Organizer Information
The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a non-collecting museum founded in 1939 as one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to contemporary art. Housed in the critically acclaimed Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art—the first U.S. museum designed by the late Zaha Hadid—the CAC is a "museum of the now." Its mission is to champion open minds and foster an inclusive culture by using contemporary art and mutual learning as vehicles for connecting people, cultivating creativity, and catalyzing curiosity. As a non-collecting institution, the CAC maintains a dynamic and ever-changing rotation of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that reflect the most urgent artistic voices of our time.
Title & Description
Curator (Full-Time)
The CAC is currently seeking a Curator to advance the development of its exhibitions program both within the museum and in public spaces. This role is intended for a bold thinker who can provide artistic direction aligned with the CAC’s mission to center artists and audiences through equity and inclusion. The Curator will organize approximately 4–5 groundbreaking exhibitions per year, ranging from projects originated in-house to collaborations with guest curators and partner venues. Beyond exhibition making, the Curator acts as a public ambassador, conducting research, leading community-based projects, and collaborating across departments to ensure that contemporary art remains a catalyst for public life in the Greater Cincinnati area and beyond.
The Role Overview
- Salary: $63,000 – $66,000 per year.
- Contract Type: Full-time, Exempt (Hybrid work arrangement).
- Reporting To: Director of Exhibitions and Executive Director.
- Program: Curatorial & Exhibitions Department.
- Growth: This position is intended to expand into a Senior Curator role for leaders who prove to be extraordinary and inspiring.
Position & Tasks
- Exhibition Development: Proposing and planning schedules 2–3 years in advance, including a mix of solo shows, group exhibitions, and site-specific commissions.
- Project Management: Managing the "16-week plan" to oversee deadlines for didactics, marketing materials, and interpretive texts.
- Financial Oversight: Drafting and tracking annual expense budgets for the Curatorial Department and individual exhibitions.
- Community Engagement: Organizing a college exhibition response program and serving as a public voice in media and community settings.
- Artist Relations: Maintaining productive relationships with artists, including coordinating travel itineraries, honoraria, and lodging.
- Publication Oversight: Managing the production of exhibition-related catalogues, including coordinating with designers, writers, and photographers.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Exhibition Design
- Contemporary Art & Theory
- Social Practice & Performance
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
- Education: BA or BFA required; MA in Art History or Curatorial Studies preferred (MFA is also ideal).
- Experience: Proven track record of organizing exhibitions and contemporary art projects within an institutional setting.
- Skills: Extensive knowledge of global contemporary art and critical histories of race, gender, and socio-economic factors.
- Legal: Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and maintain an average of 40 hours per week.
Program Benefits
- Healthcare: Competitive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
- Time Off: Generous vacation time, sick/personal days, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
- Retirement: Access to retirement savings plans.
- Professional Development: Access to employee assistance programs, CAC membership, and funded growth opportunities.
- Relocation: Possible relocation expenses provided for the right candidate.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Letter of Interest: (1–2 pages) Outlining key competencies, approach to working with artists, and collaborative experience.
- Resume/CV: (Max 2 pages) Detailing work experience and a list of curated exhibitions.
- Writing Sample: (Max 4 pages) Demonstrating scholarly or interpretive writing skills.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
- Review Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Interview Timeline: Final stages typically include reference requests.
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Additional Details
The CAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The institution specifically seeks individuals who value teamwork and are comfortable with the convergence of curatorial work, education, fundraising, and communications. For those not seeking a curatorial role, the CAC also frequently posts openings for Visitor Experience Associates, Security Supervisors, and Teen Fellows on the same careers page.