Curatorial Assistant (Temporary, Maternity Leave Coverage)
About The Position
The Contemporary Austin is hiring a temporary Curatorial Assistant to provide maternity leave coverage for approximately 40 hours per week from November 30, 2026, through April 2, 2027. The position provides general support to the Curatorial Department and dedicated assistance for the exhibition program. It is intended for someone seeking foundational, hands-on experience in curatorial practice in a museum context. The role requires excellent research and writing skills, strong organizational abilities, and knowledge of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art history. The Curatorial Assistant works closely with the Head Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs and collaborates with the curatorial team and other departments. The job is primarily conducted in person at The Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center location. Duties and responsibilities may change, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in art history or a related field.
- At least 2 years of work experience within a museum or comparable arts-related organization.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain precise and careful records, with a high level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
Nice To Haves
- MA in art history or a related field.
- Knowledge of Teams, Teamwork, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Spanish proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Assist with exhibition planning, checklist maintenance, proofreading, loan correspondence, budgeting, research, organization, public tours, and exhibition installation.
- Support the production of catalogues and other print and digital publications.
- Write, edit, and proofread exhibition-related texts, including didactic materials, web text, press releases, internal documents, and grant applications.
- Liaise and correspond with artists, donors, gallerists, lenders, art institutions, vendors, and other curatorial contacts.
- Assist with research, fact-checking, and the preparation of internal project overviews and research packets.
- Organize itineraries for visiting artists and curators and help coordinate travel for out-of-town guests.
- Assist with onsite hospitality for artists and visitors.
- Prepare materials for curatorial presentations.
- Manage installation photography alongside the Curatorial Administrative Assistant.
- Assist curators and the Registrar with loan procurement and organization; draft loan letters and commission agreements.
- Provide general Curatorial Department support, including scheduling and coordinating meetings, managing contacts and correspondence, file management, presentations, interdepartmental needs, filing, budgeting, and note-taking.
- Lead exhibition tours as needed.
- Help maintain a calendar of local, national, and international art events.
- Attend museum and local arts community events.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
