Organizer Information
The Center for Curatorial Leadership (CCL) is a New York-based organization dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in the museum and cultural sector. Founded in 2007, CCL provides professional development programs designed to equip art museum curators with leadership, management, and strategic skills needed to navigate the evolving cultural landscape of the 21st century.
CCL operates several major programs, including the CCL Fellowship for senior curators, the CCL/Mellon Foundation Seminar in Curatorial Practice for advanced PhD candidates, a partnership with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) supporting international modern and contemporary art curators, and an Alumni Platform connecting nearly 500 program graduates worldwide.
Through a combination of leadership training, financial and strategic education, mentorship, practical exercises, and professional networking, CCL supports curators in advancing their careers and taking on leadership roles within museums and cultural institutions. The organization promotes an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative working environment for individuals interested in contributing to the future of the arts sector.
Title & Description
Programs Assistant at Center for Curatorial Leadership (CCL)
The Center for Curatorial Leadership is seeking a Programs Assistant to support the planning, coordination, communication, and delivery of its annual professional development programs for art curators. The role focuses on ensuring smooth execution of educational programs, events, and initiatives that take place online, in New York City, and in other locations across the United States.
The position is ideal for an organized and detail-oriented professional with an interest in arts administration, museum studies, cultural programming, or project coordination. The successful candidate will contribute to creating meaningful experiences for participants, faculty members, speakers, alumni, and partners while supporting CCL’s mission of strengthening leadership within the museum field.
The Role Overview
Position: Programs Assistant
Organization: Center for Curatorial Leadership (CCL)
Contract Type: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $65,000–$75,000 USD annually (commensurate with experience)
Schedule: 40 hours per week
Working Arrangement: In-person, Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Reporting To: Programs Manager
Location Requirement: Employees must live within commuting distance of CCL’s offices in the New York Tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut).
Travel Requirement: Occasional travel required for approximately 5–7 weeks of programming activities annually.
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; unlimited paid time off; commuter benefits; financial planning services; professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Position & Tasks
The Programs Assistant will support CCL’s program operations through the following responsibilities:
- Assist the Programs Manager with planning, logistics, and delivery of annual programs and events.
- Maintain project timelines, calendars, internal planning documents, and task-management systems.
- Track deadlines, deliverables, and upcoming program requirements.
- Serve as the main communication contact for participants, alumni, faculty, speakers, vendors, and program partners.
- Coordinate travel arrangements, accommodations, transportation, schedules, catering, and participant needs.
- Prepare program materials including syllabi, biographies, presentations, correspondence, and event documents.
- Support online application and selection processes, including reviewing timelines, preparing materials, and coordinating interviews.
- Assist with curriculum development and communication with invited speakers and faculty members.
- Process contracts, invoices, agreements, tuition payments, stipends, and honoraria in collaboration with internal teams.
- Create and coordinate digital communications, including newsletters, social media content, website updates, and press materials.
- Support alumni database management and reporting activities.
- Assist with photography coordination, digital graphics, and printed materials.
- Provide administrative support to finance, operations, and development teams when required.
Categories
- Arts Administration
- Museum Studies
- Curatorial Practice
- Cultural Management
- Visual Arts
- Contemporary Art
- Art History
- Education & Public Programs
- Project Management
- Communications
Eligibility
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Interest or experience in arts administration, museum studies, art history, cultural programming, or related fields.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in administrative, project coordination, executive support, event management, or similar roles is preferred.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Experience working with cultural professionals, scholars, artists, or institutional partners is beneficial.
- Familiarity with digital tools including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, Asana, Mailchimp, Zoom, and similar platforms.
CCL welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds and encourages candidates who may not meet every listed qualification but demonstrate relevant experience and interest in the role.
The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and does not discriminate based on legally protected characteristics.
Program Benefits
- Competitive annual salary of $65,000–$75,000 USD.
- Comprehensive employee benefits package.
- Employer-supported retirement plan.
- Unlimited paid time off.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Opportunity to work closely with leading museum professionals, curators, scholars, and cultural leaders.
- Experience within a respected international curatorial leadership organization.
- Exposure to museum education, cultural programming, and professional networks.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
Job Posted: 16 September 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until the position is filled
Interview Timeline: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.
Location
New York City, United States
Additional Details
The Programs Assistant role is part of a small and collaborative team responsible for delivering high-level professional development programs for museum curators. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, discretion, adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to work effectively with diverse cultural stakeholders.
The position requires flexibility during active program periods, including occasional mornings, evenings, weekends, and travel. Strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented approach are essential, as the role involves frequent interaction with participants, faculty members, speakers, and institutional partners.