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:

 

Director of Advancement

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The Director of Advancement (DoA) oversees The Contemporary Austin’s fundraising and advancement efforts across all functional areas, including individual and institutional giving; Annual, endowment and special campaign initiatives; fundraising events, corporate partnership opportunities and other more entrepreneurial activities.

Supervising a growing team of 7-10 staff members, the DoA is responsible for the organization’s fundraising goals and works closely with Trustees, committee members, event committees, and the executive director and leadership team to ensure that a strong and compelling fundraising strategy is in place, that income goals are met, and that the advancement needs and priorities of the organization are legible, compellingly presented and well stewarded. In addition to setting goals, strategy, annual workplans, and overseeing all fundraising benchmarking and reporting, the DoA maintains their own donor portfolio of approximately 50-75 donors and institutional funders.

The DoA sits on the organization’s leadership team and plays a key role in setting the tone and culture for the institution. They are well-positioned to make a significant impact within the organization and within Austin’s evolving arts and cultural ecosystem.

The DoA:

  • Embodies the values of the Contemporary Austin and has a passion for the mission
  • Has a proven track record as a do-er, a fundraiser, a supervisor, a leader, a clear communicator and a deal closer
  • Is both a strategist and an operator
  • Has the ability to manage up, down and sideways with clarity, confidence and grace
  • Has a keen understanding of philanthropic trends and the ability to innovate as the sector changes
  • Brings rigor and professionalism to the team

     
    Department: Development
    Reports to: Executive Director
    Pay Range: $130,000 - $150,000
    Status: Exempt, Full-time

     
    Key Data Points:

  • Department Size: 7-10
  • Direct Reports: 4-5
  • Organizational Budget Size: Approx $9.5M
  • Contributed Income, including from special events: Approx $5M
  • Number of Trustees: 35

     

    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.

     

    The Opportunity

    Austin is at a unique moment. With significant growth and expansion afoot, there is a tremendous opportunity to grow a philanthropic contemporary arts community. What has historically been a government and university town has grown not only in size but in the city’s readiness to build out its cultural institutions and make them relevant for a rapidly changing arts ecosystem, and the current and future residents and visitors to Texas’s capital. The right individual will work closely across departments (curatorial, programs & engagement, communications/marketing, operations/facilities, finance, HR/people) to shape the future of The Contemporary Austin and to ensure its important work has the impact it sets out to have. With a new strategic plan in place and significant momentum in recent years, the time is right to bring on a dynamic, seasoned and creative leader for the development team.

     

    The team

    The Development department currently comprises 7 team members, including key roles managing Grants, Events, Membership, Individual Giving, and Stewardship and Operations.

     
    Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Establishes annual and multi-year fundraising goals and budgets based on short- and long-term organizational goals and in line with the strategic plan
  • Oversees the donor relationship journey – from research to prospecting, cultivation, asking, thanking, and stewarding – and ensures that relationship-building, care and transparency are core to the fundraising program. Ensures that all supporters are well stewarded, including their own portfolio of Trustees major donors, institutional and corporate funders among others
  • Oversees institutional giving strategy and execution, including supervision of Grants Manager, guiding grant opportunities, developing and maintaining key corporate relationships, and large-scale sponsorships
  • Works closely with the executive director, board leadership, the resource development committee and cross-departmental constituents to develop and meet fundraising goals
  • Manages department staff, serving as a supervisor, thought partner and leader to the team across corporate, foundation, government, individual, and special event giving.
  • Sets fundraising strategies and works closely across departments to ensure key data tracking, reporting, storytelling and case making are happening
  • Collaborates closely with the communications team to develop comprehensive and compelling print and digital fundraising collateral
  • Ensures that the administrative and operational aspect of the department is high functioning and efficient including timely and accurate gift acknowledgements, records of receipts, and disbursements of funds, close restricted gift tracking, data entry, grant reporting and so on are all properly administered

     
    Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledge of local, regional and national philanthropy landscape
  • Clear and compelling verbal and written communication skills
  • Keen ability to communicate and serve as an ambassador for the organization’s mission and vision
  • Strong and clear supervisory/leadership capabilities to align the various aspects of the organization’s fundraising and contributed income channels
  • High executive functioning, project management, and oversight capabilities
  • Understanding of and appetite for creative/entrepreneurial approaches to fundraising
  • Ability to think tactically/operationally to support and advise on “back of the house” functions and a true commitment to the processes and systems needed for a strong fundraising program
  • An energetic, graceful, and inspiring asker
  • A human-centered leader with strong social, emotional intelligence that can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and problem solve

     
    Education and Experience:

  • 8+ years of experience working in major gifts and/or institutional giving
  • Experience strategizing annual fund, capital campaigns, endowment fundraising and special events
  • Experience working with volunteer committees and maximizing ROI on networks and relationships
  • Experience establishing best practices for a core organization function, gaining alignment and momentum in implementation phases of necessary change inclusive of technology advancement, policy and organizational effectiveness.

     
    Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Ability to work outside in Central Texas weather
  • Occasional evenings and weekends and travel may be required
     
    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 Application 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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    Development Coordinator

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    The Development Coordinator is the central hub of the department, ensuring that the team is well synchronized, that meetings are scheduled, agendas are set, data is entered, letters are sent, donors are heard, members are engaged and that other departments know what key priorities are.

     
    Department: Development
    Reports to: Manager, Dev Ops & Stewardship
    Pay Range: $21.63 - $25.00 Hourly
    Status: Non-Exempt
     
    Department Level Administrative Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide general administrative support and project management to the department, such as:
    o Performing data entry, donor briefs, pledge tracking, file management, invoicing, gift acknowledgements, tax receipts, and thank you letters
    o Processing purchase orders and generating reports including list pulls
    o Assisting with note taking, filing, and scheduling

  • Generate meeting agendas, manage and/or support weekly departmental meetings and meetings across departments
  • Provide administrative support for key development initiatives, including fundraising and membership campaigns, institutional priorities, events and travel
  • Support efforts to center donor relationships and create a warm, inviting experience across all museum fundraising efforts
  • Upkeep of development email inbox, responding in a timely and professional manner to all communications
  • Database & CRM Hygiene (Salesforce/Directory): Regularly review and update records in Salesforce and internal directories to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
  • List Pulls & Formatting: Generate and format audience lists for mailings, campaigns, and events, ensuring they meet criteria for segmentation, personalization, and reporting needs.
  • Donor and Member Thank-Yous: Draft and send personalized thank-you notes to members, donors, and event attendees in a timely and meaningful manner.
     
    Department Level Project Management Responsibilities:

  • Set, maintain and track milestones and deadlines for the department within project management platform (Teamwork)
  • Set up project folders and discussions for campaigns and projects involving cross departmental collaboration
  • Assign tasks to staff members within the project management platform and track task completion
     
    Development Events Coordination and Support:

  • Event Attendee Management: Track RSVPs and attendance for events; maintain accurate attendee records to support stewardship and follow-up.
  • Ticketing System Maintenance: Maintain accuracy of ticketing data, including event access and member benefit redemptions, ensuring smooth entry and reporting.
  • Event Reporting Support: Collaborate with staff to generate post-event reports that capture key metrics, insights, and follow-up needs.
  • Onsite Event Support: Provide hands-on support during events, including check in, setup, logistics coordination, and guest services.
  • Invoices & Purchase Orders: Assist with preparing and tracking invoices and purchase orders related to patrons, membership, events, and vendor services.
  • Vendor Stewardship: Send thank-you notes and follow-ups to vendors who contribute to events or campaigns.
  • Sponsor Acknowledgments & Mailers: Draft and coordinate mailings and other acknowledgment materials for event and campaign sponsors, ensuring timely and professional delivery.
     
    Grants and Institutional Giving Support:

  • Assisting with the full cycle of grants management alongside the Grants Manager and Finance Department including:
    o Tracking and updating grants in Salesforce
    o Notifying finance of grants awarded
    o Updating records when funds are received

  • Adhoc research as requested
     
    Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Ability to move projects forward with superb comprehension skills.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and administratively minded with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Minimum of one year experience with non-profit membership program, fundraising, development, or executive support preferably in the arts
  • Proficiency with database systems (Salesforce preferred), Microsoft office programs and project management software
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience drafting professional correspondence

     
    Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred

     
    Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs
  • Occasionally work outside in central Texas weather conditions sites
     
    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.
     
    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
    Our development team follows a hybrid schedule working in-office two days a week (or more if needed) and remotely for the rest. Our in-office time is used primarily for team meetings and formal and informal collaboration. This position may require you to work some evenings and weekends as needed for events.

     
    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.

    •  

    Membership Coordinator

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    The Membership Coordinator plays a key supporting role in the success of the Museum’s membership program. Reporting to the Membership Manager, this position ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of membership processing, communication, and engagement. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is organized, people-oriented, and passionate about the museum’s mission to grow their career in nonprofit membership and development work.

     
    Department: Development
    Reports to: Membership Manager
    Pay Range: $21.63 - $25.00 Hourly
    Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
     
    Responsibilities:

     

  • Membership Processing & Database Management:
    o Enter and maintain accurate membership records and contact information in the database.
    o Process new memberships, renewals, and upgrades in a timely manner.
    o Process comped memberships and assist with benefit fulfillment
    o Coordinate with finance on reconciling membership revenue and resolving discrepancies.
    o Pull and manage targeted membership and donor lists as needed
     

  • Member Communications & Outreach:
    o Support Membership Manager in routine member correspondence.
    o Assist Membership Manager in preparing and proof-reading membership email newsletters, appeals, and direct mail pieces.
    o Respond promptly and courteously to member inquiries by phone, email, and in person.
    o Support stewardship efforts for upper-level members
     

  • Events & Engagement Support:
    o Assist in executing member-focused events and engagement opportunities.
    o Support onsite member events through setup, registration, and hospitality.
    o Track attendance and collect feedback to inform future programming.
    o Represent the Museum at events through member check-in and tabling, enhancing the on-site member experience
    o Assist with annual fundraising campaigns such as Giving Tuesday, Amplify Austin, and year-end giving
     

  • Cross-Department Collaboration:
    o Coordinate with Visitor Services to ensure members receive proper admission benefits and assistance.
    o Partner with Programs and Communications teams to promote member events and benefits.
    o Support fulfillment of member benefits including special mailings and gift distribution.
     

  • Reporting & Evaluation:
    o Generate regular reports on membership performance including retention, upgrades, and revenue.
    o Assist with analyzing member feedback and participation to improve the member experience.  

    Qualifications:

  • 1–3 years of experience in a nonprofit, membership, customer service, or administrative role.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Proficiency with databases or CRM systems (experience with Salesforce a plus).
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Friendly, professional demeanor with a commitment to high-quality customer service.
  • Passion for museums, culture, and community engagement.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience drafting professional correspondence

     
    Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in arts administration, marketing, or nonprofit management.
  • Experience supporting events or working with donors or members

     
    Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs
  • Occasionally work outside in central Texas weather conditions sites

    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.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
    Our development team follows a hybrid schedule working in-office two days a week (or more if needed) and remotely for the rest. Our in-office time is used primarily for team meetings and formal and informal collaboration. This position may require you to work some evenings and weekends as needed for events.

     
    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.

    •  

    Facilities Attendant

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    The Facilities Attendant provides support to both TCA locations, the Jones Center downtown and Laguna Gloria in west Austin. This person will help oversee daily operations of buildings and grounds.

     
    Department: Operations
    Reports to: Facilities Manager
    Pay Range: $15.00 - $20.00/hour
    Status: Part-time, non-exempt

     
    Responsibilities:

  • Ensure high quality general maintenance of site facilities and equipment, including the historic Driscoll Villa, the Gatehouse, Visitor Center, and the Jones Center.
  • Provide janitorial support to our Custodian, including regular checks for supply inventory and cleanliness of restrooms, café tables and visitor areas and windows on site. Also disposing of recycling and trash bags during mornings or shift requirements.
  • Complete maintenance projects as needed, including but not limited to, painting, sanding, graffiti removal, small carpentry jobs, changing light bulbs as needed.
  • Basic grounds maintenance including cleaning fountains and use of leaf blower.
  • Assisting and monitoring outside vendors on site, granting access, and relaying information to the Facilities Managers.
  • Assist other departments leads in the setting up of events for rentals, TCA programs, education visits, art school classes and executive events including tables, chairs, tents, etc.
  • Noting and documenting facilities issues on TCA’s internal reporting app in Teams.
  • Taking part in special projects like site development, reorganization and assembling of office furniture etc.
  • Taking direction on projects and daily tasks from Facilities Managers and Deputy App.
  • Assisting with crowd and traffic flow inside the grounds at busy times.
  • Opening and closing buildings as needed by schedule or event needs. Includes arming and disarming alarm systems.
  • Taking part in all Health and Safety Training that TCA facilitates.
  • Using radios, loudspeakers, and basic AV equipment.

     
    Qualifications:

  • Available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
  • Reliable transportation to/from both museum locations.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Comfortable with basic hand tools, shop vacs, sump pumps, floor buffer and pressure washers.
  • Strong problem solver.
  • High attention to detail; highly organized.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to lift 50lbs on a regular basis.
  • Ability to climb 16ft ladder.
  • Self-starter with ability to work independently.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Clean driving record.

     

     
    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.

    •  

    Manager, Site Rentals

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    The Manager of Site Rentals will lead and grow the museum’s facility rental program; transforming it from a passive revenue stream into a dynamic, brand-aligned platform for events, partnerships, and cultural engagement.

    This role is responsible for all aspects of venue rental operations and client relationship management while laying the groundwork for a department reorganization into a full-scale Production Event Planning (PEP) function.
     
    Department: Site Rentals
    Reports to: Director of Finance
    Pay Range: $53,000 - $65,000
    Status: Exempt
     
    Responsibilities:

  • Manage all private rental inquiries, bookings, and vendor coordination for the museum’s sites (e.g., event spaces, sculpture gardens, historic villa).
  • Develop and implement pricing strategies, rental packages, and usage policies that reflect the museum’s brand and financial goals.
  • Maintain calendar coordination with internal departments to avoid event conflicts and maximize space utilization.
  • Oversee on-site execution of events, ensuring high service standards and protection of museum assets.
  • Track and report rental revenue, expenses, and margins on a monthly and quarterly basis.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the museum and rental clients, ensuring a seamless experience that reinforces the museum’s brand and values.
  • Promote the museum’s spaces through digital platforms, site tours, and partnerships with event planners, vendors, and cultural organizations.
  • Lead post-event feedback collection and continuous service improvement processes.
  • Supervise Site Rentals team including Assistant Manager and team of Venue Attendants including scheduling, performance management, and cost allocations

     
    Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Deep knowledge of Austin-area venue rental industry
  • Financial accuracy and basic understanding of best practices in financial transactions
  • Highly proficient in MS Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
  • Ability to meet deadlines and respond to inquiries promptly
  • Demonstrated track record of successful talent/team management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Contract negotiation and management experience
  • Professional demeanor and outstanding customer service skills
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to manage multiple clients at once
     
    Education and Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience in venue management, event planning, or hospitality operations (nonprofit or cultural institutions preferred).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead client-facing projects with attention to detail, professionalism, and budget awareness.
  • Strong strategic thinking and organizational development skills; ready to lead a departmental transformation.
  • Experience managing vendor relationships, production timelines, and permitting/insurance logistics.
  • Proficiency in CRM and event management software; Salesforce and QuickBooks Online experience a plus.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to represent the museum with diplomacy and brand fluency.
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.

     
    Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Ability to lead tours of both sites
     
    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.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

     
    How to Apply:
    Submit Application HERE.
    Thank you for your interest in The Contemporary Austin and please keep an eye on our careers page for current opportunities.

    •  

    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.