Job description

Job Title: Gallery and Events Manager

Contract Type: 6 months, FTC

Hours: Wed-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM (evenings and weekends required for events)

Location: New Have A Butchers site

Start: January 2025

Overview:

Have A Butchers (HAB) is a woman-led, queer, creative gallery space and online concept store based in Dalston, working in association with Hempstead May. We offer a unique mix of vintage collectibles, art books, and fine art prints while supporting photographers and creatives at every stage of their journey.

We are seeking a part-time Gallery & Events Manager to curate exhibitions, talks, workshops and help develop our gallery presence. The ideal candidate is sociable, innovative, and passionate about the arts, with experience in a commercial gallery or arts institution. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to make a cultural impact in a dynamic, inclusive space.

Key Responsibilities:

Events & Gallery Management:

  • Build and maintain strong client and artist relations for HAB gallery hires.

  • Promote HAB’s gallery space through marketing and social strategies.

  • Manage gallery bookings, ensuring timely responses to all inquiries.

  • Plan and manage events, exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks, ensuring smooth logistics and excellent guest experiences.

  • Coordinate logistics with vendors (framing, vinyl, equipment rental, catering, etc.) and hire casual staff for events.

  • Support facility rentals

  • Ensure health and safety protocols are followed and artworks are properly installed.

  • Provide exceptional customer service for gallery visitors.

  • Manage rental, sponsorship, and commercial agreements.

  • Be the main point of contact for gallery-related matters.

  • Come up with event ideas to keep the schedule lively and relevant.

  • Liaising sponsorships

Curation & Art Handling:

  • Assist artists in curating exhibitions, ensuring proper installation.

  • Manage the safe transportation of artworks nationally and internationally.

  • Maintain accurate records of artworks, including condition and exhibition history.

  • Prepare promotional materials and visitor information for exhibitions.

  • Work with the Artists Team to curate exhibitions, assess artist proposals, and develop HAB's artistic remit.

Finance & Budget Management:

  • Ensure the commercial success of HAB’s space hire and events, meeting KPIs.

  • Manage event and gallery hire budgets, monitoring expenses and income.

  • Oversee the sale of artworks, negotiating prices and managing HAB’s commission.

Client Outreach & Networking:

  • Proactively identify and reach out to relevant photographers, artists, and creative professionals to collaborate on exhibitions, workshops, or other events in the gallery.

  • Build strong, lasting relationships with potential clients and collaborators, ensuring the space is seen as a vibrant hub for photography and art.

  • Attend industry events, art fairs, and networking opportunities to promote HAB and expand the gallery’s network of creatives.

  • Develop tailored pitches or proposals to attract high-profile or emerging photographers to showcase their work at HAB.

  • Maintain and grow a database of potential clients, keeping regular communication to inform them of opportunities at the gallery.

Digital Presence & Content Creation (With the support of the Social Coordinator in-house):

  • Ensure the online concept store evolves with fresh, innovative content, including art books, fine art prints, and unique items that resonate with our audience.

  • Keep the gallery’s website and Instagram channels up to date with fresh, engaging, and relevant content.

  • Develop creative content ideas, including artist interviews, behind-the-scenes posts, project spotlights, and features on upcoming exhibitions and events.

  • Collaborate with the team to create and distribute engaging newsletters and Mailchimp campaigns to showcase new projects and events.

  • Ensure all digital platforms (web, social media, email) reflect the gallery’s brand identity and promote its activities to a wider audience.

  • Track and analyse engagement metrics to continuously improve content strategies and increase visibility.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Attend and manage gallery events, including evenings and weekends as required.

  • Flexibility in working hours, with Time Off In Lieu for out-of-hours events.

  • Manage national and international courier & shipping logistics

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Creativity, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial spirit to promote HAB’s space hire.

  • Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Strong writing skills for preparing exhibition information.

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative.

  • Positive, patient, and helpful attitude when dealing with clients, the public, and staff.

  • Experience working in a gallery, arts institution, or similar role.

  • Familiarity with the photography and arts world.

  • Knowledge of social media content creation and curation.

Desirable:

  • Previous gallery / event management, client outreach, art selling and social media experience.

  • Knowledge with art selling

  • Well connected and a strong understanding of the art and photography sectors.

Development of the Role:

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about the photography and art industry, where they'll be able to play a pivotal role in expanding the gallery’s presence at our new site. This part-time role has the potential to grow into a full-time position as the gallery establishes itself within the new site. We’re looking for someone eager to contribute creatively and professionally, with a chance to make a real cultural impact within our creative space.

The position will start in January, following our move to the new space.