Gallery Director

GALLERY DIRECTOR

Position Description

ABOUT THE RIVERSIDE ARTS CENTER 

Riverside Arts Center (RAC) strives to be the anchor for contemporary art in the near west suburbs of Chicago. Through exhibitions, education, and public events, RAC advocates for the vital role the arts play in nurturing community and amplifying diverse experiences, ideas, and backgrounds. Since 1993, RAC has provided Riverside, its surrounding suburbs, and the city of Chicago with vital arts programming through exhibitions and arts education. Located in the heart of Historic Riverside, IL, RAC includes the Freeark Gallery + Sculpture Garden, The FlexSpace, three classroom studios, and a renowned clay studio. The Village of Riverside was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the founder of landscape architecture) and has a strong community of art makers, art teachers, and art lovers.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Riverside Arts Center is seeking a team member with a passion for the arts and a belief in the transformative power of art in the community. RAC’s next Gallery Director will help sustain RAC as a leading arts organization in the region.

The Gallery Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the center’s exhibition program. This role oversees exhibition scheduling, artist coordination, installation, and deinstallation, while collaborating closely with staff, committees and volunteers. RAC’s Gallery Director plays a key role in shaping the center's artistic vision and in ensuring professional and engaging exhibitions for the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Exhibition Planning, Curation, and Execution 

● Develop and manage an exhibition schedule with the Exhibitions Committee in alignment with RAC’s mission

● With the Exhibitions Committee, research, select, and recommend artists and exhibition proposals

● Ensure exhibitions reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion values

Installation & Gallery Management 

● Install and de-install exhibitions

● Ensure artwork is handled, displayed, and stored safely and professionally

● Handle sales of art and publications from exhibitions

● Maintain gallery standards, labeling, and signage

Artist & Community Relations

● Serve as the primary point of contact for exhibiting artists, curators, press and gallery visitors

● Coordinate artist agreements, timelines, and exhibition requirements

● Organize artist talks, receptions, and related public programs

● Foster positive relationships with artists, curators, community partners, and the general public

Administrative & Collaborative Duties 

● Work with the Executive Director on the exhibition budget and basic expense tracking

● Coordinate exhibition schedules with RAC staff

● Design and write press releases, essays, checklists, website pages and handles social media

● Assist with grant reporting or documentation related to exhibitions

QUALIFICATIONS

● Bachelor’s degree in art, art history, museum studies, or related field is required. MA/MFA or equivalent experience is preferred

● Curatorial or exhibition management experience

● Expert knowledge of art, especially Chicago area art community

● Knowledge of gallery preparation and installation techniques

● Must have expert knowledge in safe handling and packing of art work

● Strong organizational, communication and writing skills

● Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently

● Comfortable working collaboratively in a small-staff environment

● Experience working with volunteers is preferred

● Ability to lift, move and install artwork (with reasonable accommodations)

● Passion for community-based arts, non-profit work, art and artists

● Basic computer skills and ability to learn Canva, Word, Mailchimp, Photoshop and other software

COMPENSATION & WORK ENVIRONMENT

● $20,800 annually for 15-20 hours per week

● This position is a hybrid role working on-site and off-site

● This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours for openings and events

● Schedule flexibility depending on the exhibition calendar

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, and in lieu of a cover letter, please fill out the application at where you also will be prompted to upload your resume and a list of three references at the end of the form. Review of applicants will begin March 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Please email [email protected] with questions. No phone calls, please.

RAC is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of all historically marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any category protected by local, state, or federal laws.