Gallery Associate/Coordinator of Public Programs

"ASC"•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

Grand Central Art Center (GCAC) is seeking a highly motivated and engaged Gallery Associate/Coordinator of Public Programs to support the day-to-day operation of its galleries and public-facing activities. The role includes opening and closing galleries, operating the gallery store cash register, maintaining an orderly and welcoming front desk and gallery environment, and providing excellent visitor service. The position also offers opportunities to assist with installations and contribute to exhibition and public-program research, preparation, and production. The position coordinates public-program logistics, assists with media and presentation equipment, prepares event spaces, and supports community outreach. The ideal candidate is dependable, proactive, organized, adaptable, attentive to detail, comfortable taking initiative, and interested in contemporary art and the communities around it. The role requires moving among front-of-house responsibilities, event support, administrative tasks, and hands-on gallery work, while working collaboratively with artists, curators, students, and community members. A positive, professional, and welcoming attitude is essential. The role requires work on First Saturdays and other key public programs and events, including evening and weekend hours as needed. A satisfactory background check, including a criminal records check, is required before an offer can be made.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of at least one college art course.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with the Mac platform and Microsoft Office software.
Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours.
Ability to connect with diverse communities, including local neighbors, academic circles, and art enthusiasts of all ages.
Dependability, initiative, organization, adaptability, attention to detail, and a positive, professional, welcoming attitude.

Nice To Haves

Social media skills to amplify GCAC’s reach.
Insight into the contemporary art field and socially engaged practices.
Experience in the contemporary art world, a museum, or a gallery setting.

Responsibilities

Operate the gallery store cash register accurately and responsibly.
Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming front desk and gallery environment.
Welcome and assist gallery visitors, provide information about exhibitions and programs, and facilitate sales.
Respond to telephone inquiries and direct communications appropriately.
Help maintain a safe and secure environment for visitors, staff, artists, and artwork.
Coordinate the receipt, handling, and return of artwork for the sales gallery.
Assist with the planning, preparation, and on-site coordination of public programs and events.
Support community outreach and engagement efforts that expand GCAC’s visibility and relationships.
Interact professionally with visiting artists-in-residence and CSUF graduate students living on site.
Work First Saturdays and other key public programs and events, including evening and weekend hours as needed.
Assist with installations and contribute to exhibition and public-program research, preparation, and production.
Assist with media and presentation equipment and prepare spaces for events.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.