Organizer Information
Swiss Institute (SI) is an independent, non-profit contemporary art institution based in New York City, dedicated to supporting experimental, innovative, and forward-thinking artistic practices. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs, residencies, publications, and interdisciplinary projects, SI provides a platform for emerging artists while also engaging with established and underrecognized voices in contemporary art.
The institution is committed to advancing contemporary art discourse through ambitious programming that encourages new perspectives and critical engagement. Free and open to the public, Swiss Institute focuses on creating an accessible, diverse, equitable, and sustainable environment for artists, audiences, and cultural professionals. Its programs emphasize collaboration, research, and the development of new artistic ideas within local and international contexts.
Title & Description
Swiss Institute: Senior Curator Job Opportunity
Swiss Institute is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Curator to join its leadership team in New York City. The position offers an opportunity for a globally engaged curator to shape the institution’s artistic direction by developing exhibitions, commissions, publications, public programs, and digital initiatives.
The Senior Curator will play a central role in advancing SI’s mission by creating ambitious contemporary art programs, supporting artists through research and collaboration, and developing projects from initial concept through production, installation, and public presentation. The successful candidate will contribute to the institution’s long-term curatorial strategy while strengthening relationships with artists, galleries, cultural organizations, and international partners.
The Role Overview
- Position: Senior Curator
- Organization: Swiss Institute
- Employment Type: Full-time, exempt position
- Contract Type: Permanent employment role
- Location: New York City, USA
- Reports To: Director of Swiss Institute
- Salary: USD $90,000 per year
- Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; health reimbursement account (HRA); 401(k) retirement account; commuter benefits; paid time off
- Travel Requirement: National and international travel required for research, exhibitions, artist visits, and institutional partnerships
- Department: Curatorial Department
Position & Tasks
The Senior Curator will lead SI’s curatorial department and oversee the development and delivery of the institution’s artistic program. Responsibilities include:
- Creating and implementing exhibition seasons, commissions, publications, public programs, and digital initiatives.
- Developing a multi-year curatorial strategy aligned with SI’s mission and institutional goals.
- Researching and identifying emerging, experimental, and underrepresented artistic practices.
- Collaborating directly with artists, galleries, lenders, cultural institutions, and external partners.
- Managing exhibition projects from conceptual development through production, installation, and presentation.
- Supervising and mentoring curatorial staff, including the Associate Curator and Head of Gallery Operations.
- Establishing departmental workflows and fostering an inclusive, collaborative working environment.
- Managing exhibition schedules, contracts, budgets, shipping, insurance, customs, loans, and installation processes.
- Overseeing exhibition design and gallery operations in collaboration with internal teams.
- Developing exhibition texts, labels, press materials, catalogues, and educational resources.
- Supporting fundraising activities through grant proposals and donor relationships.
- Representing Swiss Institute through lectures, panels, conferences, and professional events.
- Maintaining documentation and archives of exhibitions, commissions, and institutional programs.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Exhibition Management
- Museum & Cultural Programming
- Art Writing
- Public Programs
- Interdisciplinary Art Practices
Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Open to candidates legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Minimum 6 years of professional experience in museum or contemporary art institutions, including curating, exhibition development, community engagement, and project management.
- Master’s degree required.
- Extensive knowledge of contemporary art and global artistic practices.
- Established professional relationships with artists, writers, galleries, and cultural institutions nationally and internationally.
- Experience managing curatorial teams and interdisciplinary projects.
- Strong communication, writing, leadership, organizational, and public speaking skills.
Swiss Institute encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC applicants, women, LGBTQ+ applicants, persons with disabilities, and other diverse candidates.
Program Benefits
- Annual salary of $90,000.
- Comprehensive employment benefits package.
- Opportunity to shape the artistic vision of an internationally recognized contemporary art institution.
- Leadership role within a major contemporary art organization.
- Opportunities for national and international research travel.
- Possibility to collaborate with leading contemporary artists, institutions, and cultural partners.
- Platform for developing exhibitions, publications, and public programs with global visibility.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
- Application Email: jobs@swissinstitute.net
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 24 October 2026
- Position Posted: September 30, 2026
- Employment Start Date: Not specified
Location
New York City, NY, United States
Additional Details
The Senior Curator position requires flexibility to work outside regular office hours when necessary due to exhibitions, public events, and institutional programs. Employment is subject to successful background and reference checks.
Swiss Institute is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, age, nationality, marital status, military status, or other legally protected characteristics.