We are seeking a collaborative and passionate leader for the role of Director of Operations. This pivotal position requires a creative problem-solver capable of guiding our team into an exciting new phase of growth. The Director of Operations will ensure the seamless management of all gallery operations, overseeing both the administration and development of our Operations staff, and managing multiple exhibition and storage locations across New York and Los Angeles. Success in this role requires designing scalable processes while upholding the highest standards of logistical precision.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Lead the Operations division, including the Front Desk, Art Handling, Registration, Photography and Bookstore teams.
Lead weekly Operations meeting with department heads to ensure clear communication, consistent planning, and rapid solution of unique gallery issues.
Regularly assess operational infrastructure and workflows; develop and implement new procedures to advance efficiency and standards across all locations.
Manage the Operations budget/ oversee cost controls, and negotiate vendor contracts.
Oversee the flow of inventory between the Brooklyn storage facility and gallery locations, ensure inventory accuracy and safety.
Responsible for the upkeep of facilities across all gallery locations in New York and Los Angeles, including vendor agreements, buildouts, maintenance & special projects.
Ensure appropriate insurance coverage is managed, and collaborate with Risk Management and Finance on contracts, certificates of insurance (COIs), and related requirements.
Work with HR to ensure adequate staffing & coverage across all galleries, including openings & events.
OPERATIONS
Photography, Registration, Art Handling & Bookstore
Lead the management & execution of exhibition installation periods, fairs, and special projects.
Oversee the global exhibitions calendar and schedule & ensure smooth transitions and managements of timelines.
Ensure teams are supported with the resources and tools needed to succeed, while providing leadership, training, and mentorship to foster both professional and personal development.
Supervise the Registrar team responsible for shipping coordination, exhibition planning, record keeping, condition reporting, framing, contractual & loan production and compliance, insurance, U.S. customs requirements, and international import/export regulations.
Oversee the Preparator team, including art handling operations, general physical and facility-related tasks, including patching, painting, and other hands-on work as required.
Oversee the Photography department, ensuring artwork and installation images are accurately managed to support documentation, sales, marketing, and archival needs in alignment with gallery standards.
Supervise the Karma Bookstore to ensure inventory, sales, exhibition driven projects, and library projects are successfully managed and the team is successful in its endeavors.
Facilities
Oversee the physical New York locations as well as the Los Angeles gallery space.
Directly manage all gallery construction projects and facilities improvement projects; coordinate with contractors and HVAC engineers for best service, competitive pricing & general upkeep.
Work with departmental heads to properly plan for construction related to on-site exhibitions.
Maintains updated Certificate of Operations and Public Assembly Documents for the New York Department of Buildings and the New York City Fire Department.
Serve as the gallery’s main point of contact for periodic inspections.
Supply new hires with necessary keys / FOBs / access cards; obtain all keys / FOBs / access cards for departing employees.
Security and Safety
Manage security services across all locations
Coordination with departmental heads to determine proper security staffing for exhibitions
Serve as the main point of contact for security and fire alarm systems; & the primary emergency contact
Train all appropriate staff on gallery security protocol (e.g. passcodes, arming / disarming, emergency procedures) and opening and closing procedures
Requirements
Requirements:
Minimum 5-7 years of operations and logistics experience in a senior role at a commercial art gallery, museum or high-volume cultural institution.
Bachelor’s degree required; background in Art Business, Administration, or Fine Arts preferred.
Exceptional verbal and written communication; ability to influence across departments and negotiate effectively with vendors.
Strong knowledge of best practices in packing, crating, art handling, museum-standard lighting, and building codes.
Experience working on exhibition, art fair (domestic/international) and event set up/takedown; Experience with U.S. customs, international shipping compliance, and operational audits.
Proficiency in Google Suite, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and database management (e.g., Artlogic, FileMaker).
Enthusiasm for the arts, and familiarity with our gallery’s artists and program.
How to Apply
This New York based full-time role offers a compensation range of $110,000 - 135,000, with a Monday-Friday schedule, and occasional availability outside regular business hours.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes Medical, Vision and Dental insurance, Paid Time Off, 401(k) with employer contribution, Commuter benefits, paid Holidays, Parental Leave and more!
To Apply:
Please email your resume and cover letter as a single PDF to hiring@karmakarma.org. Include “Director of Operations” in the subject line. This NYC-based position is for immediate hire. Please, no walk-ins or phone calls.
Karma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
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Posted on February 4