At David Zwirner, we look to be an industry leader in our field, with our artists at the center of what we do. Our global exhibition program expands beyond our locations in New York, London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris, representing seventy artists and estates. Home to innovative, singular, and pioneering exhibitions across a variety of media and genres. Active in both the primary and secondary market, David Zwirner has helped foster the careers of some of the most influential artists today.
Who will work well with us:
- The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate and interested in the arts/larger creative arena or is eager to learn. Previous experience and a background within the commercial art world is not required.
- We welcome all individuals entering the workforce, those moving into a new stage of their career or vocation, making a change, returning to work, those wanting to learn and grow within the industry, to apply.
About the Opportunity:
Gallery Director | $120-150k
David Zwirner is seeking a dynamic and experienced Gallery Director to lead our Los Angeles location as part of the Operations team. In this multifaceted role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of gallery operations, team leadership, exhibition planning, building management, and legal compliance. This is a key position that will ensure the smooth and successful execution of various gallery functions.
What you’ll do:
Financials:
- Manage financials of all Operations; budgeting and forecasting, delegating cost control to Department Heads; monitor costs on an on-going basis and report regularly to COO in New York
- Work closely with COO and Department Heads to create strong communication links between the galleries, providing appropriate information and service when needed, planning and implementing improvements
- Develop local concepts, policies and efficiencies, ensuring implementation and quality standards in line with the New York galleries
Team Management:
- Liaise with HR to review staffing and resourcing; discussing hires strategically to future proof the growth and needs of the business
- Lead on all local recruitment for full-time and temporary staff
- Conduct check-ins and performance reviews for direct reports
- Approve staff hours, sick and vacation time for direct reports
- Conduct weekly staff meetings and departmental meetings
Exhibitions, Fairs & Sales:
- Work as part of the global Exhibition Taskforce to develop and maintain highest standards of exhibition production and management.
- Lead LA-based exhibitions, working closely with global exhibition teams.
- Manage the exhibition calendar; vet for any conflicts with NY or other London- based openings/events
- Work closely across departments to ensure each exhibition is appropriately staffed, managed and resourced.
- Anticipate any legal issues for exhibitions ensure due diligence met and liaise with NY team and any professional advisors to ensure any licenses/permissions are sought.
- Manage and reconcile exhibition budgets.
Building Management:
- Primary contact with landlords on tenant issues
- Work closely with architects and contractors to schedule any repairs, alterations or improvements.
- Oversee facility management issues, including non-exhibition related construction projects, IT fit-out, security system, etc
- Point person for David and New York for any large building projects.
- Liaising with COO and lawyers on any lease requirements etc.
- Ensuring all stakeholders are communicated to; DZ, TN, architects, building
- Attend all build meetings firm(s) landlords or other
- Ensure any large scale changes have full design and budget approval from DZ
Legal & Accounting
- Liaise with external attorneys on all contractual issues
- Approve weekly payables
- Review and update all gallery template agreements, including consignment agreements, invoices, terms of sale, etc
- Negotiate (and sign, as required) incoming and outgoing legal agreements (NDA’s, purchase agreements, etc). Report to COO any requests to digress from the standard terms and conditions of sale, and work with lawyers as required
What we would like you to have:
- Bachelor’s Degree in art, architecture or a related field
- 8-10 years of working experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial and/or leadership role.
- Proven experience within Operations and with the ability to lead, manage, and develop relationships internally and externally.
- Highly skilled with problem solving, budgeting, and building management.
- Experience working cross functionally across various departments to drive initiatives, streamline processes, and align on project goals.
- Proven ability to collaborate with a team in maintaining the gallery’s standards of presentation.
- A strong understanding that this role plays a key part in setting the tone for the artist and client experience in the gallery, which is of utmost importance to us at David Zwirner.
- A high level of self-motivation, resourcefulness and effectiveness as a team player
What you will love about David Zwirner (benefits):
- David Zwirner has pioneered initiatives dedicated to the gallery’s long-standing commitment to kaleidoscopic storytelling, including: David Zwirner Online, David Zwirner Books, Dialogues, Platform, Utopia Editions, Consignments, Program.
- Premier Access - to private on-site and off-site events, such as exhibition previews, book signings, talks, and walkthroughs with gallery artists and estate members, and external curators and scholars.
- Staff-driven projects and fundraising initiatives. This includes David Zwirner commitment to Galleries Commit.
- Benefits! Flexible workplace and commuter benefits, corporate memberships to museums, including the Whitney, New Museum, MOMA, and others. Summer Fridays, generous PTO and leave, Family Medical/Dental/Vision benefits. 401K savings plan with automatic employer contributions.
David Zwirner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Gallery is firmly committed to equal employment opportunities in all facets of its operations. The Gallery makes decisions concerning hiring and terms and conditions of employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are an equal opportunity employer, if you need assistance in applying to a role you may reach out to [email protected].