Gallery Assistant

This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Mactaggart Art Collection is composed of more than 1,000 rare works of art, including textiles, costumes, paintings, handscrolls, albums, engravings, and other artifacts from ancient and modern East Asia. It was generously donated to the University of Alberta in 2005 by Edmonton philanthropists Drs. Sandy and Cecile Mactaggart. The collection furthers our knowledge of East Asian cultures, and informs the research of students and scholars world-wide. This collection is one of 30 museum collections that form the University of Alberta Museums, a unique academic museum system that brings together multidisciplinary academic collections that range from art to zoology.

Reporting to the Manager, Museum Programs and Outreach, the Gallery Assistant, Mactaggart Art Collection is an energetic, collaborative and organized individual who is responsible for assisting on a range of museums activities and specific projects related to the Mactaggart Art Collection, which is part of the University of Alberta Museums Collections, as well as other activities. The Gallery Assistant is a temporary trust position within the University of Alberta Museums unit.

The Gallery Assistant, Mactaggart Art Collection is responsible for implementing the day-to-day operations of the Kenneth and Sandra Wong Gallery and Gallery A in the Telus International Centre, thus supporting activities related to the Mactaggart Art Collection, but not limited to it. This position ensures diverse activities such as exhibitions, programs, and special events are implemented as per approved plans. Major areas of responsibility include: staffing exhibitions during public hours; ensuring routine cleaning, maintenance, and preparation of gallery spaces; assisting with the installation/deinstallation of exhibitions; implementing arrangements and assisting with the booking and preparation of programs and events; and performing collections management duties as required.

• Conduct daily operations for the Kenneth and Sandra Wong Gallery, Gallery A and support the Mactaggart Art Collection. Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to: support with Mactaggart Art Collection projects, visits and access; support around program and event implementation and delivery; ensure the exhibitions and the Mactaggart Art Collection are clean, safe, have appropriate environmental conditions, and support best museum practices.
• Support exhibition & gallery operations through the development of policies and processes and ensuring gallery attendants and staff adhere to gallery, collection, and museum best practices. This will also include supporting monetary donations and the occasional sale of retail items.
• Positively engage with visitors on a regular basis to ensure accurate information about the Mactaggart Art Collection and specific exhibitions and programs are communicated. The Gallery Assistant, Mactaggart Art Collection will lead by example on how to best interact with visitors to the Kenneth and Sandra Wong Gallery, Gallery A, and the Mactaggart Art Collection.
• Assist with exhibition installation/deinstallation as well as other exhibition and museum collections management activities (such as condition reporting) when and where applicable.

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary certificate in arts management; coursework or completion of a related undergraduate degree in art history, museum studies, arts administration, or a related degree with a combination of related experience.
• Minimum 2 years experience in coordination of exhibitions, events, programs, gallery attendants.
• Minimum 2 years experience in working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Minimum 2 years experience in working for a cultural/heritage organization.
• Minimum 2 years experience working for a similar organization, gallery, museum, museum collection, with related job duties would be an asset.

Knowledge

• Proven passion for museum administration, outreach initiatives, and fostering public participation.
• Knowledge of standards of practice in museum collections management and care/handling of museum objects.
• Proficiency with computer software including, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, museum object collections management databases, point of sale, and donation systems.

Skills

• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Problem solving, flexibility, creativity, and coordination skills.
• Strong customer service and the ability to multi-task.
• Project management and analytical skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and also independently.

A condition of employment is the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.