Job Description

Associate Curator

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.

Responsibilities include:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications and Skillsets:

• 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

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged time sitting and computer use
• Availability on select weeknights and weekends
• Comfort with public speaking

Please note this job description is 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.

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