Washington and Lee University

Job Description:

The Staniar Gallery Director is responsible for the entire range of gallery operations, from leadership in policy development through the logistics of exhibition installation. The Director reports to the designated faculty supervisor in the Department of Art and Art History and acts as curator, preparator, exhibition designer, publicist, educator, and manager. The Director leads a small staff that includes a part-time gallery assistant, work study students, student interns, gallery attendants, and independent contractors hired by the Director. The Director also teaches the Internship in Arts Management course each academic year.

Staniar Gallery’s mission is to support the goals of the Art History and Studio Art programs by providing exhibitions of contemporary and art historical works that enable students to look, analyze, write, and understand art in its cultural contexts. The Director develops exhibitions and programming across the disciplines to support the University’s liberal arts mission and to enhance the cultural and intellectual life of the community. The Gallery Director’s primary mission is to link the gallery to the studio art and art history curriculum through exhibitions and the visiting artist program. The Director also oversees gallery internship opportunities for students to gain practical pre-professional experience.

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.

Visit jobs.wlu.edu to learn more about working at W&L, our benefits, community, and living in the area.

Essential Functions:

• Provide leadership and a vision for the gallery, including implementation of Staniar Gallery’s mission and curatorial/pedagogical philosophy.
• Develop and manage the annual gallery budget.
• Take responsibility for the full range of exhibition activities from conceptualization, supporting documentation and print or electronic materials, shipping, art handling, condition reports, installation and deinstallation, ancillary programming, the opening (the lecture, reception, and any ancillary socializing), hospitality and travel for visiting artists and scholars, and all other activities related to the development and implementation of exhibitions. The Director may need to seek external assistance to complete some of these tasks.
• Collaborate with faculty in the Art and Art History Department to conceive of and guide exhibitions that lead to a better understanding of contemporary and art historical artworks and cultural issues. When relevant, work with faculty in other departments at the University, and with professionals at other institutions (in particular, curators, critics, artists, and art historians) to facilitate connections that will support gallery programming.
• Coordinate programming to serve the curricular aims of the Art Department and the University, including ancillary programming and the visiting artist program.
• In addition to the formal gallery space, oversees the ancillary exhibition spaces in the art department, including Lykes Atrium and hallway spaces adjacent to Staniar Gallery. Exhibitions in these spaces may require budget supervision, publicity, scheduling, specific installation needs and visiting artist coordination.
• Develop appropriate gallery publications. These include exhibition announcements, exhibition catalogues, text panels, and other materials that directly support exhibitions and gallery programming. Activities within this responsibility include conceptualizing design and content, research and writing, as well as commissioning and editing the writing of other scholars, and working with professional designers and printers to implement the materials.
• Manage and coordinate publicity and public relations for the gallery, including writing press releases and working with the Public Affairs and Communications office; in conjunction with Web Services, manage the online profile for Staniar Gallery and the visiting artist program; develop other public relations outreach for the gallery (print materials, cultivating interviews and reviews, and other public relations possibilities).
• Responsible for care of artworks, including proper storage, handling, installation, transport, and insurance. Responsible for continuing to develop security and environmental controls in the gallery and in gallery storage (within the constraints of the current budget and facilities) and the aim of keeping these controls current and in line “best practices” as defined by professional standards.
• Supervise student workers and direct gallery interns within the context of a 400-level academic course, which is offered once a year.
• Work with representatives from University Collection of Art & History to support and promote art throughout campus, including installing and caring for artwork from the university's collection that hangs in the Art Department.
• Manage public outreach such as visits by school groups, community groups, alumni and special programs groups, etc.
• Maintain relevant professional organization affiliation to keep relevant on current gallery and museum practices.
• Partner with the department head to develop the annual capital request for the gallery as requested.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master's or terminal degree in Art History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, or Curatorial Studies is preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Art History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, or Curatorial Studies combined with professional experience equivalent to a Master's degree may be considered.
• Relevant gallery or museum experience preferred.
• Teaching experience at the college level is desirable.
• Thorough knowledge of art history and contemporary art.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an academic environment and to be a team player.
• Must possess public speaking skills, successful fiscal management skills, demonstrated abilities in marketing and community relations, excellent organization skills with an eye for detail, working knowledge of graphic and desktop publishing software, and excellent writing skills.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin July 1 and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities/jobs-at-w-l.

Position Type:

Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

Minimum Pay:

$71,761.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

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.