Exhibitions Manager

Counterpublic is seeking a detail-oriented, highly collaborative Exhibitions Manager to help bring our 2026 triennial exhibition to life. This pivotal role will be central to the production and implementation of approximately 30 artist projects presented across St. Louis. Working closely with our Executive and Artistic Director, Exhibitions team, and Curatorial Ensemble, you'll help manage every step of the process—from artist onboarding to artwork installation.

Reports to: Executive and Artistic Director

Hours: Standard working hours are M-F, 9am-5pm and will require flexibility with periodic weekends and evenings due to collaborator meetings, events and artist site visits. 

Location: Hybrid with 3 days in office per week at the Counterpublic offices located at 3733 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. Frequent on location meetings throughout the St. Louis region.

Status: Exempt, full time position through February 2027

Compensation: $55,000-$65,000 salary based on experience

Benefits: Health insurance stipend of the IRS maximum of $437.50/mo, 401k plan with 3% employer match, three weeks of PTO per year, and a technology stipend.

About Counterpublic

Counterpublic is a triennial exhibition reimagining the role of art in public life. Located in St. Louis, Counterpublic connects art with lasting impact by bringing together bold ideas with the region’s most pressing challenges. As one of the largest public art exhibitions in the nation, Counterpublic celebrates and spotlights the St. Louis region as an epicenter of art and culture through ongoing partnerships and artistic programming. The focal point is a three-month, citywide exhibition with dozens of the world’s leading artists. 

Our next exhibition opens in September 2026 and will engage artists, institutions, and communities across the region.

Learn more at www.counterpublic.org

Your Responsibilities

The Exhibition Manager works closely with the staff and curators in the creation and maintenance of artworks for the triennial exhibition located across the St. Louis region. Responsibilities include the coordination and administration of artwork production, working with site partners and vendors, permitting, and managing timelines and budgets.

As a key administrator for the Exhibitions team, the Exhibitions Manager will provide general administrative support, including but not limited to organizing meetings, preparing documents and correspondence, and managing files and data in support of artworks and general exhibition planning.

This position plays a pivotal role in cross-departmental communication and exhibition logistics including collaborating with the team in welcoming artists to St. Louis, developing site and maintenance plans for each exhibition location, and participating in aspects of publications, communication, partnerships, and fundraising, as needed. 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary liaison between artists, curators, and the Exhibitions team, managing project timelines, contracts, and communications
• Support curators with artist commission and loan agreements, site permissions, and permitting
• Coordinate production logistics, including fabrication, shipping, installation, and condition reports
• Welcome and onboard artists during site visits, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience in St. Louis.
• Collaborate on production budgets and schedules, maintaining timelines and reporting to the Executive and Artistic Director and key staff
• Provide on-the-ground support and collaboration with the team on exhibition location preparations, installation, and events
• Research and coordinate vendors for fabrication and other services
• Ensure cross-departmental coordination with communications, operations, community engagement, and development staff
• Help maintain artwork during the exhibition, manage artist files, and support data collection and final reporting

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years experience with complex project management in exhibition management, public art production, architecture, or related fields
• Excellent written and verbal communication 
• Experience working with artists, curators, and diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment while being self-motivated 
• Comfortable with hybrid work and frequent on-site meetings around St. Louis
• Familiarity with public art, site-specific installations, or triennials a plus
• Knowledge of Google Applications, Adobe Creative Suite, and Asana experience preferred 

Additional Information

This position will evolve as the exhibition unfolds and will require flexibility and collaboration. All Counterpublic employees are expected to remain informed about contemporary art and participate in community-facing events.

Counterpublic is committed to transparency and to principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion and is putting these principles into practice at all levels of the organization.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Counterpublic is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status.

We are committed to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage individuals from historically marginalized communities—including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others—to apply.

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to Jess Bellomo, Managing Director, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis through the end of June or until a candidate is selected.