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 Human Resources

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The Director of Human Resources is the advocate for the employee experience with The Contemporary Austin. They oversee all people-related things for the organization and ensure that The Contemporary centers its core values within its human resource policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate has experience with all aspects of human resources, preferably with a non-profit or cultural organization, including talent recruitment and acquisition, DEIA efforts, employee relations and performance management, policy development and compliance, and benefits administration. This position directly supervises an HR assistant. The Director of HR is a member of the leadership team, helps steer the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access working group and works closely with the executive director to set policies that anchor the organization’s core health.

 
Reports to: Executive Director
Pay Range: $80k-100k
Status: Full-time, Exempt
 
Key responsibilities include:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Lead all HR related efforts including talent recruitment and acquisition, performance management and employee relations, career development, training, and benefits administration
  • Develop long-term strategies for staffing needs across the organization
  • Perform regular reviews of compensation structure for all positions, update structure as needed ensuring overall compensation remains sustainable and consistent with organization budget and long-term staffing plans
  • Act as primary DEIA contact, serve on DEIA working group, participate in regular strategy sessions with DEIA consultant as needed
  • Maintain employee documentation according to best practices
  • Maintain relationships with benefits brokers and providers to ensure a competitive, comprehensive, and cost-effective employee benefits program
  • Develop, update, and communicate human resources policies as needed, ensure compliance with internal policies and employment law
  • Provide advice and coaching for supervisors, managers and staff on policy interpretation, performance management, and conflict resolution
  • Identify training needs and provide instruction
  • Facilitate the onboarding of new employees, including benefits enrollment
  • Working closely with accounting team, support payroll administration and associated activities such as funding 401k plans and employee health savings accounts.
  • Oversee on-boarding process, including systems and facilities access set up and coordinating introductory meetings
  • Oversee off-boarding process, including disabling systems access, exit interviews, benefits termination, and unemployment

    •  
    Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
  • Minimum 5 years human resources management experience
  • Non-profit experience preferred
  • Excellent organizational skills; ability to meet deadlines
  • Demonstrated experience and success related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as team and relationship building
  • Effective listener and problem-solver, ability to advise managers and employees
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
  • Commitment to The Contemporary’s mission, vision, and values

    •  
    To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Director of HR.” Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position. Thank you for your interest in The Contemporary Austin and please keep an eye on our careers page for current opportunities. 

    Director of Development

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    The Contemporary Austin is seeking a seasoned and strategic fundraiser with 8+ years of professional fundraising experience and experience managing a team. The Director of Development oversees all development department functionality including institutional fundraising, major donor and membership programs, planned giving, endowment campaigns, and galas/fundraising events. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to motivate, inspire, and keep people on track are a must as this role supervises and leads a capable and effective team of both staff and volunteers. The director of development works closely with the executive director and board leadership to achieve the organization’s fundraising goals.

    The successful candidate is passionate about philanthropy, has a keen understanding of donor motivations, can seamlessly align donor interests with organizational need and priorities, and is entrepreneurial and forward thinking about the intrinsic value of the arts. They are hyper-organized, love systems, and are focused on both efficiencies and relationships. They also stay current with trends in fundraising both locally and nationally and relish the opportunity to create sustainable non-profit models.

     
    Reports to: Executive Director
    Pay Range: $100k - $120k
    Status: Full-time, exempt
     
    Key responsibilities include:
    Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

    • Sets annual fundraising goals and budgets based on short, medium, and long-term organizational goals
    • Oversees the donor relationship journey – from research to prospecting, cultivation, asking, thanking, and stewarding – and ensures that relationship-building and transparency are core to the fundraising program
    • Oversee institutional giving strategy and execution, providing guidance on grant opportunities, development and maintenance of corporate relationships, and oversight of large-scale sponsorships
    • Works closely with the executive director, board leadership, and the development committee to develop and meet fundraising goals
    • Serves as primary liaison to the resource development committee and other event and income oriented committees and volunteers
    • Manages department staff, serving as direct supervisor to Individual Giving Manager, Institutional Giving Manager, and Development Coordinator; thought partner and leader to the team across corporate, foundation, government, individual, and special event giving
    • Oversees fundraising events that are on brand and achieve their fundraising goals.
    • Ensures that all supporters are well stewarded and maintains their own portfolio of supporters
    • Envisions the strategy for and implementation of fundraising strategies, key data tracking, reporting, storytelling, and case making
    • Collaborates 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 gift acknowledgements, records of receipts, and disbursements of funds, close restricted gift tracking, data entry, grant reporting and so on are all properly administered

    Qualifications:

    • 8+ years of experience working in major gifts and/or institutional giving
    • Knowledge of local and regional 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
    • Experience strategizing annual fund, capital campaigns, and special events
    • Strong and clear supervisory/leadership capabilities to align the various aspects of the organizations fundraising and contributed income channels
    • 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
    • Understanding of/appetite for creative/entrepreneurial approaches to fundraising
    • Experience working with volunteer committees and maximizing ROI on networks and relationships
    • An energetic, graceful, and inspiring asker

    Context:
    In 2011, The Contemporary Austin was born from a merger between two existing entities, Arthouse and The Austin Museum of Art. Over the past 10 years, The Contemporary has had several significant milestones, among them securing a $9M+ foundation gift that enables the development of its Laguna Gloria sculpture park and a capital campaign to create the welcome center at Laguna Gloria. Now, under new executive leadership the organization seeks to grow its annual fundraising program by formalizing and professionalizing its major donor program, focusing on impact and storytelling and taking a more audience centered approach to its work. With Austin’s rapid growth and new residents arriving from other cities where the arts are a key component to a healthy civic fabric, The Contemporary seeks to deepen its donor base and expand its audience and supporter reach. Our future senior director of development will be a key leader in this work.

    Annual Budget: $8.2M
    # of Trustees: 35
    # of Staff: 75
    Development department positions: Individual Giving Manager, Institutional Giving Manager, Development Coordinator, Membership Coordinator
    Physical Locations: Gallery space: Jones Center (Congress & 7th Street); Sculpture Park, historic buildings, and Art School: Laguna Gloria (35th Street)
    Income by %: 55% development, 30% earned income, 11% endowment, 4% other

     
    To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Director of Development” by April 30, 2023. Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position. 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 Contemporary Austin is hiring a Membership Coordinator to support all aspects of the Museum’s membership programs ranging from outreach and communications, gift acknowledgement and tracking, renewals, appeals, event and engagement strategies and member engagement. Internally, this is a key member of the development department; externally, the membership coordinator serves as an ambassador and key connector to our membership community.

     
    Reports to: Individual Giving Manager
    Pay Range: $21.63/hour-$27.50/hour
    Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
     
    Key responsibilities include:

    • Administer all aspects of the membership program including:
      • Project manage the annual calendar of membership related activities
      • Process all membership data entry, including transferring data from other online systems
      • Draft membership communications ranging from direct mail and thank you letters to e-newsletters
    • Work collaboratively across departments to ensure membership benefits such as admission access, special events, are fulfilled and proactively nurtured
    • Support key membership initiatives, drives and campaigns
    • Respond to membership inquiries via phone, internet, and mail and serve as a primary liaison to our members
    • Work with the communications team to produce membership-related printed and web materials
    • Work with the development committee as needed to cultivate new members and engage member prospects
    • Occasionally work at evening and weekend events

    Qualifications:

    • One year of experience with non-profit membership program, marketing or fundraising departments, preferably in the arts and humanities
    • Strong project management, administration, communication and interpersonal skills
    • Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, keen attention to detail, strong work ethic
    • A can-do, flexible, resourceful, and goal-oriented attitude
    • The ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality is paramount
    • Proficiency in Office systems including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; Proficiency with CRM software, preferably Salesforce
    • Bachelor’s degree preferred, but strong work experience will be considered.
    • Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
    • Experience using an email marketing platform preferred

     
    To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Membership Coordinator.” Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position.

    Database Administrator

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    The Contemporary Austin is hiring a Database Administrator (DBA) to be the primary CRM administrator of our Salesforce database and its third-party systems. This person is responsible for administrator and user support, and system upkeep of The Contemporary’s Salesforce NPSP solution. Maintaining, monitoring, and updating the database, this person is responsible for maintaining data integrity and performance of multiple integrated platforms. The DBA will engage with staff across all departments to ensure proper procedures and best practices are followed.
     
    Reports to: IT Manager
    Pay Range: $50k - $75k/year
    Status: Full-time
     
    Responsibilities include:

    • Oversee Salesforce data integrity and system integration across platforms including, but not limited to, bookkeeping, ticketing, marketing, and mailing lists.
    • Set up monitoring, processes, activities, and automation of tasks.
    • Input, track, and maintain payments, contacts, opportunities, campaigns, and other data.
    • Track impact data in coordination with finance and development efforts.
    • Produce reports and perform data health checks; manage dashboards.
    • Support internal cross-function troubleshooting of Salesforce
    • Collect, assess, analyze, translate, and interpret data.
    • Conduct backups and other routine tasks.
    • User account administration, password management, profile, roles and security.
    • Work closely with Salesforce consultants to define system requirements and customize the platform.
    • Stay updated on technology platform new tools, capabilities, and updates
    • Support Technology Systems and Knowledge Manager on special projects as assigned.

    Qualifications:

    • 2+ years of experience managing a Salesforce organization, preferably within a non-profit organization
    • Bachelor’s degree in information technology or equivalent experience/certification
    • Strong analytical skills – experience with evaluating information and recommending action
    • Excellent communication skills to effectively exchange information with others
    • Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks with excellent attention to detail

    To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Database Admin.” You may also submit an online application here. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position.

    Summer Programs Assistant (Art School)

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    The Contemporary Austin is seeking three Summer Programs Assistants to provide support for Art School summer children’s classes. This is a temporary position working 35 hours per week from May 26, 2023, through August 11, 2023. Please note our summer schedule does not allow for time off.

    Summer Programs Assistants play a crucial role in the Art School’s summer class experience. Programs Assistants will assist with drop off and pick up, help keep our studios and supplies organized and stocked, will work closely with our faculty as on-call classroom helpers with students ages 4-11, and will assist in other functions as needed.
     
    Reports to: Registration & Student Affairs Manager 
    Pay Rate: $16.50/hour
    Status: Part-time, non-exempt, temporary 
     

    Weekly Schedule:

  • Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
  • May 26 through August 11

    •  

    Responsibilities include:

  • Assist with student drop-offs and pick-ups
  • Act as floating teacher assistants during class times to help with breaks, assist students needing special attention, and other needs
  • Help teachers with classroom set-up and break-down
  • Stock classroom studios with basic supplies
  • Other responsibilities as needed
     

    Qualifications:

  • Professional demeanor and outstanding customer service skills
  • Experience working with children preferred
  • Familiarity with studio art preferred, including a variety of media and methods
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively exchange information with others
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

    • To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Summer Assistants.” You may also submit an online application here. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position. Thank you for your interest in The Contemporary Austin and please keep an eye on our Careers page for current opportunities!

    CUSTODIAN

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    The Contemporary Austin is hiring a Custodian to maintain the cleanliness of the facilities of Laguna Gloria, our 14-acre sculpture park. The custodian will ensure that facilities are clean and safe.
     
    Reports to: Facilities Manager
    Department: Operations
    Pay Range: $20/hour
    Schedule: Wed-Sun, 8am-2pm
     
    Responsibilities include:

    • Perform routine custodial duties including dusting, mopping, vacuuming
    • Maintain cleanliness of the Visitor Welcome Center, restrooms, offices, Villa and art school studios
    • Ensure facilities are fully stocked and notify appropriate staff when supplies need to be reordered
    • Keep café tables and surrounding areas clean
    • Empty trash receptacles into the dumpster
    • Perform urgent cleaning as needed (e.g. blood, vomit, burst water pipes)
    • Report any safety, sanitary, or fire hazards to the appropriate department
    • Clean and service custodial equipment as needed

    Qualifications:

    • Experience maintaining large, public spaces
    • Possess working knowledge of the methods, technique, and materials used in custodial work
    • Comfortable working outside in Central Texas weather conditions
    • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
    • Ability to prioritize tasks

    To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Custodian.” You may also submit an online application here. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position.

    Venue Attendant

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    The Contemporary Austin is hiring Venue Attendants to oversee rental event operations at both Laguna Gloria in West Austin and Jones Center downtown. Serving as the organization’s representative during private events, the attendants manage client and vendor relations, and resolve issues in real time.
     
    Reports to: Site Rentals Manager
    Department: Operations
    Pay Range: $22/hour
    Schedule: Part-time, Non-exempt
     
    Responsibilities include:

    • Act as point-of-contact for event planner and vendors throughout the duration of event contracted time
    • Communicate with on-site vendors to meet agreed upon terms during load-in, event, and load-out.
    • Coordinate with vendors and event planners to make sure all items are removed from the premises by closeout time
    • Oversee event from start to finish to ensure that event planners and clientele are within the boundaries of contract and museum rules; perform rounds of the grounds during events.
    • Ensure spaces dedicated to rental events are in good standing during rental.
    • Operate a golf cart to transport guests on the property (Laguna Gloria Only)
    • Complete end-of-event procedures including event and site closing, including follow-up documentation to rentals team as needed (such as incident reports and other reporting)
    • Ensure guests and vendors leave property by their contracted-out time
    • Document damages and incidents via Incident Report and Event Review Form

    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 available for a schedule that includes mostly late nights and weekends, and includes shifts of up to 10 hours
    • Must be available to work a minimum of 3-4 shifts monthly
    • Must be able to lift and carry items 20lbs and up depending on need

    Experience & Education:

    • Previous experience as a Manager on Duty or Event Assistant preferred

    To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Venue Attendant.” You may also submit an online application here. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position.

    ART SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS

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    The Contemporary Austin is always looking for excellent teachers from diverse backgrounds to join our Art School. We take pride in the high quality of our instruction and the student-centered learning environment offered, and are seeking candidates with an exciting and innovative approach to teaching art in a community setting. We are currently seeking instructors with experience in metal fabrication for our Summer 2023 semester.

    Faculty Requirements:

    • BA or MFA in studio art, art education, or relevant teaching subject.
    • Minimum of two years’ experience.
    • Demonstrated expertise in preferred medium or field.
    • High level of personal motivation, dependability, and punctuality.
    • Ability to work independently.
    • Ability to nurture, encourage, and support the creativity of developing artists.

    Additional considerations when hiring:

    • Instructor’s personal work and reputation as an artist.
    • Facility and materials requirements for new class proposals.
    • Likelihood a proposed class will meet or exceed our average class enrollment.
    • Relevance of a proposed class to the mission of The Contemporary Austin and the Art School.

    Instructor Application
    Please apply at the above link. Applicants may also use the link to submit a new class proposal.

    The Contemporary Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


     

    Click below to access our online employment application:

    APPLY ONLINE NOW

     

    Additional opportunities to get involved:
    INTERNSHIPS
    VOLUNTEERING
    JOIN OUR DOCENT TEAM

     
     
    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.