Our client, a globally recognized art gallery, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Director to lead its newly opened New York location. This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping the U.S. presence of an established international gallery with an ambitious vision for growth.
Position Overview
The Director will serve as a key leader within the gallery, responsible for establishing and expanding its footprint in New York. Working closely with the Founder and the London-based leadership team, the Director will help define and implement strategic goals locally while contributing to the gallery’s broader global objectives.
This role offers a unique chance to help shape the future of a respected and expanding institution during an exciting phase of growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Collaboration
- Partner with the Founder and global leadership to develop and execute the gallery’s strategic direction in New York.
- Align the local strategy with the gallery’s international brand, vision, and long-term objectives.
Team Building & Management
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of the New York team.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture grounded in professionalism and excellence.
Art Fair Strategy & Execution
- Contribute to U.S. art fair strategy, identifying key opportunities and proposing innovative approaches.
- Oversee all phases of participation—from selection and curation to sales and client engagement.
Sales Leadership
- Drive robust sales strategies across exhibitions, private sales, and art fairs.
- Set and achieve ambitious sales targets, ensuring alignment with the gallery’s overall commercial goals.
Client Development & Relationship Management
- Grow and manage the gallery’s U.S. collector and institutional network.
- Deepen existing relationships and proactively identify and cultivate new opportunities.
Artist Relations
- Serve as a key point of contact for selected represented artists.
- Guide strategic planning around sales, institutional placements, and career development.
- Facilitate studio visits and maintain regular communication with artists.
Market Intelligence & Brand Positioning
- Stay attuned to developments in the U.S. and global art markets.
- Position the gallery competitively within New York while acting as a brand ambassador.
- Collaborate closely with international teams to ensure cohesion across all global initiatives.
Candidate Profile
Required Experience & Skills:
- Minimum 5–7+ years of experience in the contemporary art world.
- Proven track record in sales, with strong negotiation skills and a history of exceeding targets.
- Deep knowledge of modern, post-war, and contemporary art; strong network among collectors, institutions, and curators.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Prior experience scaling a gallery or arts institution is highly desirable.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable representing the gallery to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Self-motivated and proactive, with a collaborative mindset.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with digital art and Web3 is a plus.
Additional Details
- Location: New York (In-person; remote start may be considered)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Salary: $100,000–$120,000 base, plus commission