Gallery Director – Artist Relationships Specialist Full Time

Gallery Director — Artist Relationship Specialist

Maya Art Gallery

Position Overview

Maya Art Gallery is seeking an experienced, visionary, and dynamic Art Director to lead gallery operations, elevate artist relationships, and create exceptional guest experiences. This is an all-encompassing leadership role for a passionate art professional who thrives in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment and possesses a strong understanding of both the creative and business sides of the art world.

The ideal candidate is an inspiring leader, accomplished sales professional, curator of meaningful experiences, and trusted liaison to artists, collectors, and guests alike. This individual will oversee gallery presentation, team development, artist partnerships, exhibition planning, and sales performance while cultivating a welcoming and elevated atmosphere that reflects the mission and vision of Maya Art Gallery.

Key Responsibilities

Gallery Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead, inspire, coach, and develop gallery staff to deliver exceptional client experiences and strong sales performance.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and high-performing team culture.
• Train team members in art knowledge, storytelling, guest engagement, sales techniques, and relationship-building.
• Set performance expectations and mentor staff toward professional growth and excellence.

Sales & Client Relationship Management:

• Build authentic, lasting relationships with collectors, guests, designers, and art enthusiasts.
• Drive gallery sales through exceptional customer engagement and consultative selling.
• Create memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and long-term client loyalty.
• Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, artist portfolios, and collector interests.

Artist Relations & Gallery Representation:

• Establish, nurture, and maintain professional relationships with represented and prospective artists.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the gallery and its artists.
• Coordinate artist onboarding, exhibition planning, and ongoing representation support.
• Collaborate with artists to effectively present and promote their work.

Exhibitions & Special Events:

• Curate and coordinate gallery exhibitions, artist showcases, receptions, and special events.
• Plan engaging experiences that highlight represented artists and strengthen community engagement.
• Oversee event execution, guest experience, promotion, and artist participation.
• Ensure gallery displays and exhibitions are visually compelling and aligned with brand standards.

Gallery Operations & Brand Experience:

• Maintain the overall visual presentation and atmosphere of the gallery.
• Oversee day-to-day gallery operations with professionalism and attention to detail.
• Support marketing initiatives, social engagement, and promotional campaigns.
• Represent Maya Art Gallery with integrity, creativity, and professionalism within the arts community.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in the art industry, gallery management, luxury retail, or related creative leadership roles.
• Proven success in sales, client development, and relationship management.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art, artists, exhibitions, and the gallery business.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
• Experience organizing gallery events, artist receptions, and exhibitions.
• Outstanding communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with strong project management capabilities.
• Passion for art, culture, hospitality, and creating elevated guest experiences.

Ideal Candidate Traits:

• Visionary and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Charismatic and relationship-driven.
• Creative yet operationally strong.
• Passionate mentor and team developer.
• Strategic thinker with strong emotional intelligence.
• Confident in sales and public-facing environments.
• Deep appreciation for artists and the creative process.

What We Offer:

• Excellent compensation and professional growth. High Hourly $ Rate + Commission + Performance Based Bonus.
• Opportunity to lead within a growing and inspiring gallery environment
• Creative and collaborative culture
• Direct engagement with artists, collectors, and the arts community
• Opportunity to shape exhibitions, events, and guest experiences
• Competitive compensation based on experience

To Apply

Please submit your resume, portfolio (if applicable), and a brief cover letter outlining your experience in gallery leadership, artist relations, sales, and event curation to [email protected]

Join Maya Art Gallery and help create unforgettable artistic experiences while championing artists and cultivating meaningful connections through Art!

Pay: $27.00 – $33.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to take a Drug Test?

Experience:

• Art Gallery Operations: 5 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Fe, NM 87501 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person