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:

 

 

Associate Curator

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The Associate Curator works closely with the curatorial team to develop the exhibition program and steward the museum’s collection of outdoor sculpture.
The individual will develop original and co-curated content, serve as receiving curator for touring exhibitions, manage new commissions and site-specific interventions at Laguna Gloria, contribute to collection-related projects, and support the editing, proofreading, and administrative work of the Curatorial department. They will also represent the museum publicly as an outward-facing advocate, participate in public speaking and community engagement, and support fundraising efforts and broader institutional strategic initiatives.
This is a key role in the department, designed for a team player who is excited to contribute to The Contemporary Austin’s commitment to connecting the local cultural community with the broader international arts conversation. The role requires collaboration, dialogue, mutual mentorship, creativity, original scholarship, and an alignment with The Contemporary Austin’s Mission, Vision & Values.
 
Department: Curatorial
Pay Range: $75,000 - $80,000 / annual
Supervisor: Deborah Dupré Head Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs
Status: Full-time, Exempt

 
Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research and propose unique projects that are aligned with the museum’s mission, vision, and values and developed in conversation with the Deborah Dupré Head Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs and the curatorial team. Act as a receiving curator on select projects and work collaboratively on co-curated exhibitions.
  • Manage all aspects of assigned exhibitions, including project management, correspondence, planning, interdepartmental content, presentations, general administration, file maintenance, checklists, floor plans, budgets, contact lists, consultation on related public programming, coordination of related exhibition materials, publications, contracts, copyediting, assistance with tour proposals, and interfacing with external contractors.
  • Participate in collaborative discussions with the curatorial team about the exhibition calendar and touring proposals (both internal and external).
  • Work with the team on the stewardship of the collection and generation of original projects at Laguna Gloria. Actively contribute research to discussions regarding acquisitions and care of the collection; document and prepare promotional and interpretive materials on the museum’s collection.
  • Interface regularly with artists, donors, and the general public. Foster and build relationships across the museum’s diverse constituents and stakeholders.
  • Actively participate in the local Austin arts community and beyond including: conducting studio visits, attending and participating in public programming and events, traveling for research and development, and staying abreast of national and international artists and critical dialogues in the field.
  • Serve as an outward-facing advocate for The Contemporary Austin and the Austin art scene writ large.
  • Coordinate and correspond with artists, gallerists, lenders, art institutions, and vendors.
  • Collaborate with Public Programs, Education, Development, and Marketing & Communications staff to develop and edit materials to promote, publicize, and interpret exhibitions and related public programs to a variety of audiences to promote knowledge and discovery of the museum’s exhibition projects.
  • Assist with gathering and writing exhibition-related information pertinent to grant applications, final reports, and other institutional needs.
  • Participate in the budgeting process, manage expenses, and monitor budgets for related projects.
  • Publications management.
  • Perform administrative tasks in the department as needed, such as budget reforecasting, file maintenance, and carbon tracking.
  • Prepare departmental presentations on an ongoing basis, updating images and content.
  • Lead public tours.
  • Support development and fundraising activities.
  • Mentor junior colleagues.

     
    Qualifications:

  • MA in Art History or related field required
  • Minimum of 5 years curatorial experience within a museum or related contemporary arts organization. Additional experience in non-curatorial roles within an arts context is a plus.
  • Demonstrated scholarly achievement, including evidence of original research, exhibitions, public talks, and publishing.
  • Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
  • Expertise in late-20th and 21st century art
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills with museum colleagues and externally with artists, gallerists, lenders, art institutions, vendors, and the general public
  • Demonstrated passion for the role of contemporary art in contemporary society and discourse.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of SketchUp, and Teamwork is a plus.
  • Ability to maintain precise and careful records, high level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
  • High level of discretion and diplomacy
  • Collaborative, committed to mutual mentorship, and invested in representing diverse perspectives
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Strong communication skills and responds well to feedback.
  • Proficiency with Spanish preferred

     
    Work Environment & Schedule:

  • Prolonged time sitting and computer use
  • Availability on select weeknights and weekends
  • Comfort with public speaking

     
    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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    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.