Curator

Reports To: Director of Exhibitions and Executive Director
Position Status: Full-Time, exempt
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Compensation: $63,000 – $66,000 annual salary, competitive package of health benefits and PTO, and possible relocation expenses

ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER:

MISSION STATEMENT: The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is a lab for understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us through the creation and experience of all contemporary art forms.

CAC BACKGROUND: The CAC was founded in 1939 by three women with their eyes on the future. Today, our purpose 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. CAC now operates on a ~$4M annual operating budget and offers 4-5 significant exhibitions per year, including group and solo exhibitions originated by CAC curator(s), guest curators, and touring exhibition partners. It is the oldest non-collecting contemporary art center in the country and one of the largest, occupying an 80,000 sq. ft. building, with space dedicated to exhibitions, performances, and hands-on art-making activities. With a new strategic plan in place, CAC is entering an ambitious new phase that deepens its civic role, expands artist commissions, and amplifies the voices of artists locally and globally.

Recent projects have included exhibitions and commissions by Tania Candiani, Ugo Rondinone, Tai Shani, Vhils, and Do Ho Suh—each offering powerful interventions into the contemporary moment. The CAC’s commitment to artist-centered inquiry and cross-disciplinary collaboration continues to drive its evolution as a hub for experimentation and dialogue. LOCATION: CAC is located in downtown Cincinnati in the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The New York Times hailed it as “the most important American building to be completed since the end of the cold war,” celebrated for its openness and community-centric design.

CANDIDATE PROFILE: The ideal candidate will represent the CAC with curiosity, bold thinking, and integrity. They will bring a collaborative spirit, a commitment to inclusion, and an expansive understanding of contemporary art and its relationship to public life.

The Curator will demonstrate the ability to:
• Thrive within a contemporary arts institution serving a diverse and evolving audience.
• Develop new, multi-vocal strategies for exhibition development and interpretation.
• Center artists and audiences by expanding access and inclusion across all programs.
• Create feasible and imaginative plans for project implementation.
• Work collaboratively across departments, and with artists, guest curators, co-commissioning partners, and touring venues.
• Make the creative process visible to CAC’s audiences.

The CAC values visionaries who take initiative—we encourage individuals with bold ideas to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification. SALARY, BENEFITS, AND GROWTH: This Curator position is intended to expand into a Senior Curator role as we endeavor to expand the department, and provided the Curator proves to be an extraordinary and inspiring leader. This FT position takes place via hybrid work arrangement for the foreseeable future. FT staff work off-site Monday and Tuesday (as responsibilities allow) and on-site Wednesday – Friday. The annual salary range is $63,000-$66,000 and benefits include medical, vision, dental, and paid parental leave; access to retirement savings; generous vacation time, sick/personal days, and paid holidays; and access to professional development opportunities, employee assistance program, CAC membership, and CAC Museum Shop and Cafe employee discounts.

TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a single .pdf file including a 1- to 2-page letter of interest that outlines key competencies, approach(es) to working with artists, and any pertinent work with guest curators or other key collaborators; resume including work experience and curated exhibitions (2 pages max); and 1 writing sample (4 pages max), to hiring manager Sara Hutslar, Director of Administration and Operations, at shutslar@cincycac.org. Include “Application: Curator” in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. References will be requested during the final interview stage. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

RECRUITMENT & HIRING: The CAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) where all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, Veteran, or disability status. In accordance with IRS and State of Ohio guidelines, employees must maintain an average of at least 30 hours of service per week to be considered full-time and eligible for full-time benefits. At the CAC, full-time employees typically work 40 hours per week, though hours may vary based on operational needs.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Curator advances the development of CAC’s exhibitions program within the museum and beyond its walls. The Curator works with the Executive Director and Director of Exhibitions to provide artistic direction that carefully aligns with CAC’s mission. Working independently but under general supervision, the Curator organizes groundbreaking exhibitions, leads research efforts, and assists in obtaining financial and other kinds of support for the exhibitions program. The Curator cultivates and maintains a visible presence by directly engaging with the communities of the greater Cincinnati area and nationally.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Exhibitions
• Develops an exhibitions plan comprising approximately 4-5 exhibitions per year, of varying scope, that are a mix of projects originated by CAC Curator(s) and secured via guest curators and partner venues.
– Proposes exhibitions schedules 2-3 years in advance for review and approval by the Executive Director, and in dialogue with other senior staff and community members/partners.
– Details specific strategic plan objectives intended to be accomplished through the exhibitions, and outlines specific actions, timelines, and associated costs.
– Works with CAC exhibitions team to formulate and review installation plans.
– Engages with the Education department to produce and evaluate exhibition-related programming, educational materials, and accessible interpretive materials that identify emerging ideas and speak to diverse audiences.
– Monitors exhibition budgets and ensures optimal use of CAC resources.
– Collaborates with CAC exhibitions team to ensure the proper care of any art object present on CAC property.
– Works across departments to manage ’16 week plan’, which outlines deadlines for various exhibition related texts (didactics, marketing, interpretation, etc.).
• Drafts, maintains, and tracks the annual expense budget for the Curatorial Department alongside Director of Exhibitions.
• Maintains positive and productive relationships with artists and other exhibition partners and any other curatorial guests including honoraria, travel, lodging, per diems, travel reimbursements, etc. and the development and execution of their travel itineraries.
• Works with the Director of Exhibitions in placing and coordinating CAC exhibitions at host venues.
• Oversees the production of CAC exhibitions-related publications and other major printed material.
– Coordinates with graphic designers, artists, contributing writers, editors, and photographers to manage deadlines, budgets, and project needs.
– Works with the External Affairs department to ensure a consistent CAC voice across materials.
• Supports the work of the Art & Exhibitions Committee and its Chair with consistent meetings and communications.

Programming
• Organizes and runs college exhibition response program – liaises with colleges as main point of contact to organize the following: tour or artist interaction with students, subsequent critiques, exhibition installation, and small reception.
• Supports and aids in coordination of community partner exhibitions in The Collective Gallery sponsored by P&G alongside Director of Exhibitions and Director of Education.
• Assists with organization and production of exhibition/gallery public programs as needed.

External Affairs
• Serves as a public voice for CAC exhibitions in media and community settings.
• Provides information regarding exhibitions and curatorial programs to the Chief of External Affairs and Marketing & Communications Manager, in order to develop marketing strategies.
• Participates in lectures, panels, and publications to raise the profile of the CAC and its artists.

INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
Cultivate and steward relationships with artists, galleries, donors, peer institutions, and the broader public to strengthen the CAC’s visibility and impact.
Serve as a public ambassador for the CAC, confidently speaking about exhibitions, artists, and the institution’s history, while actively championing the CAC’s mission and vision in all public-facing settings.

Build and maintain strong professional networks with fellow curators, arts organizations, and community partners to stay informed about current trends, best practices, and the evolving cultural landscape—locally, nationally, and internationally.

Collaborate with the Executive Director, Chief of External Affairs, and Director of Development to identify funding opportunities, assist in grant preparation and reporting, and support donor cultivation.

Participate in the planning and execution of programs for affiliate and donor support groups.
Ensure alignment with the CAC’s mission and values by grounding all curatorial activities in both the institution’s history and contemporary developments within the field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Serves as a staff liaison to the Exhibition & Art Committee.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

ALL OF THESE DUTIES ARE TO BE DONE WITH OVERALL CAC BUSINESS IN MIND. THE PERSON IN THIS POSITION WILL BE CONSCIOUS OF OTHER CAC PROGRAMS, EXHIBITION NEEDS, AND CAC POLICY AND PROCEDURES.

COMPETENCIES:
• Project Management—Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget.
• Oral & Written Communication—Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; presents numerical data effectively; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates presentation skills; participates in meetings; able to read and interpret written information.
• Diversity—Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Organizational Support—Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities.
• Strategic Thinking—Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization’s strengths & challenges; analyzes field and competition; identifies external opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Innovation—Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas.

QUALIFICIATIONS:
• BA or BFA required, MA in Art History or Curatorial Studies. MFA preferred. In the absence of these qualifications, the Curator must show:
– Extensive knowledge of contemporary art and culture.
– Understanding critical histories and theories of race, gender, and socio-economic factors in the production, reception, and institutionalization of art.
– Broad knowledge of art from all disciplines, geography, and media.
– Experience organizing exhibitions and contemporary art projects within an institutional context.
– Demonstrated ability to work with artists in the creation of new works.
• Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work on several projects at once and change priorities on short notice.
• Understanding of publication production process.
• Comfort with the convergence of curatorial, education, development (fundraising), communications (marketing) departments and their work. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK

ENVIRONMENT:
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about outside and inside the office to attend meetings with others, access files, office machinery, etc.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Able to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather).
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.