Dec 24-Jan 1, free parking, opportunities for professional development, and free Armory studio art classes.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Deadline to apply: May 26, 2025

Documents required to apply: Resume, Cover Letter

How to apply: Send a resume and cover letter to careers@armoryarts.org. In the subject line of the email, write “Director of Exhibitions.” No phone calls please. Applications are due by Monday, May 26, 2025 at 5 p.m.