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Private: Smack Mellon is Hiring: Curator & Director of Exhibitions

Smack Mellon is a nonprofit arts organization located in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Smack Mellon’s mission is to nurture and support emerging, under-recognized mid-career and women artists in the creation and exhibition of new work, by providing exhibition opportunities, studio workspace, and access to equipment and technical assistance for the realization of ambitious projects. We see ourselves as a vehicle whereby under-represented artists can create, explore and exhibit their creative ideas outside the concerns of the commercial art world, offering many artists the exposure and recognition they deserve.

Smack Mellon is currently seeking a Curator & Director of Exhibitions to join our small and efficient team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Curator & Director of Exhibitions will oversee all activities in the gallery including: curate six solo exhibitions and one or two group exhibitions annually in collaboration with the Executive Director, select and supervise guest curators for group exhibitions, write all exhibition text, press releases and promotional material; create public programming in conjunction with the exhibitions, and lead installs/deinstalls. The Curator & Director of Exhibitions is also responsible for producing the annual fundraising benefit event and other fundraising projects and supports the Executive Director and Grant Writer with requests for support from foundation, government, individual and corporate sources.

This position requires a high degree of organizational skill and ability to handle multiple projects in various stages of development; demonstrated ability to proactively prioritize and manage time, juggle multiple duties and tasks, and meet competing deadlines. The candidate must be detail oriented, and have outstanding writing and editing skills as well as project management skills.  They must be able to lead large-scale artwork installations and must be able to devise safe and effective solutions for unconventional challenges during exhibition installs. Must be a very handy self-starter with a strong work ethic, ability to lift 40lbs, experience installing and packaging artwork, and must not be afraid of heights. At least 5 years of relevant experience organizing exhibitions. 

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Google Drive, CMS.  Mac and social media proficient. FileMaker, SketchUp, IT or AV skills a plus.

Smack Mellon during this time of COVID-19:

Smack Mellon Gallery and Artist Studio Program are open and operating in person. Our 5000 square foot gallery space can easily and safely accommodate our usual audience attendance. We are holding exhibition programs with a limited capacity. All staff members are working onsite one to two days a week. The Curator & Director of Exhibitions is expected to work on site Thursday and Friday and during all exhibition events and programs as well as exhibition install and deinstall. 

Primary responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

Exhibitions:

  • Curate six solo exhibitions and one or two group exhibitions annually in collaboration with the Executive Director.
  • Create and update a two year calendar for the exhibition space including exhibitions, programs and events in the gallery space
  • Plan and manage the operational and logistical aspects of exhibitions, events and performances produced on and off site. 
  • Lead all artwork installations and de-installations, ranging from group shows to large-scale site-specific solo projects while maintaining safety standards.  
  • Work with invited guest curators and artists.
  • Hire and manage all freelance technicians and preparators.
  • Review all incoming proposals, process rejections and initiate communication with new artists.
  • Write and manage production of all exhibition text and object labels, as well as exhibition print and video promotional materials for press. Work with Communications & Events Manager to promote the exhibition.
  • Package and coordinate artwork shipments. 
  • Create contracts, pricelists, checklists, group show exhibition maps, public information books.
  • Manage all artwork sales.
  • Update exhibition webpages with images and content.

Fundraising and Grant Writing and Sales:

  • Produce annual fundraising benefit—secure artwork donations; timely correspondence with donating artists about deadlines coordinate deliveries; manage volunteers; assist with program layout; manage tickets and reception lists; draft, prepare, and send follow-up materials to donating artists and ticket buyers. Help to secure collectors to purchase silent auction work.
  • In collaboration with the Smack Mellon grant writer, conduct research for new funding sources, and help to write requests for support from foundation, government, individual and corporate sources.

General:

  • Manage supplies inventory and procure supplies.
  • Organize and manage the storage space. 
  • Provide administrative support to ED, bookkeeper and grant writer, as needed.
  • Maintain artwork and gallery appearance.
  • Field all general inquiries.

Events:

  • Set up and breakdown all public programs, openings, and special events.
  • Plan public events related to the exhibitions.

Hours/Compensation: 

32hr/week – regular work days are Tuesday-Friday 10am to 6pm with additional days for exhibition install and Saturday/Sunday hours for events.

Salary range: $45,000–$50,000. Benefits include Smack Mellon contribution to health insurance premium, IRA with matching contribution, paid vacation and sick days.

To Apply:

Please send cover letter, resume, and two writing samples as a single PDF file. Name your PDF file “lastname_firstname_application.PDF” and send it to with “Curator & Director of Exhibitions” in the subject line.