Media and Exhibitions Coordinator

Job Description

SUMMARY :

Reporting to the Chair, the Media and Exhibitions Coordinator is a dynamic position within the Department of Art and Design that combines the management of exhibition spaces with strategic media communications. This role serves as the primary coordinator for the Finley Gallery and associated exhibition spaces while simultaneously maintaining the Department's external communications platforms. The Coordinator manages 10+ exhibitions annually, serving 400+ student exhibitors (from over 1,000 active majors and minors), and also implements and helps develop the Department’s comprehensive media strategies across digital platforms, social media, and publications to engage students, faculty, alumni, and the broader university community.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Gallery Operations

• Manage the Finley Gallery for the Juried Department-Wide Exhibitions, with entries from all studio courses within the department
• Coordinate the Juried Upper Level Visual Arts Elective Exhibition each semester
• Oversee 8-10 additional exhibitions per semester, hosted within the Finley Gallery and throughout ARDS facilities
• Maintain supply inventory and submit maintenance requests for all gallery and other exhibition spaces
• Schedule and deliver comprehensive training sessions for all students installing work in gallery spaces.
• Maintain training and safety documentation for all spaces
• Maintain and schedule all Department exhibition spaces
• Cultivate relationships with University Galleries and other on-campus constituents
• Recruit, schedule, train, and supervise approximately 10 student workers annually for gallery monitoring
• Proactively implement systems to elevate the professional profile of the gallery on campus and community levels

Media and Communications

• Maintain all Department of Art and Design webpages, including regular updates and content management; maintain the Student Work webpage and archives, which is updated annually
• Enter and maintain all Department exhibitions and events in the Department of Art and Design University Calendar and the University Calendar
• Actively develop and finalize news articles for the Department news channel; coordinate with the College of the Art’s Web and Digital Media Managers for publication
• Communicate all website edits to the College of the Art’s Web and Digital Media Manager
• Implement and help develop an annual social media strategy

Manage all Department social media platforms including:

• Instagram: weekly posts and reels with emphasis on building followers and growing event participation
• Facebook: event details and recruitment initiatives targeting parent audiences
• Twitter/X or Threads: strategic platform optimization
• YouTube Channel: full integration into social media strategy

Create and distribute a monthly or quarterly email newsletter to key constituents (university administration, CART administration, Department faculty and staff, alumni, etc.) highlighting:

• Special events and invitations
• Press releases for significant Department news and achievements
• 1-2 featured stories involving students, faculty, staff, or alumni (industry awards, major exhibitions/publications, international accomplishments)
• Fundraising initiatives and calls for support
• Thesis presentations
• Actively "find the story" by attending and documenting Department events and activities, including exhibition openings, lectures, and special programs
• Coordinate event coverage through photography and information gathering (personally or through student assistants/interns)
• Conduct ongoing check-ins with the Department Administrator and Chairperson to prioritize workload and strategic communications

Instruction and Instructional Collaboration

• Instruct one course per semester in professional practices, or another related course, given one’s experience and curricular needs
• Work closely with faculty and staff to support curricular needs for course exhibitions
• Work closely with faculty and staff to use department media to support and promote curricular objectives
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in Art, Communications, Marketing, Arts Administration, Museum Studies or a related field
• A minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in gallery operations, exhibition coordination, or arts administration
• Strong proficiency in social media platforms and digital communications strategies
• Excellent photography skills and experience documenting events and artwork
• Proficiency in content management systems and website maintenance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling narratives
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Experience recruiting, training, and supervising student workers or assistants
• Ability to work flexible and irregular hours, including some evenings for exhibition openings and events
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for diverse communities

PREFERRED

• Master’s degree from accredited college or university in Art, Communications, Marketing, Arts Administration, Museum Studies or a related field Experience working in an academic gallery or a university arts environment
• Knowledge of installation techniques and gallery safety protocols
• Video editing skills for social media content creation
• Familiarity with higher education communications practices
• Experience with email marketing platforms and analytics
• Understanding of accessibility best practices in digital communications