Tuesday – Saturday (Full-time, independent contractor)
The Director, Asia, is based in mainland China and serves as one of the gallery’s primary correspondents between the Asian region and the gallery, expanding the program’s geographical reach, foremost through a sales approach.
ABOUT THE GALLERY
David Kordansky Gallery is one of the most dynamic venues for contemporary art in Los Angeles and in New York and is internationally regarded as a leading gallery of its generation. Established in 2003, the exhibition program is dedicated to presenting artists’ work with passion and intellectual rigor, and to bringing the utmost care and precision to showcasing artistic visions. The Gallery is committed to presentations that blend scholarship and connoisseurship with equity and inclusion. We are an institution rooted in our hometown of Los Angeles, and in California, even as we embrace cultural activity as a fully global phenomenon.
Maintaining a culture of belonging is important to us—we strive for a workplace where every single team member feels valued, supported, and heard. We believe in the power of creativity and seek opportunities for connection, collaboration, and learning between cultures and communities. We are committed to championing policies and practices that promote diversity, foster cultural equity, and sustain an environment of inclusivity. The Gallery is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit, qualifications, and abilities. The Gallery does not discriminate, and does not permit discrimination against its employees, interns, volunteers, or applicants. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of individuals who contribute their time and talents to our mission, and we pledge to create a safe, accessible, and inclusive place to work.
The Gallery’s consistent growth, developed in tandem with its artists’ ambitions, occurs through the unique participation and contribution of each employee. We look for colleagues who are the most driven, the most talented, and the most creative. Every member of the Gallery’s team should aim for excellence and ingenuity, surpassing challenges and discovering new possibilities together. We value long-term commitment and loyalty, and in turn provide avenues for career advancement across all departments.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
With Partner and colleagues, guide and advise on strategy for gallery presence within the broader Asian region, with a focus on mainland China
Develop and maintain active relationships with collectors, curators, press, and other VIPs across mainland China and the broader region, traveling as needed
Participate in executive-level meetings concerning the Asian region
Serve as point of reference for all regional inquires, both internal and external
Travel to the gallery’s Los Angeles and/or New York locations for some exhibition openings and events as needed
Actively source and research opportunities for the promotion of the gallery and the gallery’s artists across mainland China and the broader region, including fairs, special projects, commissions, collaborations, and gallery and museum exhibitions, press opportunities, etc.
Maintain a pipeline of such business development opportunities and follow up on noted interest from clients in mainland China (private & institutional) regarding such opportunities, recommending participation and reviewing with the Partner
Research and propose new artists in the region for the gallery’s program
Serve as a sales director to artists on the gallery’s roster, advising on sales strategy and discounts, and working collaboratively with the respective Artist Liaison
Develop secondary market sales in the region
SALES
Develop and retain in-depth knowledge of gallery artists’ practices and biographies, as well as the private and public collections that own their work, through constant research (reading press/publications, attending lectures, visiting studios, reviewing inventory in database, traveling to artist exhibition openings as needed, etc.)
Develop and maintain familiarity with key collectors, curators, critics, and members of the press while providing an interface with them
Communicate artists’ practices and biographies to clients, curators, press, and the public in an articulate, professional manner, with a focus on educating clients about the gallery’s artists
With the Partner, develop sales strategies for the Asian region and evaluate results
Meet and exceed quarterly sales goals
Maintain clear and consistent logs of sales, interest, and client communication
Cultivate and maintain active client relationships both within the mainland China region and beyond
Prepare for and contribute to weekly sales meetings, and proactively update sales team on sales activity outside meetings, sharing important client information and interests
Cultivate a presence for the gallery externally by attending openings, events, etc.
Maintain accurate records of business and travel expenses, submitting receipts and expense reports in a timely fashion
ART FAIRS
With the Partner, oversee fairs in the mainland China region, collaborating on planning and evaluating results
Travel to all mainland China, other regional, and some American and European art fairs in which the gallery is participating in a sales and logistics capacity, arriving in advance and staying after conclusion for outreach as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
Our ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented and creative with exceptional organizational skills; an excellent verbal and written communicator; and possesses the ability to work successfully in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. We seek candidates who are extremely self-motivated, responsible, and efficient, and who hold a sincere appreciation for and experience with navigating diverse cultural spaces. In addition:
Extensive sales and client development experience in the contemporary art world required
In-depth knowledge and understanding of contemporary art, institutions and the art market
International gallery experience preferred
Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously with sharp attention to detail
Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and operate proactively with clear and consistent communication
Skills in a Mac-based environment required including Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar, Sheets) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English; fluency in additional languages welcomed
COMPENSATION
This is an independent contractor position
The monthly rate for this role, pending individual is consistently working that month, will be between approximately $10,417-15,000, which equates to approximately $125,000-180,000 annually.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
This position will be based in mainland China. Hong Kong is preferred but also open to Shanghai
International travel for fairs and exhibitions is an expectation for the role
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the below via email with the subject line “Director, Asia” to jobs@davidkordanskygallery.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but applications received by November 22nd will be prioritized.
One PDF that contains the documents listed below. The PDF file should be titled: “First Name Last Name Application”
Cover letter highlighting relevant skills and qualifications
A complete CV
BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Submissions including the above qualifications will be prioritized. No phone or walk-in inquiries, please.