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 Finance

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The Director of Finance is a key leadership role responsible for stewarding the financial health, integrity, and long-term sustainability of The Contemporary Austin. This position blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational oversight, supporting a dynamic organization where art, education, and community engagement intersect.

As a trusted partner to the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance helps shape thoughtful decisions that allow the museum to fulfill its mission while furthering the organization’s fiscal health, preparing for growth, and ensuring continuous efficiency and current best practices. The role oversees financial processes, reporting, compliance, the annual audit, budgeting, cash flow, endowment activity, and core business practices across the organization.

This leader supervises the finance team and serves as the primary liaison to the Finance and Endowment Committees, ensuring transparency, strong governance, and clear communication with stakeholders. The Director of Finance plays a central role in helping the museum remain socially mindful, creatively ambitious, and operationally strong.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Financial Strategy & Stewardship

  • Develop and guide the museum’s financial strategy, including annual and multi-year budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
  • Maintain rolling cash flow models and provide scenario planning that supports organizational resilience and opportunity.
  • Monitor working capital, liquidity, and financial risks while proactively identifying solutions that strengthen sustainability and long-term health.
  • Proactively seek and implement solutions to enhance the museum's financial performance and systems.
  • Oversee restricted fund accounting and ensure compliance with donor intent and nonprofit reporting standards.
  • Act as the primary contact for the museum's finance and endowment committees, ensuring effective communication and alignment with financial strategies and maximizing the group’s engagement.

 

Endowment & Fund Management

  • Partner with the Endowment Committee and investment advisors to align investment performance with board-approved spending policies.
  • Work closely with the advancement and directors' office to support endowment fundraising and ensure proper reporting and management of endowment funds.

 
Operations, Systems & Compliance

  • Strengthen financial controls, accounting processes, and reporting systems to improve clarity and organizational effectiveness.
  • Closely manage liquidity and ensure proper use of restricted funds.
  • Lead annual audit preparation and execution, including documentation, auditor coordination, and implementation of recommendations.
  • Oversee tax filings, contracts, insurance relationships, and regulatory compliance.
  • Supervise accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure accurate, timely and efficiently handled financial transactions.

 
Organizational Partnership & Leadership

  • Collaborate across museum departments to build transparent budgets, compensation strategies, and benefit planning aligned with financial goals.
  • Partner with Development on grant compliance, contributed revenue reconciliation, and financial reporting.
  • Prepare and present financial updates and insights to leadership and the Board of Trustees.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff while fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous learning.

 
Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field; MBA and/or CPA certification is highly preferred.
  • A minimum of 10 years in a senior financial management role in the non-profit sector.
      • Experience managing a budget of $8 million or greater.

    • Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of effectively leading a finance team and fostering a collaborative team environment.
    • Experience in managing financial operations, including budget development, financial forecasting, and reporting.
    • Comfort translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insight for non-financial audiences.
    • Capital campaign experience preferred.
    • Strong ethical standards and a collaborative leadership style rooted in care and candor.
    • Proficiency in financial software applications, such as QuickBooks, Excel, Salesforce and Ramp, as well as familiarity with project management systems.

     
    Skills and Approach

    • Exceptional organizational, prioritization, analytical, and presentation skills.
    • Meticulous attention to detail.
    • Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, including willingness to give critical feedback and manage relationships.
    • Strong supervisory and management (both people and project) skills.
    • A genuine passion for the mission of the museum and a dedication to promoting its core values, as well as its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

     
    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.

 

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 40 hours per week from June 1, 2026, through August 14, 2026. There will be an onboarding orientation on Friday, May 29. Please note our summer schedule does not allow for time off and you must be available for all listed dates. 
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 classroom assistants with students ages 4-11, and will assist in other functions as needed. Summer Programs Assistants will run our Supervised Lunch program from 12-1P daily for children who signed up. 

 
Department: Art School
Reports to: Art School Director           
Pay Range: $16.50/hour
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., June 1 through August 14 
Status: part-time, non-exempt, temporary  
 
Responsibilities:

 

  • 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 
  • Supervise children during lunch program from 12-1 p.m. daily  
  • Stock classroom studios with basic supplies 
  • Clean studios (with a focus on ceramics studios) daily
  • Other responsibilities as needed 

     
    Qualifications:

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

     
    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.