Gallery Administration Assistant

Date Posted: May 24, 2023
Application Deadline: Jun 06, 2023
Start Date: Jun 27, 2023

Hourly From: $15/hr To $20/hr
Province: Ontario
Region: Metro Toronto Area
City: Toronto
Employee Benefits: N/A
Organization's Field/Discipline: The Arts
Job's focus: Administrative
Job Type: Contract
Career Level: Entry level/ intern

Organization Description

Mercer Union is a non-profit, artist-run centre dedicated to commissioning and producing new works of contemporary art, and providing an engaging program that encourages critical inquiry and conversation. We champion ambitious exhibitions that empower diverse Canadian and international artists in formative and established stages of their practice.

Job Description

Mercer Union, a centre for contemporary art, is seeking a Gallery Administration Assistant for a 10- week contract beginning 27 June 2023.

Mercer Union is dedicated to the advancement of contemporary art. Our gallery program includes exhibitions of commissioned and newly produced works, a series of commissioned public billboards, fORUM — a critical conversation series — as well as artists’ talks, workshops, seminars and special projects. We are a hub for dialogue, offering various platforms for artists and audiences to exchange ideas, strengthen skills, and disseminate knowledge. By doing so, we aim to deepen awareness, scholarship and debate around new and essential discourses in contemporary art.

Reporting to the Director & Curator, the Gallery Administration Assistant will support various aspects of working within a contemporary art institution, supporting the gallery’s audience engagement efforts with projects related to the planning, promotion, and production of public programming and community events.

The Gallery Administration Assistant will aid in maintaining Mercer Union’s customer relationship management (CRM) database, using this tool to foster strong relationships with artists, audiences, and our extended communities during the summer season. The Gallery Administration Assistant will also develop and implement communications for a range of events, using the gallery’s website, e-newsletter, and social media platforms to promote exhibitions and public programming. These activities will allow the student to gain practical experience with engaging audiences through digital means.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Host visitors to Mercer Union’s exhibitions and programs, interpreting artworks and leading exhibition tours as needed
• Provide information and accept registration for Mercer Union’s public programs
• Promote public programs to visitors and maintain audience database
• Facilitate audience engagement activities with relevant community groups and organizations
• Maintain audience records including: mailing lists; donation data; attendance; and participation at in-gallery and online activities using DonorPerfect database
• Support social media, email communications and website maintenance on an ongoing basis
• Assist with the coordination and promotion of receptions, public programs, and community events
• Open and close the gallery each day, providing technical and maintenance support for the daily functions of the gallery and exhibitions
• Provide administrative assistance to development and curatorial staff as required
• Assist with research related to public programming, fundraising events and campaigns
• Maintain a digital archive of gallery materials and press coverage related to exhibitions, exhibiting artists and public programs

Requirements:

Skills & Experience:

• Be currently enrolled in a Post-Secondary Degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Arts Education, Arts Administration, Curatorial Studies or a related field
• Demonstrated interest in museum or gallery work, arts administration and public programming
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and manage long and short-term projects
• Demonstrated experience with project management and logistics coordination
• Mac OS proficiencies with Microsoft Office Suite. Proficiencies with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are an asset
• Experience with website management, email marketing and social media management

Additional Info:

Mercer Union is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and actively works to increase representation of equity-seeking groups within the arts sector. We promote employment equity and strongly encourage applications from racialized candidates, Indigenous peoples, and 2SLGBTQIAP persons, and persons with disabilities. If you identify as a member of these groups, you are invited to voluntary self-identify.

Mercer Union is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and to providing employment accommodation for those who identify as disabled. Please let us know of any accommodation we may provide during the application process. If contacted for an interview, please communicate if you require accommodation.

How to Apply:

Eligible individuals are invited to submit a current CV and cover letter. Applications must be submitted by email to jobs@mercerunion.org, and received by 6 June 2023. Applications that do not include a CV and cover letter will not be considered. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.