Work With Us

The Center for Curatorial Leadership (CCL) equips curators with the tools to assume and succeed in art museum leadership roles in the rapidly evolving cultural climate of the 21st century. Founded in 2007, CCL delivers four annual instructional programs to art museum curators across the arc of their careers: the CCL Fellowship for senior curators; the CCL/Mellon Foundation Seminar in Curatorial Practice for advanced PhD candidates; an International Curatorial Institute, in partnership with the Museum of Modern Art, focused on curators of modern and contemporary art from around the globe; and an ongoing Alumni Platform that connects a growing network of 350+ graduates from across all programs. Combining finance, strategy, and management coursework with mentorship, practicum exercises, and other activities in the field, CCL believes that curators who not only take charge of the art in their care but who are also equipped with the training to be moral and equity-based leaders will be well-positioned to anticipate and address the issues and opportunities facing museums today. As a result of both the skills it imparts and the immense respect it enjoys in the field, CCL has an extraordinary record of empowering curators and placing its fellows in the uppermost ranks of the museum world.

We offer a flexible, inclusive work environment for talented individuals who are eager to contribute to CCL’s mission, and who respond to new ideas and initiatives within our field with insight, imagination, and sensitivity.

Programs Manager

Status: Full-time Exempt
Salary: $115,000 – $135,000, commensurate with experience
Schedule: 40 hours/week
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with outstanding employer match; Unlimited Paid Time Off; Long-term disability coverage; Pre-Tax Commuter benefit; Free financial-planning services; Professional Development and Continuing Education Opportunities.

Apply here.

​JOB DESCRIPTION

CCL seeks a dynamic professional to lead the Programs Team. As Programs Manager, you will guide the strategy, design, and delivery of CCL’s annual suite of programs serving art curators across the arc of their careers–from Ph.D. students to mid-career curators, department heads, and museum directors. You will shape and manage programs from one-off events to multi-week intensives that take place virtually, in New York City, and in cities across the country. The Programs Manager will also play an active and integral role in researching and developing future programs and strategic initiatives. This position will report to the Executive Director, manage the Programs Assistant, and work closely with staff across the organization.

Exceptional candidates will be, above all, discreet, professional, and skilled communicators able to simultaneously manage the “big picture” and the day-to-day. As the facilitator of a high volume of programmatic activities, candidates must also have excellent organizational skills and be able to manage multiple, logistically complex activities simultaneously within an office setting. The ideal candidate has experience working in a creative and fast-paced environment, is highly detail-oriented, and enjoys collaborating with others. As an integral member of the CCL team, the essential responsibilities of the Programs Manager will be to:

• Guide and manage the strategy, design, and delivery of all activities related to CCL’s suite of annual programs;
• Help to shape and evolve programs to ensure they remain progressive, relevant, and responsive;
• Expand and diversify CCL’s network, with emphasis on alumni relations and external partnerships; and
• Identify, assess, and design new programmatic opportunities that extend and deepen CCL’s mission and impact.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programs Manager will:

• ​Administer all activities related to CCL’s suite of four annual programs, in conversation with the Executive Director: Implement program recruitment strategy; Coordinate and participate in annual cohort selection processes; Develop annual programs calendar; Develop program curricula; Guide implementation of programmatic projects including Residencies and Mentorships, the Diversity Mentoring Initiative, and the Organizational Impact Plan; Regularly evaluate programs and produce post-program executive summaries; Facilitate long-term planning and strategy.
• Lead the planning and delivery of CCL’s ongoing Alumni Platform, including curriculum development and calendar of online sessions, in-person convenings, reunions, and/or other strategic initiatives;
• Liaise with Alumni Network to build and maintain engagement, and track communications and touchpoints;
• Develop and nurture relationships with potential participants, partners, speakers, etc.;
• Lead research and development initiatives to shape and evolve program curricula and expand and diversify CCL’s network;
• Arrange regular convenings of stakeholders and alumni to further expand CCL’s programs and network;
• Shape the language used to describe CCL programs in all outward-facing materials including press releases, program announcements, publications, and reports;
• Participate in the annual budgeting process. Manage and track programmatic expenses against the fiscal year budget;
• Compile program data for grant proposal and report narratives, and track grant deliverables;
• Collaborate with the Development and Finance & Operations teams on an as-needed basis; and
• Due to the nature of CCL’s programmatic activities, be available for in-person work during “off hours” on mornings, nights, and weekends while programs are in-session 5-7 weeks per year.

KEY REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

CCL seeks to field applicants with both traditional and non-traditional professional experiences. A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred. Candidates with a demonstrated interest in arts administration, leadership studies, museum studies, curatorial studies, art history, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Those with a minimum of 7 years of work experience or equivalent expertise in program design, continuing education, arts administration, and/or nonprofit leadership are also welcome. Other key qualifications are:

• Broad-based knowledge of arts organizations required. A network outside of the Northeast is highly desirable;
• Experience working with cultural leaders, innovators, scholars, and other “big thinkers”;
• Facility aligning multiple stakeholders in support of a shared goal, and a commitment to building strong relationships;
• Previous staff management experience preferred;
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to prioritize and act proactively;
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively across departments, and simultaneously and efficiently on multiple projects;
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and ability to thrive on a small team;
• Attention to professional tone and “institutional voice” in correspondence with both internal and external stakeholders. Facility in communicating as a “spokesperson” for the organization;
• Fluency in Mac OS, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace;
• Familiarity with web-based platforms such as Acuity Scheduling, Asana, Doodle, Dropbox, EventBrite, Mailchimp, Paperless Post, and Zoom, among others;
• Openness, curiosity, and a sensitivity to the range of issues in the cultural field; and
• Discretion, good judgment, patience, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor.

PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

Status: Full-time Exempt
Salary: $65,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience
Schedule: 40 hours/week
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with outstanding employer match; Unlimited Paid Time Off; Long-term disability coverage; Pre-Tax Commuter benefit; Free financial-planning services; Professional Development and Continuing Education Opportunities.

Apply here.

​JOB DESCRIPTION

As Programs Assistant, you will support the effective delivery of CCL’s annual suite of programs serving art curators across the arc of their careers–from Ph.D. students to mid-career curators, department heads, and museum directors. You will assist in the planning, logistics, and delivery of all programs, from one-off events to multi-week intensives that take place virtually, in New York City, and in cities across the country. This position will report to the Programs Manager and work closely with staff across the organization.

Exceptional candidates will be, above all, discreet, service-oriented, and skilled communicators able to identify solutions and implement tools and processes that increase efficiency and effectiveness. As the key liaison for a high volume of programmatic activities, candidates must also have excellent organizational skills and be able to manage multiple, logistically complex activities simultaneously within an office setting. The ideal candidate has experience working in a creative and fast-paced environment, is highly detail-oriented, and enjoys collaborating with others. As an integral member of the CCL team, the essential responsibilities of the Programs Assistant will be to:

• Support the planning, logistics, and delivery of all activities related to CCL’s suite of annual programs;
• Act as the primary point of contact for program participants and invited faculty and speakers, and for vendors and other logistical and administrative programming contacts;
• Produce program materials and draft correspondence;
• Coordinate and oversee all program logistics including travel and accommodations, local transportation, and hospitality;
• Maintain contact databases and track demographic and professional metrics; and
• Coordinate all CCL communications including social media, newsletters, and press releases.​

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programs Assistant will:

• Work collaboratively with Programs Manager and other CCL staff to manage internal planning documents and keep abreast of logistical needs;
• Support annual online application and review processes, track deadlines, produce review materials and spreadsheets, and coordinate selection committee calls and interviews;
• Assist in the development of curricula, draft correspondence to invited faculty and speakers, and provide regular updates on the status of program schedules;
• Produce all program materials including syllabi, presenter biographies, and other program-related documents. Draft correspondence with program participants;
• Process contracts, presenter agreements, invoices, tuition payments, stipend payments, and honoraria;
• Coordinate and oversee all program logistics including travel and accommodations, local transportation and scheduling, and hospitality for program participants, invited faculty and speakers, and CCL staff;
• Purchase materials and supplies and help keep equipment in working order;
• Build online program listings and help develop other audience-facing program materials;
• Maintain alumni contact database, and maintain up-to-date records of professional metrics including advancements and professional projects and initiatives;
• Maintain alumni contact database; Track alumni and applicant metrics, including demographic information, area of art historical speciality, university, institution, and geographic location; 
• Present data analysis in a clear and concise manner, both internally to staff and externally to board of trustees and stakeholders;
• Coordinate program photography, and edit images and produce graphics for digital and print use;
• Manage organizational social media channels;
• Produce and distribute regular Mailchimp newsletters to communicate news and announcements to CCL’s alumni network and stakeholders;
• Draft and publish press releases, program announcements, and other news to CCL’s website;
• Assist in the production and distribution of all outward-facing CCL publications and reports;
• Provide administrative and clerical support to the Programs, Development, and Finance & Operations teams on an as-needed basis; and
• Due to the nature of CCL’s programmatic activities, be available for in-person work during “off hours” on mornings, nights, and weekends while programs are in-session 5-7 weeks per year.​

KEY REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

CCL seeks to field applicants with both traditional and non-traditional professional experiences. A Bachelor’s degree is required, and candidates with a demonstrated interest in arts administration, museum studies, art history, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Those with a minimum of 3 years of work experience or equivalent competency in administrative, program, project, or special event support are also welcome. Event planning or project management experience is preferred. Other key qualifications are:

• Experience working with cultural leaders, innovators, scholars, and other “big thinkers”;
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to prioritize and act proactively;
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively across departments, and simultaneously and efficiently on multiple projects;
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and ability to thrive on a small team;
• Attention to professional tone and “institutional voice” in correspondence with both internal and external stakeholders. Facility in communicating as a “spokesperson” for the organization;
• Fluency in Mac OS, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Suite – basic design/layout skills and communications experience are highly desirable;
• Familiarity with web-based platforms such as Acuity Scheduling, Asana, Doodle, Dropbox, EventBrite, Mailchimp, Paperless Post, and Zoom, among others;
• Openness, curiosity, and a sensitivity to the range of issues in the cultural field; and
• Discretion, good judgment, patience, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor.

​​

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

At time of employment, employees are expected to be located within commuting distance of the CCL offices located in the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. “Commuting distance” means that they are located in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut (the “Tri-state” areas), and able to commute to and from the office in a single day. Staff is currently working on-site 10AM-6PM Monday through Thursday, subject to change.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Questions about your application can be directed to jobs@cclcurators.org. No phone calls please. Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. In the event that your application is shortlisted we will reach out again to you directly to schedule an interview. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot respond to every application.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of a job description describes you, then please apply for the role.

The Center for Curatorial Leadership firmly commits itself to provide equal opportunity of employment to all employees and applicants. No person will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, personal appearance, marital or familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. CCL is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, working conditions, scheduling, training, compensation, benefits, disciplinary action, termination, employee activities, access to social, educational, and recreational programs, and general treatment with respect and dignity during the employment of our employees. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CCL will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.