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:

 

 

Visitor Engagement & Experience Manager

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The Visitor Engagement & Experience Manager is a key role responsible for shaping, evaluating, and advancing the visitor experience at The Contemporary Austin, across both locations. This position integrates strategic thinking with hands-on operational oversight, ensuring that every interaction is welcoming, engaging, accessible, and aligned with the museum’s mission.

This role places data at the center of decision-making, using audience insights, attendance trends, and behavioral analysis to continuously refine and evolve the onsite experience, and to inform key marketing and programmatic strategies. The Manager leads initiatives that deepen engagement and encourage repeat visitation. This could include leading programs such as Free Week at the Jones Center, managing relationships with our onsite cafe partner at Laguna Gloria, activating late nights at both sites, and more.

As a collaborative partner, this role works closely with the Curatorial, Public Programs, Education, Communications, and Development departments to ensure that visitor engagement strategies support institutional priorities, including audience growth and revenue goals.

This position also supervises visitor-facing teams and develops targeted initiatives across tours, accessibility, and more, ensuring the museum remains a dynamic, inclusive destination.

 
Department: Visitor Engagement
Pay: $55,000.00 annual
Status: Full-Time
 
Responsibilities:

 
VISITOR EXPERIENCE STRATEGY & DATA LEADERSHIP (50%)

  • Lead the design and continuous improvement of the end-to-end visitor journey across museum sites.
  • Use data, visitor feedback, and analytics to inform strategic decisions and identify opportunities for growth.
  • Track, report, and analyze metrics including attendance, repeat visitation, revenue per visit, and engagement levels.
  • Develop data-informed strategies to attract new visitors and increase visitor retention.

     
     
    ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (30%)

  • Develop and oversee targeted initiatives across areas such as accessibility and tours.
  • Ensure visitor engagement efforts contribute to membership conversion, donor cultivation, and event success.
  • Identify opportunities to align visitor experience with fundraising goals and donor engagement.
  • Pilot and evaluate new and current visitor-facing initiatives, such as printed materials, accessibility kits, and technology tools, that enhance engagement and deepen understanding of our sites and programs.
  • Ensure initiatives are iterative, scalable, measurable, and aligned with institutional goals.

     
     
    FRONT-OF-HOUSE OPERATIONS & EXPERIENCE DELIVERY (10%)

    In partnership with the team leads at each site:

  • Oversee daily operations across visitor-facing spaces including galleries, admissions, and public programs.
  • Serve as Manager on Duty as needed.
  • Ensure a consistent, high-quality, and welcoming visitor experience.

     
     
    TEAM LEADERSHIP & CULTURE (10%)

    In partnership with the team leads at each site:

  • Recruit, train, and supervise visitor-facing staff.
  • Foster a culture of hospitality, curiosity, and accountability.
  • Ensure staff are equipped to engage visitors in meaningful ways.

     
     
    Skills and approach:

  • Strong leadership, interpersonal communication, and customer service skills.
  • Data-driven mindset with experience using analytics and CRM platforms; Salesforce experience preferred.
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution.
  • Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and audience-centered practices.
  • Passion for contemporary art and public engagement.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with Veevart and Square for Retail preferred.
  • Reliable transportation and ability to work onsite across multiple locations as needed.

     
     
    Education and experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 5+ years of experience in visitor engagement, museum operations, retail, marketing, hospitality, or related customer-facing management roles.
  • Demonstrated success leading teams and managing complex operations.
  • Experience using data and analytics to guide strategy and decision-making.
  • Experience developing and implementing public-facing programs or initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of retail and hospitality best practices, with a commitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience.
  • Ability to navigate complex visitor needs with empathy, professionalism, and care.

     
     
    Physical requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Ability to frequently work onsite across both locations as needed.
  • Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.

     
     
    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.

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    Venue Attendant

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    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:

  • Please note that this is a seasonal, part-time position supporting private events such as weddings, corporate gatherings and cocktail hours hosted at our museum.
  • Weekly hours will vary depending on the number of events, ranging from 10 to 30+ hours during peak event seasons from September - December.

     
    Department: Finance
    Reports to: Site Rentals Manager
    Pay Range: $22/hour
    Status: Part-time, Seasonal, Non-exempt  
     
    Responsibilities:

  • Oversee event from start to finish to ensure that Event Planners and Clientele are acting within the boundaries of the Contract and museum rules through expectation setting upon arrival and compliance walkthroughs
  • Be the Venue’s main point-of-contact for Event Planners, Vendors, and Guests, relaying details of the venue space’s history and features upon request whilst ensuring upkeep of the Villa’s communal spaces
  • Strong communication with on-site Vendors to meet agreed upon terms during load-in, event, and load-out; prevent early entry and overtime
  • Ensure spaces dedicated to rental events remain in good standing
  • Operate a golf cart to transport guests within the property (Laguna Gloria Only)
  • Determine best course of action in case of defiant or negligent Guests, Clients, and/or Vendors
  • Coordinate with Vendors and Event Planners to ensure all items and trash are removed from the premises by closeout time without damages
  • First to respond and react to incidents on-site; document damages and incidents via Incident Report and Event Review Form
  • Collaborate with fellow scheduled Venue Attendant(s), Visitor Engagement, and Facilities Team to prepare and maintain the Venue during overlap of public hours and Vendor load-in and event start
  • Complete end-of-event procedures including event and site closing and follow-up documentation to rentals team as needed (such as incident reports and other reporting)

     
    Qualifications:

  • Excellent attention to detail, flexible, and forward thinking to mitigate any issues
  • Keen sense for Client relations, problem solving, and communication skills
  • Must have reliable transportation to both museum locations
  • Must be comfortable working late into the evening such as 1am/2am
  • Must be available to work a minimum of 4-5 shifts monthly
  • Must be available to work weekends
  • Must be able to lift and carry items 20lbs and up depending on need

     
    Experience & Education:

  • Previous experience as a Manager on Duty for Venue or Event Assistant preferred
  • 1-2 years in the Hospitality industry preferred
  • First Aid/AED Certification Recommended

     
    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.

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    Visitor Engagement Assistant

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    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:
     

  • Support general operations for admitting public visitors, including opening/closing facilities daily
  • Greet museum visitors warmly, managing admission transactions and entry flow
  • Provide information regarding the museum location’s history, exhibitions, and artwork on view
  • Solicit museum memberships to support institutional funding
  • Process store transactions and maintain a positive, engaging customer environment
  • Answer and direct external phone inquiries

     
    Required Skills/Abilities:
     

  • Commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible visitor experience
  • Previous retail or customer service experience strongly preferred
  • Familiarity and interest in contemporary art preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently
  • Comfortable learning and using ticketing, POS, and other software systems
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Flexible, dependable, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed
  • Must have reliable transportation to commute to both museum locations

     
    Physical Requirements:
     

  • Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, and lifting up to 20 pounds

    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.