Gallery and Grants Assistant

GALLERY AND GRANTS ASSISTANT, PART TIME

• REPORTS TO: Executive Director
• PAY: $25/HOUR, approximately 20-25 hours/week. This is a part-time contract position with no benefits.
• LOCATION: Hybrid remote and on-site work

The Studio Acting Conservatory seeks a Part-Time Gallery and Grants Assistant to join its staff. The Conservatory is committed to building a flexible, diverse and inclusive culture, planning for and promoting diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including BIPOC and other minority groups.

Studio Acting Conservatory is an actor’s training institution which was founded in 1975 and served as the founding organization for Studio Theatre. The Conservatory became independent in 2018 and moved into its current location in 2021. Housed in the Conservatory space is the Last Supper sculpture, a 20-foot-wide bas relief that was rediscovered during the renovation of their newly purchased building. The relief was created in the early 1980s by Akili Ron Anderson and depicts Jesus and his disciples as African American men. Anderson is a noted member of the Black Arts Movement and now a tenured art professor at Howard University. As stewards of this significant work of art, the Conservatory offers public viewings and programming that advance the understanding of the culture and movement out of which it was created.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: apply@studioactingconservatory.org

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Studio Acting Conservatory, the Assistant will work closely on a variety of duties and tasks connected to the permanent exhibition of Akili Ron Anderson’s Last Supper sculpture, as well as supporting the organization as a grant researcher and writer. We are seeking a detail-oriented colleague capable of working both independently on self-directed projects and collaborating with visiting artists, guests, and Conservatory staff.

The position will require a deep knowledge of contemporary art history, particularly the Black Arts Movement and the AfriCOBRA collective, with an ability to discuss the sculpture with members of the public.  As an assistant for grant research and writing, the candidate must demonstrate strong writing skills and be able to present complex ideas in a clear and concise  manner, using persuasive language to convince grantors to fund various projects. A successful candidate will possess a strong work ethic; creative and flexible problem-solving skills; a positive attitude; excellent oral, visual, and written communication abilities; and strong interpersonal skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supports all aspects of public access of Last Supper sculpture including but not limited to: publicity, educational programming, and general administrative duties.
• Organizes and schedules lectures and programming in collaboration with the Director, including conception and implementation of workshops, educational materials, and gallery guides for the sculpture.
• Acts as docent on scheduled Open to the Public days – approximately one weekend day per month and other days as scheduled, as well as scheduled appointments.
• Assists the Director with publicity needs (press releases; posters, website, digital announcement design; social media).
• Aids in the design and distribution of exhibition materials.
• Maintains gallery mailing lists including adding new artists to the mailing list, processing mailing list requests from the visitor sign-in book, keeping the mailing list updated with current institutional contacts, and adding new institutional contacts interested in receiving announcements).
• Conducts outreach to religious, art, and history focused institutions and communities for engagement with sculpture
• Researches possible relocation of sculpture to a new home.
• Assists Director with grant research and writing for organizational funding.
• Thoroughly research grantors and the grant application process in order to tailor applications to the specific needs and priorities of funders
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines and be able to keep track details and documents needed for grant applications.
• Write coherent, organized, and compelling proposals which clearly and effectively communicate the needs and goals of the organization.
• Apply knowledge of fundraising methods and plans to reach organizational objectives and goals.

Business hours are Monday through Friday from 10am-6pm. Occasional nights and weekends are required.