Lead Preparator and Assistant Registrar

Lead Preparator & Assistant Registrar

• Full-Time, Exempt
Catharine Clark Gallery seeks an organized, experienced, and collaborative Lead Preparator & Assistant Registrar to oversee exhibition installation, artwork logistics, storage, and registration across the gallery’s exhibitions, art fairs, and off-site projects.

This position plans and implements exhibition installations; coordinates artwork handling, shipping, storage, and inventory workflows; and serves as the primary staff lead during installation periods. The role works closely with artists, gallery leadership, the registrar, fabricators, shippers, collectors, and vendors to ensure the safe, efficient, and professional presentation of artworks.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical preparation skills with excellent organization, clear communication, project management experience, a positive attitude, and knowledge of contemporary art handling and registration practices.

Schedule & Benefits

Tuesday–Friday, except during installation weeks, when the schedule is Sunday–Friday, with the option to take a day off the following week. Salary is $72,000 annually. Benefits include 3.5 weeks paid time off, California-compliant sick leave, 401(k) eligibility after 3 months and a positive review, with a 3% annual gallery contribution, and a $300/month healthcare contribution after 3 months and a positive review.

Key Responsibilities

Lead exhibition installation and artwork presentation in consultation with artists and gallery leadership. Coordinate schedules, lighting, wall prep, packing, shipping, transportation, storage, and art fair logistics. Supervise art handlers, fabricators, movers, conservators, and vendors as needed.

Maintain professional standards for artwork handling, documentation, labeling, storage, and movement on-site and off-site. Support registration workflows, location tracking, back-of-work labels, deaccessioning, shipping records, and inventory organization. Oversee racks, flat files, crates, pedestals, display furniture, storage areas, and workspaces.

Maintain the professional presentation of gallery, storage, and work areas. Coordinate exhibition-readiness tasks including patching, painting, lighting, floor care, display systems, media installations, projectors, and digital troubleshooting. Attend weekly staff meetings and communicate clearly about timelines, logistics, and operational priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of experience in art handling, exhibition installation, registration, or museum/gallery preparation. Strong knowledge of artwork handling, packing, shipping, storage, and safety protocols. Familiarity with art databases preferred. Media installation experience preferred. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a truck or large vehicle preferred.

To apply:

Send a cover letter, CV, and references to cc@cclarkgallery.com
Subject line: Application for Lead Preparator and Assistant Registrar Position.

No Phone calls, please.