CAREERS
Careers at the Akron Art Museum
Thank you for your interest in employment at the Akron Art Museum. We are looking for engaging, knowledgeable and creative individuals to fill the positions listed below.
The Akron Art Museum is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates the diversity of all of our employees. We respect the dignity and inherent rights of all individuals and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We continuously focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies because our greatest strength is our team.
HOW TO APPLY
We accept applications submitted online, by email, or by mail.
To apply online
Complete the Application for Employment online form
To apply by email
Send cover letter, resume, and references to: humanresources@akronartmuseum.org
To apply by mail
Send cover letter, resume, and references to:
Human Resources
The Akron Art Museum
One South High Street
Akron, OH 44308
SUMMARY
Full time / $65k to $75k
Works with the Chief and Senior Curator to coordinate, initiate and organize exhibitions. Stays current on developments in modern and contemporary art and applies rigor to both attracting and organizing engaging exhibitions. Participates in the acquisitions process. Cultivates and maintains relationships with the art and academic communities and community organizations. Works with the Collections Manager and Exhibitions Registrar to document the collection. Collaborates closely with the Director of Design and the Collections Manager and Exhibitions Registrar to ensure proper handling, transportation, installation, safety/security of works in exhibitions, and the collection and exhibition design. Collaborates with Advancement Team to secure funding for exhibitions and programs, cultivate donors, develop marketing initiatives, and grant proposals. Collaborates with the Learning and Engagement team on educational and interpretive programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- In concert with the Chief and Senior Curator, is responsible for the presentation, interpretation, and development of exhibitions from the collection and outside sources; coordinates traveling exhibitions from other institutions, including:
- Organizing original loan and collection exhibitions for presentation at and travel beyond the Akron Art Museum, with accompanying interpretive components.
- Pursuing traveling exhibitions, loans, and other exhibition opportunities.
- Reviews and responds to exhibition proposals from other organizations; prepares materials for exhibition discussions; maintains and updates exhibition schedules.
- Exploring innovative approaches to engaging audiences.
- Preparing, maintaining, and adhering to budgets.
- Preparing written materials including checklists, brochures and catalogue copy, wall texts, press releases (for print & electronic media), copy for online materials (website & social posts), label copy and other writings.
- Recommending potential acquisitions for Collections Committee, preparing write-ups on proposed gifts and purchases as assigned.
- Working with Collections Manager and Exhibitions Registrar and with the Design department on installation of exhibitions.
- Collaborates with Learning and Engagement and Advancement Teams to develop and present programs consistent with interpretive, Visitor Experience and community outreach goals.
- Prepares and delivers public presentations on exhibitions to a variety of audiences, including staff and docents, special interest groups and community groups.
- Cultivates and maintains relationships with lenders, donors, artists, academics, and museum and gallery professionals. Cultivates collaborations with regional, national, and international partners.
- Represents the Museum in community and regional professional groups.
- Provides information on exhibitions to the Marketing and Communications team for publicity purposes. Authors articles for the members’ magazine, calendar and other publications. Participates in radio, television and other media interviews and educational/promotional productions in diverse media.
- In collaboration with the Advancement Department participates in donor cultivation and developing grant proposals.
- Travels as required to conduct research and develop.
- Performs additional duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate degree in Art History or related experience and expertise in contemporary art and emerging forms of media. Knowledge of modern and contemporary art and a minimum of three years’ experience organizing museum/gallery exhibitions required. Experience commissioning artworks, negotiating contracts, and overseeing installations preferred. Experience in contributing to publications, websites and integrating technology in exhibition interpretation desirable. Previous leadership experience preferred. Excellent sense of creativity, verbal/writing skills, public speaking, and organizational abilities. Strong computer proficiency. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and strong people skills are essential; ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines. Mature judgement: flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing needs of organization. Able to remain calm in stressful situations. Safety-oriented. Valid driver’s license required.
Full time / $21.00 per hr
SUMMARY
As a key member of the engagement side of the Museum’s Learning and Engagement department, the role of Public Engagement Coordinator takes responsibility for the delivery of onsite programs aimed at the general audience experience, as well as community collaborations, under supervision and direction of the Public Engagement Manager. This includes exhibition-related programming and co-created programs with community groups and organizations. Assists the Manager, Public Engagement with implementing the Museum’s on- and off-site public engagement initiatives. The Public Engagement Coordinator reports to the Manager, Public Engagement and works directly with Advancement, Curatorial, Building Services, and Security departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- ON- AND OFF-SITE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
- Assists Manager, Public Engagement in development and implementation of both the on- and off-site public engagement initiatives.
- Helps grow audiences and relationships for engagement programs and initiatives.
- Manage evaluation of initiatives with the goals of increasing audience engagement, awareness, and attachment of the Museum, and connecting with diverse populations.
- Works to ensure programming is in line with the museum’s DEAI commitments and priorities.
- ONSITE PUBLIC PROGRAMMING
- Implement onsite programs as they relate to the Museum’s collection, exhibition, and initiatives, as well as co-develop programs community groups and organizations.
- Create floor plans and agreements, submit check requests, track budget spending, and perform other administrative duties as needed.
- Regularly coordinate with Building Services, Security, Advancement, and Marketing on program needs.
- RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
- Attends community meetings and events as required; communicates regularly and helps to cultivate new relationships with community members, partners, and organizations as needed.
- Under direction of the Manager, Public Engagement, communicates with neighboring partners such as the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Downtown Akron Partnership, and Summit Artspace, among others in effort to support initiatives that increase awareness of arts and culture in downtown Akron.
- Acts as an interface between the Museum and community partners to implement programs.
- Supports Museum’s overall DEAI and community-integration initiatives through connection to various community members and organizations.
- MARKETING
- Collaborates interdepartmentally to ensure smooth communication of information to Marketing and Advancement, regarding programming.
- Undertakes other assignments as requested by the Manager, Public Engagement or the Director of Learning and Engagement
QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Must have interest in modern art and educational strategies; experience coordinating and supervising public events is preferred. Must be able to effectively and professionally collaborate/function as a member of a team as well as independently. This person should be reliable, energetic, and skilled in program planning and implementation. Excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written, are important, as are excellent people skills. Basic proficiency in Outlook, Excel and other Microsoft Office programs is required. The ability to work with adults as well as children is required. The job will require working some weekend days and Thursday evenings.
Full-time / $15 per hour
SUMMARY
Assures that the physical appearance of the Museum is at its best, at all times, and that property and equipment is in proper working condition. Contributes to the facility operations including general and mechanical maintenance, janitorial and event services. Carefully follows proper cleaning protocol. Wears personal protective equipment as required. Must be available to work evenings and weekends.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs all janitorial tasks as scheduled, including, but not limited to:
- Cleaning of restrooms and work areas
- Mopping floors
- Vacuuming carpets
- Dusting
- Collecting trash
- Washing walls and windows
- Picking up trash on Museum’s outside property
- Sweeping or hosing down sidewalks and shoveling snow
- Cleaning, empty trash cans outdoor including, garden, terrace areas and parking lots
- Assists with other building maintenance tasks as scheduled, including, but not limited to:
- Floor stripping and waxing, buffing
- Moving office furniture
- Replacing light bulbs
- Minor repairs and adjustments to doors
- Watering landscaped areas
- Setting up and breaking down of special events
- Cleaning up after special events
- To the extent training and abilities allow, assist in the accomplishment of special projects involving:
- Building and equipment repair
- Painting
- Landscaping
- In absence of supervisor, responds to general staff requests for assistance with small cleaning, maintenance, or lifting jobs; for example, replacing of light bulbs, cleaning up spills, lifting boxes of publications, etc.
- Performs other duties as requested by the Operations Manager, Events Manager, Security Assistant Manager, or another authorized person.
QUALIFICATIONS and CHARACTERISTICS:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred. Prior experience in janitorial, landscaping or building maintenance preferred, but not required. Mature judgement: flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing needs of organization. Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy, able to deal with visitors well, act reasonably in emergencies, perform tasks as instructed, and cooperate well with co-workers. Works well in a team environment. Able to remain calm in stressful situations. Maintains a neat appearance and good personal hygiene. Safety-oriented.