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:

 

 

Bilingual Youth Arts Educator

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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.

 
Pay Range: $17.50/hr
Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Shifts available Monday-Friday 9 AM – 2 PM + Evenings, Saturday-Sunday 9 AM – 7 PM
 
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
  • Self-starter and proactive worker; positive attitude

     
    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.

    •  

    Public Programming Coordinator

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    The Public Programming Coordinator supports the planning, coordination, and execution of public programs and events at both locations of The Contemporary Austin (The Jones Center and Laguna Gloria) including other offsite locations as needed. Working closely with the Events and Experiences Manager, Event Production team, and cross-departmental partners, this role assists with event logistics, scheduling, documentation, and day-of coordination.
    This position plays a key role in ensuring events run smoothly by helping manage ticketing and registration, preparing event materials, coordinating with vendors and internal teams, and supporting on-site execution. The Coordinator also assists with post-event reporting and feedback collection to help inform future programming.

     
    Department: Curatorial
    Reports to: Manager of Family and Community Programs
    Pay Range: $19.65/hr -$23/hr
    Status: Exempt
    Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours per week), Hybrid (offsite and onsite including offices and events)
     
    Duties & Responsibilities:

     
    Event Planning & Coordination

  • Support the planning and coordination of museum programs and events, including receptions, performances, workshops, and public gatherings with the opportunity to grow into co-curating and leading events.
  • Assist with drafting event descriptions, schedules, and internal planning documents
  • Coordinate logistical details such as staffing needs, equipment, AV requirements, and vendor arrangements
  • Help prepare and distribute run-of-show documents and event timelines
  • Stays current in local cultural, nightlife, and hospitality landscape
     
    Cross-Department Collaboration

  • Work closely with the Event Production team, Visitor Engagement, Communications, and Operations to ensure event details are clearly communicated
  • Support ticketing and registration setup, including generating ticketing links and monitoring attendance as needed
  • Assist Visitor Engagement staff during events to support a smooth check-in process
     
    On-Site Event Support

  • Provide on-site support during events, including acting as a point of contact for basic questions and troubleshooting
  • Assist with vendor coordination (artists, performers, caterers, rentals, etc.) under the direction of the Manager
  • Support larger-scale programs and exhibition openings as needed
  • Serve as a leader on the ground approaching tasks/event/colleagues with collaboration and a can-do mentality
     
    Post-Event Support & Administration

  • Assist with compiling post-event reports and attendance data
  • Help collect and organize post-event feedback from audiences and staff
  • Maintain event calendars and assist with scheduling internal planning meetings
  • Process payments and manage artist/talent contracts via institutional processes and systems

     
    Required Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Excellent attention to detail and follow-through
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams
  • Comfortable supporting events in a fast-paced, public-facing environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Comfort shifting between leading and taking notes during meetings both virtually (zoom) and in-person
  • Strong sense and skills in customer service

     
    Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • 2-3 years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, arts administration, or a related field preferred
  • Nonprofit or cultural organization experience a plus

     
    Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods during events
  • Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 40 lbs
  • Immediate access to personal, reliable transportation

     
    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.

    • 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.