Curatorial Assistant (Temporary, Maternity Leave Coverage)

The Contemporary Austin is hiring a temporary Curatorial Assistant to provide
maternity leave coverage. The period for this position is approximately 40 hours per week from November 30, 2026—April 2, 2027.

The Curatorial Assistant
provides general support to the Curatorial Department
and dedicated assistance
in service of the exhibition program. This is a key role in the department, and the position is designed for an individual eager to gain foundational, hands-on experience in curatorial practice within 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 will work closely with the Head Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs and collaboratively within the team and across departments.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with exhibition planning, checklist maintenance, proofreading of texts,
  loan correspondence, budgeting, research, organization,
  public tours, and installation of
  exhibitions.

• Support the production of catalogues and other print and digital
  publications.

• Assist with writing, editing, and proofreading of exhibition-related texts such as didactic materials, web text, press releases, internal documents, and grant applications.

• Liaise with artists, donors, gallerists and other curatorial contacts.

• Assist with research and fact checking.

• Assist with the creation 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.

• Assist with the preparation of materials for curatorial presentations.

• Manage installation photography alongside the Curatorial Administrative Assistant.

• Assist curators and Registrar in loan procurement and organization. Draft loan letters and commission agreements.

• Coordinate and correspond with artists, gallerists, lenders, art institutions, and vendors.

• Provide general
  support for the Curatorial Department
  such as
  scheduling and coordinating meetings, managing contacts, correspondence, file management, presentations,
  assisting with interdepartmental needs, filing, budgeting, and note taking.

• Lead exhibition tours as needed.

• Assist with maintaining
  calendar of local, national, and international art events.

• Attend museum and local arts community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in art history or related field required; MA in art history or related field preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience within a museum or comparable arts-related organization.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Knowledge of Teams, Teamwork, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

• Strong written and
  verbal communication skills

• Ability to maintain precise and careful records; high level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.

• Proficiency with Spanish a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged time sitting and computer use.

• The job will primarily be conducted in-person at The Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center location.

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.