Part-Time Operations and Exhibitions Assistant
This is a great opportunity for someone interested in curatorial work, exhibition production and design, gallery operations, and public-facing arts administration within a small organization.
Key Responsibilities
Position Title: Operations and Exhibitions Assistant
Job Function: Operations / Exhibition Design and Education
Job Type: Part Time-21 hours/week (Wed - Friday 9 - 5 PM)
Start Date: Sept 1 or ASAP
Salary: $18 / Hour
Location: SPACES, 2900 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113
Position Summary
SPACES is seeking an organized, thoughtful, and community-minded Part-Time Operations & Exhibition Assistant to support front-of-house operations, visitor engagement, and exhibition production within a collaborative contemporary art environment.
This role serves as a key support position at the intersection of gallery operations, visitor experience, and curatorial programming. The Operations & Exhibition Assistant will manage some front desk responsibilities and daily public-facing operations while also working closely with the curatorial and programming team to support exhibitions, installations, events, and artist projects.
We’re looking for someone who is highly organized, tech-comfortable, detail-oriented, and excited about contemporary art and experimental practices. The ideal candidate enjoys being part of the rhythm of an active arts organization—balancing front desk engagement, operational coordination, exhibition support, and behind-the-scenes logistics that help bring ambitious programming to life.
Front Desk and Visitor Experience
- Support our front desk operations as a first point of contact for visitors, artists, curators, and community members two days a week
- Welcome and orient visitors to exhibitions, public programs, and events
- Help create an organized, approachable, and engaging gallery environment
- Answer phones, emails, and general inquiries with professionalism and warmth
- Support visitor education by engaging audiences around exhibitions and SPACES programming
- Track attendance, visitor engagement, and front-of-house data
- Maintain organized and visually welcoming public-facing spaces
Exhibition and Curatorial Support
- Work closely with curatorial and programming staff to support exhibitions, artist projects, and public programs
- Assist with exhibition installation, deinstallation, and gallery preparation during install periods
- Support exhibition logistics including supply ordering, organization, and inventory tracking
- Assist with exhibition layout, signage, AV setup, and visitor flow considerations
- Help coordinate production needs, timelines, and day-of exhibition support
- Support artists and curators during installs, openings, and special programming
Operations and Events
- Assist with event setup, breakdown, hospitality, and public program logistics
- Coordinate front-of-house and operational supplies for exhibitions and events
- Help maintain gallery equipment, technology, and operational organization
- Provide administrative and operational support during gallery hours
- Support collaborative problem-solving and day-to-day organizational needs as they arise
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Customer service or public-facing experience
- Interest in contemporary art, curatorial practice, and exhibition production
- Comfortable balancing administrative work with hands-on exhibition support
- Experience with exhibition installation, art handling, or gallery preparation a plus
- Basic tech and AV troubleshooting skills
- Comfortable using Google Workspace and general office software
- Ability to multitask and work within a fast-paced creative environment
- Reliable, collaborative, and detail-oriented
- Experience working in galleries, museums, nonprofits, or creative organizations preferred
Benefits & Perks
- Free Mod/Co membership and reciprocal ArtsPass benefits (Morgan Conservatory, Praxis Fiber Workshop, Sankofa Fine Arts, and Zygote Press) for the duration of employment
- Free admission to all SPACES exhibitions, programs, and events
- Hands-on experience in contemporary art programming, exhibition production, marketing, audience engagement, and organizational strategy
- Direct mentorship from SPACES leadership and opportunities to collaborate with artists, curators, and cultural workers
- Professional development through paid workshops, lectures, conferences, and networking opportunities across Cleveland's arts community
- Flexible, collaborative, and creative work environment with opportunities for growth and expanded responsibilities
- Free parking