Overview Japan Society seeks a bilingual Gallery Associate to support the operational and administrative infrastructure of our world-class exhibitions. Reporting directly to the Senior Gallery Manager, this role is the o…
The Gallery Associate supports exhibition operations through physical installation, condition reporting, and archival maintenance. They also manage administrative tasks, digital assets, and logistical coordination for gallery guests and events.
Requirements
A Bachelor of Arts is required, preferably in Art History or Museum Studies, along with 1 to 3 years of administrative experience. Complete bilingual fluency in Japanese and English is mandatory.
Full job description
Overview
Japan Society seeks a bilingual Gallery Associate to support the operational and administrative infrastructure of our world-class exhibitions. Reporting directly to the Senior Gallery Manager, this role is the operational engine of the gallery team, ensuring seamless coordination across installations, guest relations, and daily administration.
Core Responsibilities
Exhibition & Collection Operations: Assist with the physical installation and deinstallation of exhibitions. Conduct condition reports for both incoming loans and the permanent collection. Maintain critical archival frameworks, including exhibition master checklists, loan agreements, and the art collection inventory Masterfile.
Administrative Coordination: Prepare and process essential operational documents, including house calendar, box office, and Ticketure forms. Update gallery webpages via Squarespace and assemble digital assets for programs. Take detailed meeting minutes, process staff expense receipts, and manage the project code list.
Guest Relations & Event Logistics: Coordinate comprehensive travel itineraries for gallery guests, including booking flights, hotel accommodations, airport transport, and processing per diems or honoraria. Collate VIP and complimentary ticket lists. Serve as a frontline representative to coordinate gallery tours, press events, and exhibition opening receptions.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor of Arts (BA) required. A degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Asian/Japanese Studies, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred.
1 to 3 years of professional administrative experience. Prior exposure to gallery administration, exhibition coordination, or registrar support is a significant advantage.
Complete bilingual fluency in Japanese and English (written and verbal).
Exceptional organizational capacity and technical proficiency to manage complex logistical systems and high-volume workflows.
A demonstrated ability to problem-solve, act with discretion, and execute tasks accurately within a fast-paced team environment.
Requirements
Location & Schedule: This role requires a 5-day work week based out of Japan Society's New York headquarters. While the institution operates on a standard hybrid framework (3 days on-site, 2 days remote), Gallery team members must maintain operational flexibility to support physical exhibition schedules, installations, and events, which will periodically require working outside of standard business hours.
Work Authorization: Applicants must possess full, independent authorization to work in the United States and the ability to maintain this status. Japan Society does not provide visa sponsorship. We actively participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
Benefits
Japan Society supports our team with a highly competitive benefits package, including:
Retirement: A 10% employer contribution to your 403(b) (no employee match required).
Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, 11 paid holidays, and Summer Fridays (paid days off during July and August).
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Oxford medical, Guardian dental, and VSP vision.
Hybrid Schedule: Three days in-office (Tuesday–Thursday) and two days remote (Monday and Friday).
Japan Society is the leading U.S. organization committed to deepening mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan.
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Company size
11-50 employees
Founded
1907
Headquarters
New York, NY
LinkedIn followers
40,597
Total funding
$50K
Established in 1907, New York's Japan Society has evolved into North America's major producer of high-quality content on Japan for an English-speaking audience. Presenting over 100 events annually through well established Corporate, Education, Film, Gallery, Lectures, Performing Arts and Innovators Network programs, the Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that provides access to information on Japan, offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture, and fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia.
Offices: 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, US
Japan Society is the leading U.S. organization committed to deepening mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan.
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Company size
11-50 employees
Founded
1907
Headquarters
New York, NY
LinkedIn followers
40,597
Total funding
$50K
Established in 1907, New York's Japan Society has evolved into North America's major producer of high-quality content on Japan for an English-speaking audience. Presenting over 100 events annually through well established Corporate, Education, Film, Gallery, Lectures, Performing Arts and Innovators Network programs, the Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that provides access to information on Japan, offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture, and fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia.
Offices: 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, US