Assistant Curator

The Contemporary Austin is hiring an Assistant Curator to support the exhibitions program at its Jones Center location downtown and its lakeside sculpture park in west Austin (office located downtown). This is an exempt, full-time position with a starting salary range of $42k per year. The position is eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and 401k with employer match.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs; assist with all aspects of exhibition development, including content and artist facilitation, management of individual artist projects, research, fact-checking, and editing
• Write and edit wall texts, object labels, and other content on a regular basis
• Assist with development of exhibition catalogues, including coordination, rights/repro, contracts, and other aspects
• Comfortable, professional, and skilled as front-line engagement, communicating with visiting artists and colleagues on a regular basis
• In consultation with both Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs and Registrar, continue to research museum best practices and draft artist contracts and commission agreements
• In consultation with Registrar, provide general maintenance of database for objects in the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions
• Monitor expenses for exhibition budgets
• Perform image re-sizing and archiving
• Work with Administrative Assistant to develop and maintain exhibition schedule
• Work with Administrative Assistant in preparation of departmental presentations and reports for staff, Art Committee, on an ongoing basis, updating images and content
• Engage with and cultivate community colleagues and constituents

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required (in art history, museum studies, or related field strongly preferred); advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in professional contemporary art setting preferred, with demonstration of writing skills and academic scholarship
• Proactive, innovative thinker with good interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail required
• Familiarity and interest in contemporary art required
• Proficiency in PC environment using Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook required; experience with databases (e.g. FileMaker) and the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g. Photoshop) preferred
• Access to reliable transportation for regular site visits between locations

How to Apply:

Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and 3 professional references in Word or PDF format to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org. Include “Assistant Curator” in subject line. No phone calls please.

The Contemporary Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.