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

Read MoreShow Less

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.

    •  

    Venue Attendant

    Read MoreShow Less

    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.

    •  

    Bilingual Youth Arts Educator

    Read MoreShow Less

    This seasonal position supports the facilitation of K-12 youth and family programs at The Contemporary Austin across both museum sites—Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center—and occasionally off-site locations. Youth Art Educators will work closely with the Education Department to lead guided K-12 tours, facilitate hands-on Art Lab lessons, and support Family & Community programs such as Second Saturdays Are for Families and Arty Party. They will also assist with large-scale events, community outreach, and program preparation. Additionally, this position will provide Spanish-language support for tours and events.

    Shifts will be offered on an ongoing basis throughout the year, with scheduling flexibility and up to 40 hours per week depending on interest and availability. Participation will be first come, first served based on program needs. Attendance at ongoing training sessions led by the Education and Family & Community Programs teams is required to ensure alignment with museum education practices and program goals.

     
    Duration: August 2025-August 2026
    Hours: Up to 20 hrs/wk
    Schedule: Shifts available Monday-Friday 9 AM – 2 PM + Evenings, Saturday-Sunday 9 AM – 7 PM
    Pay Range: $17.50/hr
    Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt

     

    Responsibilities:

    • Leads guided K-12 tours at The Contemporary Austin’s 12-acre sculpture garden (Laguna Gloria), downtown galleries (The Jones Center), and other locations, including groups welcomed through the Seeing Special Things tour program
    • Leads exhibition-inspired Art Lab lessons and hands-on activities for K-12 audiences attending a tour at either location, including groups welcomed through the Seeing Special Things tour program
    • Executes exhibition-inspired lessons and hands-on activities for families attending Second Saturdays are for Families, the museum’s flagship family program, and Arty Party, at Laguna Gloria
    • Provide general support to all Family and Community programs including community outreach, family programs and large open house and fundraising events both on-site and off-site
    • Engage with Spanish-speaking visitors during tours, events, and community outreach
    • Coordinate with the Education Coordinator for tour staffing and scheduling
    • Participate in training and development sessions in museum education and art education best practices led by the Education Department and Family & Community Programs
    • Foster a welcoming atmosphere that builds engagement with and appreciation for contemporary art
    • Prepare art supplies, resources, and spaces for K-12 programs and Family & Community Programs as needed

     

    Qualifications:

    • Spanish language skills required
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
    • Ability to work collaboratively within a tea
    • High comfort level working with children required
    • Experience or interest in art education, museum education, or related fields
    • Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and requirements
    • Experience with Microsoft 365 preferred
    • In-person customer service experience a plus

     
    How to Apply:

    Please submit your application 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.