Gallery Director - New York

Our client, a globally recognized art gallery, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Director to lead its new New York location. This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping the U.S. presence of an established international gallery with an ambitious vision for growth.

Position Overview

The Director will serve as a key leader within the gallery, responsible for establishing and expanding its footprint in New York. Working closely with the Founder and the London-based leadership team, the Director will help define and implement strategic goals locally while contributing to the gallery’s broader global objectives.

This role offers a unique chance to help shape the future of a respected and expanding institution during an exciting phase of growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with the Founder and global leadership to develop and execute the gallery’s strategic direction in New York.
• Align the local strategy with the gallery’s international brand, vision, and long-term objectives.

Team Building & Management

• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of the New York team.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture grounded in professionalism and excellence.

Art Fair Strategy & Execution

• Contribute to U.S. art fair strategy, identifying key opportunities and proposing innovative approaches.
• Oversee all phases of participation—from selection and curation to sales and client engagement.

Sales Leadership

• Drive robust sales strategies across exhibitions, private sales, and art fairs.
• Set and achieve ambitious sales targets, ensuring alignment with the gallery’s overall commercial goals.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Grow and manage the gallery’s U.S. collector and institutional network.
• Deepen existing relationships and proactively identify and cultivate new opportunities.

Artist Relations

• Serve as a key point of contact for selected represented artists.
• Guide strategic planning around sales, institutional placements, and career development.
• Facilitate studio visits and maintain regular communication with artists.

Market Intelligence & Brand Positioning

• Stay attuned to developments in the U.S. and global art markets.
• Position the gallery competitively within New York while acting as a brand ambassador.
• Collaborate closely with international teams to ensure cohesion across all global initiatives.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 5–7+ years of experience in the contemporary art world.
• Proven track record in sales, with strong negotiation skills and a history of exceeding targets.
• Deep knowledge of modern, post-war, and contemporary art; strong network among collectors, institutions, and curators.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Prior experience scaling a gallery or arts institution is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable representing the gallery to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a collaborative mindset.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with digital art and Web3 is a plus.

Additional Details

Role is in-person, onsite but a remote start may be considered.