Guggenheim Gallery Assistant—Gallery Photographer

Student Title Classification Information

Quick Link
<https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/41219>
Job Number
SE241124

Position Information

Department or Unit Name
Guggenheim Gallery
Position Headcount
1
Position Title
Guggenheim Gallery Assistant—Gallery Photographer
Academic Year
Term or Semester
All Academic Year
Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?
Undergrad
Anticipated Pay Range
$17.00 - $20.00
Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

On which Campus will this work be done?
Orange
Approved Supervisor
Marcus Herse
Supervisor Email
[email protected]

Scheduling

Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(<https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx>)

Desired Start Date
10/05/2026
Projected End Date
05/23/2027
Average number of hours per week
Up to 10 Hrs

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

The Guggenheim Gallery Assistant supports the daily operation of the gallery while developing a particular area of responsibility as Gallery Photographer. All Gallery Assistants share general responsibilities, including supervising exhibitions, maintaining clean and organized gallery spaces, assisting visitors and public programs, and supporting exhibition installation, artwork handling, and gallery operations. In addition to these shared responsibilities, the Gallery Photographer creates and maintains a high-quality visual record of the gallery’s exhibitions, installations, events, and programs for archival, promotional, and publication purposes.

Responsibilities

**All Student Guggenheim Gallery Assistants are expected to:**

* Supervise exhibitions during gallery hours.
* Maintain clean, organized, and professional gallery spaces.
* Assist visitors and support public programs.
* Support exhibition installation and deinstallation (breakdown).
* Handle, pack, transport, and store artwork safely.
* Maintain artwork inventory, condition reports, and related records.
* Assist with events, scheduling, and day-to-day gallery operations.
* Contribute to the general operation of the gallery regardless of area of specialization.

**Gallery Photographers also:**

* Photograph exhibitions, installations, openings, artist talks, performances, and other public programs.
* Produce high-quality, well-composed, and properly lit images that meet the gallery’s professional standards.
* Edit photographs and perform basic image correction and retouching.
* Prepare image files for print, web, social media, and other digital uses.
* Maintain an organized archive of photographic files and documentation.
* Document exhibitions and gallery activities for archival, educational, and promotional purposes.
* Collaborate with the Social Media Coordinator and other Gallery Assistants to provide visual content for marketing and outreach efforts.
* Assist in capturing and preserving the visual history of the gallery’s exhibitions, programs, and events.

Required Qualifications

* Strong organizational and communication skills.
* Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy.
* Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
* Reliable, dependable, and professional in carrying out assigned duties.
* Resourceful and adaptable when responding to changing needs and priorities.
* Willingness to take initiative and contribute to projects and gallery operations.
* Strong time-management and problem-solving skills.

Desired Qualifications

* Experience with photography and photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
* Familiarity with photography techniques, lighting, composition, and image management.
* Experience photographing events, artwork, exhibitions, performances, or public programs.
* Ability to edit, color-correct, and prepare images for print and digital publication.
* Experience organizing and maintaining digital photo archives and file systems.
* Prior experience in a gallery, museum, arts organization, or other cultural setting.
* Interest in contemporary art, exhibitions, and gallery programming.
* Strong visual sensibility and ability to create consistent, high-quality photographic work.
* Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accurate visual documentation.
* Understanding of the archival, promotional, and educational purposes of photographic documentation.
* Ability to collaborate with gallery staff and contribute visual content that supports exhibitions, events, and public engagement initiatives.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Budget Information

Is Federal work-study required?
Yes