Job Opportunities

Current Job Openings at Columbus Museum of Art

Thank you for your interest in employment at Columbus Museum of Art. See below for current job position openings at Columbus Museum of Art. Please check back frequently for jobs at Columbus Museum of Art, an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The William And Sarah Ross Soter Assistant or Associate Curator of Photography
Columbus Museum of Art is seeking exceptional candidates for The William and Sarah Ross Soter Assistant or Associate Curator of Photography to inspire our communities through compelling exhibitions, programs, and publications, as well as, advance the museum’s efforts to build a significant, widely recognized photography collection. The curator will be depended upon for their scholarly expertise and curatorial vision, as well as their ability to build positive and effective relationships with prospective donors, professional colleagues, partner organizations, and the community at large.

Comfortable and committed to working in a visitor-centered museum environment, the successful candidate will be an excellent communicator who thinks creatively and fosters creativity in others. They will be distinguished by a strong background and record of accomplishment in 20th-century photography, ideally with additional background in 19th-century photography. They will also be comfortable working with CMA colleagues in overlapping areas of interest and expertise, particularly in the area of contemporary art. The candidate will also have a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive program of exhibitions and acquisitions.

The Collection:

The Columbus Museum of Art’s photography collection was largely initiated in the 1970s by gifts from Richard M. Ross and, today, the medium makes up nearly 25 percent of the permanent collection. Continuing the Ross family support of the Museum’s photography program, William J. and Sarah Ross Soter generously endowed this curatorial position in 2010.

CMA’s photography collection is tied to the Museum’s strengths in American and European modernism and contemporary art. Its New York Photo League Collection is the largest of its kind in an American museum. The collection also includes works by Berenice Abbot, Adolphe Braun, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lewis Hine, Deana Lawson, Mary Lucier, Trevor Paglen, Lucy Raven, Allan Sekula, Charles Sheeler, and Edward Steichen. In conjunction with the Schiller Collection of American Social Commentary Art, the Photo League Collection provides the interested candidate an opportunity to help build a focused and unique collection that charts socially engaged and conceptual modes of documentary photography from the early twentieth century to today.

Duties and Responsibilities

Think creatively about how visitors experience the Museum and connect with art.
Research and develop an active photography exhibition program that includes temporary exhibitions. Oversee relevant exhibition budgets and design, as well as organize related publications and programs. Work on occasion with guest curators to successfully realize temporary exhibitions
Thoughtfully manage the care and display of the Museum’s permanent collection of photography, including research, installation, outgoing loans, conservation, labels, and text panels.
Actively refine and grow the photography collection through gifts and purchases.
Participate with internal colleagues on programming for The Contemporaries institutional support group
Actively cultivate relationships with diverse community of artists, collectors and potential donors.
Support the Museum’s various departments as needed, including Administration, Development, Learning, Visitor Experience, Marketing and Communications, Retail, and Finance. Serve on museum committees as needed.
Represent the Museum and actively engage in the broader art community with high standards of professionalism

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field required, PhD preferred.
3–5 years of previous museum experience.
Accomplished art historical research and writing.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to adapt material for a variety of audiences.
Experience that includes engagement with diverse audiences work in urban areas.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work well and connect with a broad range of people.
Willingness to travel for a variety of professional purposes. A valid driver’s license is recommended.
Prepared to work evenings and weekends as needed, and to take on responsibilities as the need arises.
Proficiency with common office applications, and competency with collection management software.

This is a full-time position. Compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits package includes health, vision, dental, life, short and long-term disability, and 403(b) retirement plan. Generous paid time off and holidays

The Columbus Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing all persons with equal employment practices and opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran or marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials by e-mail to employment@cmaohio.org or mail to Human Resources, Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215:

A cover letter expressing the candidate’s interest and intent in applying for this position.
A curriculum vitae detailing education and experience.
A writing sample
Three professional references.

Part-Time Visitor Engagement Coordinator

Columbus Museum of Art is seeking applicants for Part-time Visitor Engagement Coordinator. The Visitor Engagement Coordinator will be responsible for the management and care of hands-on activities throughout the museum. This position will champion creativity and other CMA philosophies with visitors in the JPMorgan Chase Center for Creativity and other museum spaces.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Schedule and supervise staff and interns
Purchase, prep, and organize supplies
Refresh participatory activities
Assist with visitor research projects and documentation
Participate in planning gallery activities
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
Interested in experiences with art, the Columbus community, informal education, museum interpretation, championing creativity, and/or learning through play? The part-time Visitor Engagement Coordinator may be the position for you!

Schedule: This position will require someone with a flexible schedule to work 28 hrs each week spilt between Wednesday – Friday, and every Sunday between 9:30 AM – 5 PM Additional hours near the holidays will be required.

We are looking for someone with the following skills:

Open-mind with a willingness to learn
People person – strong interpersonal and communication skills
Strong inventory/supply management skills
Motivated and self-sufficient
Adaptable
Observant
Critical Thinker
Technology savvy

*Ability to speak multiple languages is a plus

We are looking for someone with the following experiences:

Scheduling and supervising staff/people
Customer / Guest / Visitor Service

*Research experience is a plus

Applicant must be 18 years or older.

Physical Demands:

To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the staff member must be able to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, raise hands and arms in reaching motion, talk and hear. May occasionally need to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Staff member may frequently have to lift 10-25 lbs. Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus are necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

The work environment on the weekdays is normally quiet with occasional moderate to high visitation due to school groups, tours, and holidays. This position will focus on desk work during quite weekdays, in addition to occasional gallery maintenance, and assisting with self-guided groups as needed.

The work environment on the weekends is moderately loud with high visitation, particularly on Sundays, requiring lots of walking, talking, and maintenance of activities. The position will focus on being on the floor, in galleries engaging with visitors, maintaining the participatory activities, and supervising Visitor Engagement Associates and interns.

To apply, please e-mail resume to employment@cmaohio.org or mail resume to HR, Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Gallery Associate Floor Supervisor

Columbus Museum of Art is seeking applicants for two Gallery Associate Floor Supervisor positions. The Floor Supervisor serves a supervisory and leadership role to the Gallery Associate team during day-to-day operations. A Floor Supervisor supports policies and procedures that allow Gallery Associates to fulfill the dual role of maintaining safety and ensuring a positive visitor experience. This position serves in a leadership capacity within the department, promoting the philosophies and values of CMA among the entire Gallery Associate team. Candidates for this position enjoy helping people, learning new skills, and leading a team.

This is a full-time job. Work days/shifts may vary. $12.50 per hour rate. Benefits. Begins July 1, 2018.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to fulfilling regular shifts as a gallery associate, a Floor Supervisor must:
Monitor gallery coverage, provide break support, set and manage the daily Gallery Associate rotations.
Act as a liaison between the Gallery Associates, Building Control, Visitor Experience and Visitor Engagement personnel.
Open and close the museum, and lead morning touch base.
Perform daily inspections of the galleries, doors, locks and public spaces. Promptly report and document any damage in accordance with CMA’s safety polices and protocols.
Assist with creation and implementation of team trainings on emergency procedures, difficult situations, and visitor centered behaviors.
Patrols galleries to ensure Gallery Associates are preforming their duties of art protection, visitor safety, visitor experience, while offering assistance and promoting CMA values.
Maintain safety of people and art in museum galleries and spaces.
Act as the point person for the Visitor Experience team in emergency situations.
Assist the Gallery Associates in proactively safeguarding art against theft, vandalism or damage by greeting and observing visitors in the galleries.
Ensure that visitors comply with CMA policies, by proactively communicating those policies in a direct, friendly and respectful manner.
Handles visitor complaints in a courteous, professional manner.
Approach and engage and, if needed, redirect visitors as appropriate, respect boundaries and personal space, thoughtfully monitor body language and facial expression, always communicate in a respectful and professional manner.
Initiate dialogue with visitors and answer questions to promote a friendly and engaged gallery experience.
Utilize a variety of strategies to inquire about visitor needs, interests and answer any questions.
Participate in regular professional development workshops about museum security procedures, CMA philosophies, visitor engagement and conversational strategies, professional behavior, customer service, and art and exhibition content.
Communicate and collaborate regularly with colleagues to improve team effectiveness.
Communicate proactively with Building Control staff regarding potential safety issues or hazards; report promptly any incidents or issues.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned according to skill and interest. These duties may include, but are not limited to, facilitating meetings, developing customer service tools or exhibition content aids, and training new Gallery Associates.
A Floor Supervisor assesses Gallery Associate performance and works to enhance each associate’s work proficiency.

Qualified applicants will have the following:

Minimum 2-years of managerial and administrative experience required. Experience managing multiple employees preferred. Experience in customer service, safety and/or security preferred.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is a strong plus: educational/teaching, hospitality, security, retail, visitor/customer service.
Proven ability to carry out processes and procedures and provide quality customer service
Excellent interpersonal, conversational and verbal communication skills. Must be fluent in conversational English. Conversational fluency in additional languages is desirable.
Willingness and capacity to acquire new skills and knowledge; intellectually curious.
Ability to assert oneself to enforce policies; can manage crowds and lines in a polite and professional manner.
Highly responsible, reliable, proactive and detail oriented.
Friendly, empathetic, and positive attitude.
Ability to exercise excellent judgement and adhere to CMA philosophies and mission with an encouraging and positive attitude.
Active e-mail address that can be accessed regularly to receive daily CMA communications; capacity to learn computerized clock-in system.
Ability to use a computer on a daily basis and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
First Aid, CPR, AED Certification preferred.

Uniform Requirements: This position does require maintaining a uniform and clean, professional personal appearance.

Physical Demands: Staff member must be able to stand, walk, and be attentive and engaged for long periods of time while monitoring gallery spaces. Must be able to use a full range of body movement to assist visitors and ensure safety. Must be able to walk on flat or incline surfaces (up and down) and go up and down stairs, especially in emergency situations. May occasionally have to climb or balance. Must be able to see, smell, hear, talk, read and comprehend. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment: Expect a cooperative, team-focused environment working directly with visitors of all ages and backgrounds. CMA galleries experience a full range of activity from quiet and slow paced to loud and crowded. All work is focused on providing a positive visitor experience while also promoting CMA mission and values.

To apply, send resume and three references to employment@cmaohio.org or mail to Human Resources, Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. No telephone calls, please.

Museum Gallery Associate
Columbus Museum of art is looking for several contingent part-time Gallery Associates. Gallery Associates at the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) serve a dual role to maintain safety and ensure a positive visitor experience. Candidates for this position will enjoy helping people, learning new skills, and promoting the philosophies and values of CMA.

Contingent positions includes weekday, weekend, day and evening hours. Some flexibility in schedule is required. Conversational fluency in languages in addition to English is desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintain safety of people and art in museum galleries and spaces.
Ensure that visitors comply with Museum policies, by proactively communicating those policies in a direct, friendly and respectful manner.
Approach and engage and if needed redirect visitors as appropriate, respecting boundaries and personal space, thoughtfully monitoring body language and facial expression, always communicating in a respectful and professional manner.
Project an attitude of openness and access to all visitors
Initiate dialogue with visitors and answer questions to promote a friendly and engaged gallery experience.
Utilize a variety of strategies to inquire about visitor needs, interests and questions.
Participate in regular professional development workshops about museum security procedures, CMA philosophies, learning, visitor engagement and conversational strategies, professional behavior, customer service and art and exhibition content.
Communicates and collaborates regularly with colleagues to improve team effectiveness.
Communicates proactively with security staff regarding potential safety issues or hazards; reports promptly any incidents or issues.
Champion and promote CMA philosophies and values

Qualifications:

Excellent interpersonal, conversational and verbal communication skills (must be fluent in conversational English and conversational fluency in additional languages is desirable)
Willingness and capacity to acquire new skills and knowledge; intellectually curious.
Ability to assert oneself to enforce policies; can manage crowds and lines in a polite and professional manner
Reliable and dependable
Friendly, empathetic, and positive attitude
Capacity to exercise critical thinking and good judgement
Active e-mail address that can be accessed regularly to receive daily CMA communications; capacity to learn computerized clock-in system
Experience in one or more of the following areas is a strong plus: educational/teaching, hospitality, security, retail, visitor/customer service. Second language skills are desirable

Uniform Requirements: This position does require maintaining a dress-code and clean, professional personal appearance

To apply, e-mail resume to employment@cmaohio.org or mail to Human Resources, Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Internship Opportunities

Administration: Learn how a museum operates and functions as a non-profit institution. Assist with administrative tasks and behind-the-scene work to explore what it takes to make a museum run.

Collections: Work with Museum registrars to monitor, track, and record the artworks in the collection as well as those traveling for exhibitions. Work with the archives and records of the artwork in the collection.

Exhibitions: Discover how galleries and exhibitions come together. This department manages the galleries, makes frames and cases, handles and delivers artwork, and more.

Curatorial: Learn about the artwork in CMA’s collection and how exhibitions are conceived of and developed. Work with the museum collection and traveling exhibitions researching information about art and artists. (Upper-class and graduate students only please.)

Learning & Experience: Connect with our visitors. Gain hands-on experience in front-end operations, public programming, school programming, or drop-in gallery experiences.

Development: This department makes connections with businesses and individuals through endowments, memberships, and donations. Help to keep the museum strong by building key relationships.

All internships are unpaid.
Schedules are flexible.

Internships are offered in the autumn, spring, and summer.

Application due dates:
Autumn: August 15
Winter/Spring: November 30
Summer: March 15

Download the application here.

Contact Amanda Kepner at amanda.kepner@cmaohio.org with any further questions about internships at CMA.