Gallery Manager
Cassens Fine Art
Full-Time
On-Site
About Cassens Fine Art
Cassens Fine Art is a contemporary art gallery committed to thoughtful curation, exceptional client service, and long-term relationships with artists and collectors. We operate as a small, hands-on business where professionalism, clarity, and consistency matter. Our gallery environment is calm, welcoming, and detail-oriented, and we take pride in delivering a high-quality experience for every client.
We are seeking a Gallery Manager who will serve as the primary daily operator of the gallery and a key operational partner to the Gallery Owner.
Position Overview
The Gallery Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the gallery, coordinating staff, supporting sales and client experience, and ensuring smooth execution of events and installations. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends floor presence with operational oversight.
In a small-business environment, the Gallery Manager must be adaptable and willing to step into multiple functions as needed, including sales support, administrative coordination, and event execution. While this role does not set overall business strategy, it plays a critical role in maintaining continuity, standards, and daily excellence across the gallery.
This position reports directly to the Owner and works closely with gallery assistants and the Marketing Coordinator.
Schedule & Employment Details
- Employment type: Full-time
- Hours: 38–40 hours per week
- Regular schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:45 AM–5:45 PM - This schedule may be adjusted in the future as additional support staff is hired and trained and upon completion of training and probationary period
- Evening hours: Required for approximately 1–2 gallery events per month in our summer season (less in off season), including artist receptions, talks, or special programs.
- Installations: Occasional after-hours assistance is required during artwork installations.
- Location: This is a fully on-site position.
- Start date: As soon as possible.
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly Base Compensation: $18–$22 per hour, depending on experience.
- Discretionary Profit-Based Bonus: Profit-based bonus determined and paid out monthly based gallery sales performance. The Bonus is designed to reward sales performance and overall team performance and not capped. Bonus starts after completion of training and probationary period.
Benefits and perks include:
- Up to 8 days of paid time off with Additional unpaid time off available with advance notice
- 20% discount on fine art
- 50% discount on custom framing
Core Responsibilities
Daily Gallery Operations & Client Experience
- Serve as the primary operator of the gallery (open to close)
- Oversee daily gallery operations, including scheduling, floor coverage, and client flow, gallery display, installation, artwork management.
- Ensure the gallery environment is consistently professional, welcoming, and aligned with gallery standards including display and artwork storage.
- Address day-to-day issues calmly and efficiently to ensure smooth operations.
- Actively engage with clients on the floor
- Lead sales conversations and client follow-ups
- Serve as the primary escalation point for client needs
- Maintain gallery presentation and visual standards
Client Support & Sales
- Actively assist clients with artwork inquiries, framing consultations, and purchases.
- Support sales through lead generation and thoughtful client engagement and follow-up.
- There are no individual sales quotas; success is measured by overall gallery performance.
- Approximately half of the role is client-facing, with the remainder focused on operations, coordination, and administration.
Staff Leadership & Coordination
- Provide daily leadership and direction to gallery staff.
- Assign priorities, manage schedules, and ensure consistent floor coverage.
- Train and cross-train staff on essential systems, workflows, and gallery standards.
- Participate in hiring input and onboarding as the team grows.
- Typically oversee a small team of 1–3 staff members, depending on season and staffing needs.
Events & Installations
- Serve as the on-site lead for gallery events.
- Coordinate event logistics, timelines, and staffing.
- Collaborate with the Marketing Coordinator on event preparation and promotion.
- Support artwork installations, including occasional after-hours assistance.
Administrative & Systems Oversight
- Oversee inventory systems, framing workflows, and documentation accuracy.
- Review invoices, client communications, and records to ensure consistency and professionalism.
- Maintain operational continuity across systems and processes.
- Identify inefficiencies or gaps in operations and communicate them clearly to the Owner.
Decision-Making Authority
The Gallery Manager is empowered to make real-time operational decisions during business hours and events, including:
- Adjusting staffing and floor coverage as needed.
- Managing client flow and daily priorities.
- Resolving routine issues independently to maintain smooth operations.
Financial decisions, strategic changes, or high-risk situations are escalated to the Owner. The Gallery Manager is supported and does not operate in isolation.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated leadership or managerial experience, with 5+ years preferred.
- Experience in a related field such as: Art galleries or art-adjacent businesses - Design or client consulting - High-end or luxury retail - Display merchandising or retail management - Client-facing sales or support role
- Strong written communication and business writing skills.
- High level of computer proficiency and comfort working with systems and tools.
- High School Diploma or higher education
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and move throughout the gallery
- Ability to lift and carry artwork and materials with care, with assistance when needed
- Comfort using step stools or ladders to lift or place artwork, lightbulbs, etc.
- Ability to perform physical tasks related to artwork handling, framing support, and event setup
- Ability to lift a minimum of 35lbs from the floor independently
- Ability to Twist, Turn, Kneel, Bend, Sit, Stand, adn generally move the body with easy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Business, Fine Art, Design, or a related field.
- Design background and/or strong client consulting experience.
- Familiarity with POS systems, inventory management, CRM tools, and scheduling software.
Who This Role Is For
This role is well suited for someone who:
- Enjoys leading by example and being actively present on the gallery floor.
- Is comfortable balancing leadership, client service, and operational responsibility.
- Thrives in a small-business environment where flexibility, accountability, and professionalism are essential.
- Values calm, respectful communication and discretion.
- Is organized, dependable, and proactive.
- Enjoys service and has Strong sales and relationship-building skills
This is not a desk-only management position.
The Gallery Manager is hands-on and engaged in the daily rhythm of the gallery.
Growth & Longevity
This is intended to be a long-term role within the gallery. While the position does not set overall business strategy, there is room for growth in responsibility, deeper operational involvement, and professional development as the gallery continues to evolve.
Culture & Values
Cassens Fine Art is built on genuine connection, integrity, and care. We believe art should connect people, preserve meaningful moments, and support artists and community through thoughtful, authentic work.
Our gallery is a welcoming, professional environment where clients, artists, and staff are treated with respect and kindness. We value calm, composed communication and a consistent, high-quality experience for everyone who walks through our doors.Our core values guide how we work every day:
- Teamwork: We work collaboratively and support one another. Success is shared, and clear communication matters.
- Connection: We prioritize meaningful relationships with clients, artists, and our community, focusing on trust and long-term care rather than transactional interactions.
- Generosity and Kindness: We lead with empathy, patience, and thoughtfulness in our interactions, even in busy or high-pressure moments.
- Integrity: We are honest, detail-oriented, and committed to quality in our work, systems, and client experience.
- Authenticity: We value sincerity and transparency. Our interactions are genuine, professional, and grounded in who we are.
The Gallery Manager plays a central role in upholding these values by setting the tone on the gallery floor, supporting staff with clarity and respect, and ensuring clients feel welcomed, supported, and valued at every stage of their experience.
This role is best suited for someone who values professionalism, kindness, consistency, and thoughtful leadership in a client-facing, small-business environment.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 38.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
