Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary museum admission

20% discount at Museum Store

Job summary

The Blanton Museum of Art seeks a Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art to shape a dynamic program of exhibitions drawn from the collection, loans, and new work. The curator will lead research, interpretation, and public engagement while coordinating with the university and external partners.

Ideal candidates have a minimum of seven years’ museum experience, a strong record of publications and public presentations, and the ability to cultivate donor relations and fundraising initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in art history or related field, or a bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarship, writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong professional relationships across the field with artists and institutions.

Responsibilities

• Organize exhibitions and installations using collection objects, loans, and commissions.
• Define and implement a vision for the modern and contemporary art collection.
• Build relationships with artists and national/international institutions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree in art history or related field

Ph.D. in art history or related discipline

Job description

General Notes

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its bold vision, from a dynamic reinstallation of the collection galleries in 2017, to the opening of Ellsworth Kelly’s monumental work of art, Austin, in 2018, and redesign of its grounds by Snøhetta in 2023, and the exhibitions and educational programs that define the museum’s role in the community. There is even more to come for the Blanton and the thousands of school and university students and visitors we serve. With a proven track record as a museum that is deeply relevant, and where education is embedded into everything we do, we have put The University of Texas at Austin, and the city of Austin, on the forefront of the visual arts.

Benefits eligible Blanton Museum of Art staff enjoy the same competitive benefits, programs and services available to the University of Texas at Austin employees. Blanton staff also have access to complimentary admission to the museum, selected museum events, and a 20% discount at the Museum Store.

The Blanton is home to a vast array of roles matching a wide range of interests and talents. No matter the staff position at the Blanton, all contribute to the preservation of culture and history for the entire community. We invite you to view and apply for this professional opportunity.

Job Posting Title

Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art

Hiring Department

Jack S Blanton Museum of Art

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

General Notes

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its bold vision, from a dynamic reinstallation of the collection galleries in 2017, to the opening of Ellsworth Kelly’s monumental work of art, Austin, in 2018, and redesign of its grounds by Snøhetta in 2023, and the exhibitions and educational programs that define the museum’s role in the community. There is even more to come for the Blanton and the thousands of school and university students and visitors we serve. With a proven track record as a museum that is deeply relevant, and where education is embedded into everything we do, we have put The University of Texas at Austin, and the city of Austin, on the forefront of the visual arts.

Purpose

The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art advances the Blanton’s mission by shaping a dynamic program of exhibitions, installations, and commissions drawn from the collection, loans, and new work. This role builds and sustains relationships with artists, scholars, and institutions nationally and internationally, while fostering collaboration across the museum and university. The curator leads research, interpretation, and public engagement initiatives that deepen understanding of modern and contemporary art and expand its impact. Working closely with colleagues, the curator contributes to collection development, fundraising, and strategic planning in support of the museum’s long-term goals.

Responsibilities

Exhibition Development & Management

• Organize exhibitions and installations using collection objects, loans, and commissions.
• Lead development of exhibition concepts, tours, and co-produced projects in collaboration with curatorial colleagues and external partners.

Collection Strategy & Stewardship

• Define and implement a vision for the modern and contemporary art collection.
• Recommend and secure acquisitions and collaborate with collections staff on conservation strategies.

External Relations & Institutional Partnerships

• Build relationships with artists and national/international institutions.
• Solicit and secure loans and externally generated exhibitions and represent the museum in collaborative initiatives that advance its mission.

Interpretation, Education & Public Programs

• Develop interpretive strategies and materials
• Partner with Education and Academic Affairs to create programs, train docents and gallery assistants, and support public engagement with modern and contemporary art.

Research, Scholarship & Publications

• Conduct original research on the collection and contribute to exhibitions, programs, and publications.
• Supervise guest curators, visiting scholars, interns, and student researchers.

Academic Engagement, Fundraising & Administration

• Promote use of the collection in teaching and engage with the academic community.
• Support fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation and proposals, and manage related budgets, records, and intern supervision.

Required Qualifications

Other related functions as assigned.

• Master’s degree in art history or related field, or a bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional experience.
• At least seven years of museum experience with a strong record of publications, public presentations, and active participation in the national or international art community.
• Deep knowledge of American and international modern and contemporary art.
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarship, writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and experience in fundraising, including cultivating donors and securing grants from foundation and government sources.
• Strong professional relationships across the field, including artists, collectors, gallerists, writers, scholars, and museum colleagues.
• Collaborative and collegial approach, with the ability to work effectively across departments to advance institutional goals.
• Demonstrated integrity and professional judgment in all areas of work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, from students and the public to scholars and specialists.

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in art history or a closely related discipline
• Specialized expertise in a particular area of modern or contemporary art
• Successful record of acquiring works through gifts or purchases
• Knowledge of museum collection management systems and digital collections initiatives

Salary Range

$100,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Combination of sitting and standing
• Repetitive keyboard use
• Occasional evenings and weekends
• Some travel

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• 3 work references with their contact information including email addresses; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and if this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.