Lead Preparator and Assistant Registrar

Catharine Clark Gallery seeks an organized, experienced, and collaborative candidate to oversee exhibition installation, artwork logistics, storage, and registration across the gallery’s exhibitions 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 install week, when the schedule is Sunday–Friday. Benefits: 3.5 weeks paid time off, 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.

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

Maintain professional standards for handling, documentation, labeling, storage, and art movement, and for presentation of gallery, storage, and work areas. Support registration workflows, location tracking, deaccessioning, shipping records, and inventory. Oversee racks, flat files, crates, pedestals, display furniture, storage areas, and workspaces.

Coordinate exhibition tasks: patching, painting, lighting, display, media installations. Attend weekly staff meetings and communicate clearly about timelines, logistics, and operational priorities.

3 years of experience in art handling, exhibition installation, registration, or gallery preparation. Knowledge of art handling, packing, shipping, storage, and safety protocols. Art databases experience. Media installation experience. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Driver’s license.

Installation and organization of art exhibitions, art fairs, and inventory

Registration support

Handling, packing, and shipping logistics

3 years experience in art handling preferred

1 year experience in registration or admin support preferred

3 years experience in art gallery

ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted

good communication skills

drivers license

positive attitude

ability to climb a ladder

Please send a cover letter, CV or resume, and references to

cc@cclarkgallery.com

Subject Line: Application for Lead Preparator and Assistant Registrar

Applications accepted through 7/22/2026

No phone calls

Contact

Tags

Full Time

Art Handling/Logistics

Registrars/Collections Mgmt

Administration

San Francisco

Mid Level

Posted on July 8