Senior Curator

Position: Senior Curator
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Senior Director of Programs & Engagement
Schedule: Full-time, exempt
Pay Range: $80k – $95k/annual

The Contemporary Austin is seeking a seasoned contemporary arts curator with a proven track record of conceiving ambitious curatorial projects and leading curatorial teams. In addition to supervising the Curatorial Department, the Senior Curator will conceive of exhibitions and site-specific outdoor projects that are appropriate to The Contemporary’s size, spaces, audiences, regional placement, resources, and vision, in close collaboration with the other curators on staff. They will also work closely with the senior director of programs and audience to ensure that exhibitions and projects align closely with the organization’s larger programmatic vision. Working across departments (programming, curatorial, education, outreach) to bring projects to life, the Senior Curator is a collaborative professional who will build trust and respect throughout the museum. The Senior Curator reports directly to the Senior Director of Programs and Engagement.

The successful candidate will have a defined curatorial point of view and the ability to translate their vision to reality in a myriad of ways. They will value and welcome diverse perspectives and voices, will be able to think across the museum’s sites and platforms in meaningful, cohesive, and unexpected way, and will understand that curatorial practice is an art form in and of itself.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the director of programs and engagement to ensure that exhibitions and projects align with the organization’s vision and creative direction
• Conceive, curate, and organize exhibitions and installations in all indoor and outdoor spaces at its unique, lakeside sculpture park and its downtown museum, alongside fellow curators on staff
• Serve as an external ambassador for The Contemporary at conferences, professional networking forums, with donors, throughout the community, and more
• Write, speak, and present exhibitions to both internal and external audiences, including working closely with the development department on grants and other philanthropic opportunities
• Supervise curatorial and exhibition production staff that execute temporary exhibitions and maintain short and long-term outdoor sculptures and installations at the museum’s outdoor sculpture park.
• Develop and oversee exhibition budgets and necessary financial reporting and reconciliation
• Work closely with the public programming staff to develop innovative exhibition-related programming
• Foster ongoing relationships with artists, galleries, and community groups for collaboration on existing and future exhibitions and programming opportunities
• Working with Communications Department, participate in interviews, press releases, and other media requests as needed

Experience and Skills:

• Significant track record of exhibition making – from concept to implementation
• Curatorial leadership in museums or other arts organizations
• Keen understanding of how contemporary/artist-centered organizations operate
• Experience supervising team members
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, highly motivated and able to work both independently as well as collaboratively with others
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking abilities
• Knowledge of curatorial principles and practices and exhibitions management
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy

How to Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with subject line “Senior Curator” by 4/22/2022. 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.