The Department of Art at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks applications for a Ruffin Gallery and Visiting Artist Manager position. This position serves as a liaison between the Art Department leadership team and our faculty and students, as well as other University and guest professionals, to successfully manage and install gallery exhibitions, and to oversee gallery related finances, academic collaborations, and event related programming for visiting artists in the Studio Art Program. The Ruffin Gallery is an active part of the Undergraduate Studio Art program, and the Charlottesville community, hosting multiple exhibitions each year and coordinating UVA student thesis exhibitions.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all aspects of the Ruffin Gallery exhibitions and related programming:
  • Guest artist research and invitations
  • Art installation and deinstallation assistance
  • Public events, workshops, and class visits
  • Payments to individuals and suppliers, and for goods or services
  • Student programming support
• Collaborates with the Finance Manager to manage the annual gallery budget, including grant-writing and seeking co-sponsorship engagement.
• Manages exhibition spaces, equipment, and artwork on loan.
• Creates and implements a marketing strategy plan
• Supports visiting artist class visits
• Collaborates with faculty on artist-in-residence proposals
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in art history, museology or related field, such as studio art, arts administration, art history
• Experience: At least three years of museum registration (gallery) experience. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: BA/BFA in an art related field.
• Experience: Experience installing exhibitions, managing project budgets, logistics, and marketing is desired
• Licensure/Certifications: Driver’s License

Physical Demands

This is an active job that includes use of desktop computers, knowledge of various digital arts technology equipment, and the ability to climb ladders and lift objects. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Applications must be received by January 5, 2026.

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0078551. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

Department Contact:

• For questions about the position, please contact Laura Mellusi, lk9a@virginia.edu.

Recruiter Contact:

• For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, unw5dq@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.