THE COMPANY
Established in New York in 1993, the Outsider Art Fair is the only art fair concentrating on self-taught
art and presenting works by acknowledged masters and discoveries. Recognized for its maverick
spirit, OAF plays a vital role in nurturing a passionate collecting community and broader recognition
for outsider art in the contemporary art arena.
THE ROLE
The ideal candidate for this position should be a skilled Director who can enhance and maintain
quality by identifying and recruiting new exhibitors and sponsors. This full-time, hands-on role
involves all aspects of running an art fair, including booth sales, staff management, operations, and
financial oversight. The Director will also focus on developing and nurturing relationships with VIPs,
collectors, and museums while serving as a brand ambassador.
Qualifications: A minimum of 8-10 years in the art business, with knowledge of self-taught, art brut,
and outsider art. Experience in sales and management is required. Familiarity with art world software
is essential. Being multi-lingual is a plus.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Relationship Management
• Oversee key messaging and objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective galleries to enhance their
satisfaction.
• Collaborate with external production companies and vendors.
• Serve as a public-facing representative of the fair, cultivating and developing partnerships
that expand OAF visibility and engagement with galleries, VIPs, collectors, and cultural
institutions.
Booth Sales & Sponsorships
• Approximately 25% of your time should be spent developing prospects and selling booths to
new exhibitors.
• Work with the team to approach new exhibitors to increase the quality, visionary feel, and
diversity.
• Identify, secure, and steward sponsorships to enhance the fair quality and increase revenue.
Visitor Experience
• Consistently seek to improve overall visitor experience by providing fresh and dynamic
content.
• Focus on cultivating new VIPs, collectors, and fairgoers.
Marketing and PR
• Implement high-quality content to support marketing communications and social media.
• Lead communications with our Public Relations vendor.
Operational
• Negotiate and manage key external vendors/independent contractors.
• Oversight of installation/breakdown, related receptions, and programming.
• Manage all contracts, permits, and licenses.
Finance, Budgeting and Reporting
• Manage fair budget, revenue, and expenses
• Meet or exceed financial targets.
• Analysis and reporting to improve financial planning.
Team leadership
• Manage all art fair staff.
• Motivate the team with clarity toward support and delegation.
Work Model and Travel
• Two days in the office and three days offsite or working from home.
• Some evenings and weekends for events and during the fair.
• Domestic and International travel as needed.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Outsider Art Fair Director” in the subject line. No calls or walk-ins please.