Organizer Information
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA Chicago) is one of the world's leading museums dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Established in 1967, the institution was founded by a coalition of collectors, artists, critics, architects, and art dealers who believed Chicago deserved a museum devoted to the newest developments in contemporary artistic practice. Since then, the MCA has become an internationally respected cultural institution known for presenting groundbreaking exhibitions, collecting significant works of contemporary art, commissioning ambitious artistic projects, and fostering dialogue between artists and the public.
Located in downtown Chicago, the museum houses a permanent collection of more than 2,500 artworks spanning the 1920s to the present day. Its programming extends well beyond exhibitions to include performance, education, artist talks, community engagement initiatives, film screenings, and interdisciplinary events. The museum is particularly recognized for supporting emerging artists alongside internationally acclaimed practitioners while maintaining a commitment to experimentation and artistic innovation.
Over the past decade, the MCA has expanded its public spaces, strengthened its educational programs, and significantly increased representation of women artists through its Women Artists Initiative. As the museum prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2027–2028, it is entering an important new chapter focused on institutional growth, community engagement, financial sustainability, and artistic leadership.
To lead this next phase, the MCA is seeking an exceptional Pritzker Director who will shape the museum's strategic direction while preserving its international reputation as one of the foremost institutions for contemporary art.
Title & Description
Pritzker Director at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago invites applications for the position of Pritzker Director, the museum's chief executive and artistic leader. This prestigious executive appointment offers an experienced museum professional the opportunity to guide one of North America's most influential contemporary art institutions through its next era of growth and innovation.
Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the successful candidate will oversee every aspect of the museum's artistic vision, strategic planning, financial sustainability, fundraising, institutional partnerships, public engagement, and organizational leadership. The position combines executive management with cultural leadership, requiring an individual capable of balancing artistic excellence with operational effectiveness.
The Pritzker Director will lead a museum with approximately 113 full-time employees, 18 part-time staff members, an annual operating budget of approximately $28 million, and an endowment approaching $150 million. Beyond managing daily operations, the director will establish long-term priorities that strengthen the museum's local impact while expanding its global presence within the contemporary art world.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as museums worldwide continue adapting to changing audiences, evolving artistic practices, new technologies, and shifting expectations surrounding accessibility, equity, and community engagement. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the MCA's next strategic plan while building upon nearly six decades of institutional achievement.
The Role Overview
- Position: Pritzker Director (Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Leader)
- Institution: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Reports To: Board of Trustees
- Direct Responsibility: Overall leadership of the museum
- Staff Supervision: 113 full-time and 18 part-time employees
- Annual Operating Budget: Approximately $28 million
- Institutional Endowment: Approximately $150 million
- Salary: $575,000–$675,000 annually, depending on experience
- Executive Search Firm: Isaacson, Miller
Position & Tasks
The Pritzker Director will serve as the museum's principal executive, artistic advocate, fundraiser, and institutional ambassador. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing the museum's long-term strategic vision.
- Providing artistic leadership while maintaining the MCA's commitment to experimentation and innovation.
- Working closely with curatorial leadership to develop ambitious exhibitions and public programming.
- Leading institutional fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation, and philanthropic partnerships.
- Managing financial planning, budgeting, and long-term sustainability.
- Expanding earned and contributed revenue sources.
- Building relationships with artists, collectors, donors, civic leaders, cultural organizations, and international museum partners.
- Supporting the growth and preservation of the museum's permanent collection.
- Leading organizational development, staff recruitment, retention, and professional growth.
- Strengthening governance through close collaboration with the Board of Trustees.
- Promoting accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement across all museum activities.
- Representing the museum nationally and internationally through public speaking, partnerships, and cultural leadership.
Categories
- Contemporary Art
- Visual Arts
- Museum Leadership
- Arts Administration
- Museum Management
- Curatorial Practice
- Cultural Institutions
- Performing Arts
- Public Programming
- Arts Fundraising
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Cultural Policy
Eligibility
Applications are welcomed from highly experienced museum and cultural leaders who demonstrate:
- Significant senior leadership experience within museums, arts organizations, cultural institutions, or comparable nonprofit organizations.
- Deep knowledge of contemporary art and contemporary artists.
- Proven success in fundraising and institutional development.
- Experience managing large organizational budgets and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
- Experience collaborating with governing boards.
- Excellent communication and public engagement abilities.
- A demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership and partnership building.
- International perspective within the contemporary arts sector.
The MCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Program Benefits
- Annual salary between $575,000 and $675,000.
- Permanent executive appointment at one of the world's leading contemporary art museums.
- Opportunity to shape the MCA's future during its 60th anniversary period.
- Leadership of an internationally respected contemporary art institution.
- Oversight of major exhibitions, performances, educational initiatives, and collections.
- Collaboration with internationally recognized artists, curators, collectors, philanthropists, and cultural leaders.
- Responsibility for guiding a substantial operating budget and institutional endowment.
- Opportunity to expand the museum's international reputation and long-term impact.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled.
- Application Review: Screening begins immediately and continues throughout the recruitment process.
- Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time Position.
- Museum Milestone: The successful candidate will help lead the museum into its 60th anniversary celebrations during 2027–2028.
Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
The MCA seeks a visionary leader capable of balancing artistic ambition with sound organizational management. The new Pritzker Director will oversee both artistic and operational excellence while navigating contemporary challenges facing museums worldwide, including audience development, financial resilience, community relevance, and institutional innovation.
The position requires exceptional leadership across multiple domains, including museum governance, fundraising, strategic planning, public engagement, financial stewardship, and artistic programming. The successful candidate will inherit one of North America's strongest contemporary art platforms while helping define its next decade of influence.
The executive search is being conducted by Isaacson, Miller, an internationally recognized executive search firm specializing in nonprofit and cultural leadership recruitment.