Careers
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA)
The Contemporary Austin values a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and we seek to model these values in our hiring and engagement practices for all our artistic and educational programs. We welcome applications by BIPOC candidates as well as individuals who bring new perspectives in a host of ways. It is the policy of The Contemporary Austin not to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status and to take action to ensure that those seeking to do business with the Contemporary are treated fairly. The Contemporary Austin aims to create a safe, welcoming working environment and doesn’t tolerate discrimination of any kind. The organization is currently pursuing a multi-year DEIA effort and seeks individuals who share our commitment to this work.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Opportunities:
Executive Assistant to Director
Read MoreShow Less
The Contemporary Austin is seeking an exceptional Temporary Executive Assistant to serve as a trusted partner to the Executive Director during an important period of transition. This is an opportunity for a highly capable, experienced executive support professional who can step into an established executive office, quickly assess what is needed, and make an immediate impact.
We are looking for a true all-star—someone who is organized, anticipates needs before they are communicated, brings calm and structure to a fast-moving environment, and can seamlessly manage the many details surrounding a senior executive. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable managing a complex calendar, preparing for Board and leadership meetings, coordinating executive travel and events, handling confidential information, and independently handling projects.
This person will bring sound judgment, exceptional discretion, attention to detail, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a high level of emotional intelligence to every interaction. They will be comfortable working with senior leadership, Board members, donors, staff, and external partners and will represent the Executive Director and The Contemporary Austin with professionalism, warmth, and confidence.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who does not need to be told what to do at every step. The ideal candidate will quickly learn the Executive Director’s working style, understand the organization’s priorities, identify what needs attention, and proactively make things happen. They will be a steady, solutions-oriented presence who can hit the ground running and provide support with minimal ramp-up time.
This is a hybrid position based in Austin, Texas, with days in office or onsite at local Austin locations as needed. Occasional evenings may be required for special events.
Department: Director's Office
Reports to: Executive Director
Minimum Experience: Manager/Supervisor
Pay Range: $40-$60/Hour
Schedule: Part-time, hybrid (20-30 hours per week)
Anticipated Duration: Immediate – November 1, 2026 (flexible)
Employment Type: Temporary
Status: Seasonal
About The Contemporary Austin:
The Contemporary Austin is a leading contemporary art museum and cultural organization dedicated to presenting ambitious exhibitions, programs, and experiences that engage audiences with contemporary art and ideas.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Executive Support
- Manage a complex and dynamic calendar for the Executive Director, including scheduling internal and external meetings, resolving conflicts, and proactively identifying scheduling needs.
- Prepare the Executive Director for meetings by gathering materials, coordinating agendas, and tracking necessary follow-up.
- Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, communications, presentations, and other materials.
- Monitor incoming requests and determine appropriate priorities and next steps.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive organizational, personnel, donor, Board, and business information.
Board & Leadership Support
- Coordinate logistics and materials for Board of Trustees meetings, committee meetings, and other governance activities.
- Support preparation and distribution of Board materials, presentations, agendas, and meeting documentation.
- Coordinate with members of the Leadership Team and other departments to ensure deadlines and follow-up items are addressed.
- Assist with organizational planning and special projects as needed.
Events & Meetings
- Coordinate logistics for executive meetings, donor engagements, Board events, museum events, and other organizational gatherings.
- Assist with invitations, scheduling, catering, venues, materials, and other event-related logistics.
- Provide onsite support for select events and meetings.
Travel & Administrative Coordination
- Coordinate domestic and occasional international travel arrangements, itineraries, and related logistics.
- Prepare travel materials and ensure the Executive Director has necessary information and documentation.
- Process and track expenses and assist with administrative and financial coordination.
- Maintain organized electronic files, records, and reference materials.
Special Projects
- Attend weekly virtual Monday OPA meetings to align on cross-departmental events and staff needs.
- Review tasks assigned to the Executive Director and “manage up," ensuring time is held for task completion.
- Prepare written thank-you notes for the Executive Director to personalize and send to donors.
- Take meeting minutes for Board and Committee meetings and assist with related documentation and follow-up.
- Manage weekly credit card expenses and invoices through the Ramp billing and expense-management platform.
Upcoming Events
- Support the September 9 Board of Trustees meeting, including preparation, logistics, meeting support, and follow-up.
- Support the September 16 and September 18 exhibition opening events, including executive logistics and event-related needs.
- Support the Executive Director’s upcoming late September travel to New York City and Los Angeles, including itineraries, scheduling, logistics, and related communications.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 4+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant, Senior Executive Assistant, Executive Business Partner, or similar role supporting a senior executive.
- Experience supporting a CEO, Executive Director, President, or other C-suite leader strongly preferred.
- Experience in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, education, or similarly mission-driven organization is a plus.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs and operate independently.
- Excellent judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Comfortable working with senior leaders, Board members, donors, community partners, and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, Teamwork, and Ramp a plus.
- Ability to work onsite in Austin on a needed basis.
- Ability to occasionally work outside standard business hours in support of planned events or executive needs.
How to Apply:
Submit resume and cover letter HERE.
Thank you for your interest in The Contemporary Austin and please keep an eye on our careers page for current opportunities.
Venue Attendant
Read MoreShow Less
The Contemporary Austin is hiring a Venue Attendant to oversee rental event operations at both of its museum venues - Laguna Gloria in West Austin and Jones Center downtown. Serving as the organization’s primary representative during private non-museum related events, the Venue Attendant manages Client and Vendor relations, facility support, and resolves issues in real time.
Additional Details:
Department: Finance
Reports to: Site Rentals Manager
Pay Range: $22/hour
Status: Part-time, Seasonal, Non-exempt
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Experience & Education:
How to Apply:
Submit resume and cover letter HERE.
Thank you for your interest in The Contemporary Austin and please keep an eye on our careers page for current opportunities.
Visitor Engagement Assistant
Read MoreShow Less
The Visitor Engagement Assistant serves as one of the first points of contact for museum visitors at both The Contemporary Austin’s downtown location (Jones Center) and its outdoor sculpture park (Laguna Gloria) located in West Austin. This seasonal role has an anticipated duration from August 31 to January 17. This role is part-time with the expectation of being scheduled 15-20 hours a week.
Department: Finance
Reports to: Visitor Engagement Team Leads
Pay Range: $17.50
Status: Seasonal, Part-Time
Duties/Responsibilities:
Required Skills/Abilities:
Physical Requirements:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
How to Apply:
Submit resume and cover letter HERE.
Thank you for your interest in The Contemporary Austin and please keep an eye on our careers page for current opportunities.
Please note job descriptions are not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Additional opportunities to get involved:
INTERNSHIPS
VOLUNTEERING
Our Mission
We invite you to discover contemporary art in settings that provoke thought and joy. Our programs join art with place in a pursuit of a deeper experience, a bigger conversation, and a closer community.
Our Vision
We believe in the capacity of art to transform lives. We dream of a future where more eyes, ears, hearts and minds are opened by contemporary art in all of its forms.
Our Values
Extending the Welcome – We want every person to feel like they belong here. Our invitation is completely open and inclusive.
Always Caring - We know that details matter. We care deeply about the quality of our work and about the experiences of our guests, the artists we collaborate with, our staff, and all those we have yet to meet.
Socially Mindful - We believe that contemporary art is a way for people to connect their personal experiences with the broader social and cultural dialogues of our place and time.
Staying Curious - We observe closely, listen intently, and inquire sincerely because we have a boundless fascination with people, art and ideas.
Making Progress - We always want to be better—to inspire more deeply, to engage more openly, and to serve more joyfully. We are mindful of feedback and committed to ongoing reflection and iteration.
Being Here - A place can transform your experience of art, and art can transform your experience of a place. We activate our downtown exhibition space and our lakeside sculpture park in imaginative ways to serve Austin.
Trying New Things - We believe in the importance of experimentation, play, and the surprise that often results from trying something new. We know that progress comes through both bravery and vulnerability.
About The Contemporary Austin
As Austin’s only museum focused on contemporary artists and their work, The Contemporary Austin offers exhibitions, educational opportunities, and events that start conversations and fuel the city’s creative spirit. Known for artist-centric projects and collaborations, The Contemporary invites exploration at both its urban and natural settings—downtown at the Jones Center on Congress Avenue, lakeside at the Laguna Gloria campus (including the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, the Art School, and the historic Driscoll Villa), and around Austin through the Museum Without Walls program.