Careers

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
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

$90,000-$110,000

The Chief Curator is responsible for leading all curatorial functions: organizing and coordinating exhibitions from the collection and outside sources; producing interpretive materials; and communicating to the public.  Maintains strong relationships with donors, lenders, artists, dealers, arts organizations, and the academic community to develop the collection and further the mission of the museum.  Commits to becoming established as a key artistic leader in the Akron community. Leads the curatorial department.  Directly leads Associate Curator, Collection Manager and Registrar and Registrar, Research Scholar, Curatorial Fellow, and occasionally part-time assistants, interns and volunteers.  Works closely with Collections Manager and Registrar, Manager of Building Services and Security, Director of Design to ensure proper handling, transportation, installation, security of works in exhibitions and the collection and exhibition design. Works closely with other department directors to further the objectives of the museum including education and programming, advancement and communications, accounting, and design. Works closely with the chair of the Collections Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Formulates and coordinates a balanced exhibition schedule and interpretive plan in concert with the Executive Director. Assigns appropriate staff member(s) or guest curator to coordinate each exhibition.
  2. Determines and prepares exhibitions.
    1. Organizes traveling exhibitions, including those to be accompanied by comprehensive catalogues as funding allows.
    2. Organizes large and small exhibitions exclusive to AAM.
    3. Coordinates exhibitions originated by other institutions to be shown at AAM.
    4. Prepares ancillary interpretive materials for exhibitions.
  3. Researches and writes catalogue essays, website entries, digital content, marketing content as needed, and supervises other staff in these endeavors.
  4. Develops and supervises collections
    1. Oversees maintenance of curatorial files on collection.
    2. Supervises installation of exhibitions.
    3. Researches and documents work in the collection.
    4. Plans, coordinates and oversees execution of a conservation program.
    5. Initiates ideas for grant projects; prepares or assists advancement office in preparing grant applications.
    6. Ensures timely preparation and distribution of exhibition schedule.
  5. In concert with the Executive Director, strategically develops the collection through gifts and purchases.
    1. Maintains relations with artists and collectors locally and nationwide to develop and improve the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases.
    2. Maintains knowledge of the art market through relationships with dealers, galleries, critics and auction houses to enhance the development of the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases.
  6. Attends Collection Committee meetings and, at the discretion of the Executive Director, Board of Directors meetings or other meetings.
    1. Recommends and presents gifts and purchases to the Executive Director, and to the Collection Committee and/or Board of Directors as applicable.
    2. Directs the scheduling, preparation of agendas and preparation of minutes for Collection Committee meetings.
    3. Recommends and supervises possible de-accessions.
  7. Prepares departmental budgets and policies as well as other museum-wide policies.
    1. Plans and supervises implementation of the departmental budget.
    2. Monitors and oversees exhibition contracts
    3. Maintains fiscal control of collection and exhibition expense, including conservation.
    4. Initiates, prepares, and presents to the Executive Director for approval key departmental policies and plans, including accessioning and deaccessioning plans, conservation plans and exhibitions strategic plans.
    5. Works with Executive Director in preparation of institution-wide strategic plans, collection policy, facilities development plans, and other long-range plans.
  8. Represents museum in the community, nationwide.
    1. Serves on local committees in consultation with the Executive Director.
    2. Communicates to public media under guidance of Chief Advancement and Communications Officer.
    3. Develops regional and national profile through various activities.
    4. Attends evening and weekend events throughout the community as needed to strengthen museum and community relations.
    5. Participates in periodic travel as required.
  9. Undertakes other assignments as designated by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree in Art History or related experience and expertise in contemporary art and emerging forms of media. Minimum five years museum management experience; publications and lectures in the field. 

Demonstrated strong leadership skills.  Excellent verbal and writing skills, public speaking skills, and computer proficiency. Exceptional artistic judgment. Demonstrated command of public relations functions.  Superior program planning and implementation skills, with demonstrated management and organizational ability. Ability to work well as part of a team; good interpersonal skills; creativity, energy and enthusiasm. Mature judgement: flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing needs of organization. Able to remain calm in stressful situations.  Safety-oriented. Eagerness to assume a leadership role in the museum and in the community.

Part time, temporary (May 2023 through May 2024)

$20.00/hour

SUMMARY

As a member of the Learning and Engagement team, the Creative Aging Institute Project Manager takes primary responsibility for the planning, organizing and facilitation of the museum’s Creative Aging Institute program. This year-long project is part of the nation-wide Vitality Arts Project, aimed at providing adults aged 55 plus with engaging, educational, creative arts opportunities with quality instructors and thoughtful curriculum. The project will entail a series of six eight session workshops. The role will also participate in and coordinate professional development devoted to combating ageism in the non-profit and museum fields.  

The Creative Aging Institute Project Manager reports to the Director of Learning & Engagement and works directly with Marketing, Advancement, Building Services, and Curatorial departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Creative Aging Institute Programming

Plan, manage, and facilitate all aspects of Creative Aging Institute workshops, including:

  1. Sourcing artist instructors
  2. Writing instructor contracts
  3. Maintaining program budget
  4. Purchasing and maintaining program supplies and materials
  5. Serving as point of contact with participants and instructors
  1. STRATEGY/PLANNING
  1. Participate in and help plan logistics of professional development sessions associated with the Vitality Arts Project
  2. Work with museum staff to provide space, equipment, and set-up needs for workshops
  3. Assist in evaluation of project and its components
  4. Attend internal meetings when appropriate to position
  1. MARKETING AND CONTENT
    1. Collaborate interdepartmentally to ensure smooth communication of information to Marketing, Advancement regarding programming
    2. Create content for the museum’s marketing, social media, and public relations platforms as they pertain to the project, including articles for the quarterly View magazine
  1. Undertakes other assignments as requested by Director of Learning and Engagement

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or B.F.A. preferred. Solid experience working with senior/elderly adults preferred. Must have experience coordinating and supervising events and/or programs aimed at external audiences. Experience in non-profit, educational, community, or social service agency environments 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, creative, 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 and enthusiasm to work with adults 55 plus is required. The job will require working some weekend days and Thursday evenings.

$15.00/hr, part-time, must be available to work evenings and weekends

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

  1. Performs all janitorial tasks as scheduled, including, but not limited to:
    1. Cleaning of restrooms and work areas
    2. Mopping floors
    3. Vacuuming carpets
    4. Dusting
    5. Collecting trash
    6. Washing walls and windows
    7. Picking up trash on Museum’s outside property
    8. Sweeping or hosing down sidewalks and shoveling snow
  2. Assists with other building maintenance tasks as scheduled, including, but not limited to:
    1. Floor stripping and waxing, buffing
    2. Moving office furniture
    3. Replacing light bulbs
    4. Minor repairs and adjustments to doors
    5. Watering landscaped areas
    6. Setting up and breaking down of special events
    7. Cleaning up after special events
  3. To the extent training and abilities allow, assist in the accomplishment of special projects involving:
    1. Painting
    2. Landscaping
    3. Building and equipment repair
  4. 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.
  5. Performs other duties as requested by Events Manager, Building Services Manager, Building Services Leader, Security Manager, or another authorized person.

QUALIFICATIONS

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. 

$15.00 per hour

 

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Manager of Building Services and Security, and the Security Asst. Managers, is responsible for the safety and security of all visitors, vendors, and employees as well as the safety of works of art in the galleries, storage, and throughout the building/grounds. Wears personal protective equipment as required.

This position is classified as non-exempt. Wears personal protective equipment as required.

                                                                                                                               

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Provide a safe and secure environment for our employees, patrons, visitors, vendors, and contractors.
  2. Provide effective protection for the museum’s artwork and assets from damage and loss.
  3. Provide timely response and assistance to our customers’ needs. Ensure a positive visitor experience for patrons. Field visitor questions.
  4. Provide active enforcement of the museum’s rules and regulations.
  5. Provide informative security awareness education to our employees, patrons, visitors, vendors, and contractors.
  6. Perform Officer duties as assigned, reporting to work when scheduled, on time, and remaining at assigned post until properly relieved.
  7. Open and close the galleries, and continually check for damaged or missing objects. Report any changes in condition to your Asst. Manager(s).
  8. Reports to the Asst. Manager(s), both orally and in writing all incidents, accidents, vandalism, suspicious activity, unusual occurrences, and any violation of the Museum’s policies, or procedures. All reports shall be made as soon as possible after the event has occurred.
  9. Helps with Museum activities and special events when needed within the Security Departments policies and procedures.
  10. Participates in required training and the Museum’s risk reduction program.
  11. Performs other duties as assigned.

 

ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS AND DOCUMENTS:

  1. Has access to sensitive areas and documents if such access is in accordance with normal duties, policy and procedures, and Internal Control guidelines.
  2. Has access to sensitive areas, documents, and assets in case an emergency exists. Such access will be reported to Security Asst. Manager(s) as soon as possible.

 

QUALIFICATIONS and CHARACTERISTICS:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred. Knowledge of safety/security practices and procedures, as well as prior experience in safety or security field preferred, but not required.  Additional training or coursework in security, first aid training, or other relevant education preferred, but not required. Interest in art preferred, but not required. Mature judgement. Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy. Flexible, able to adapt to a change in schedule and deal with unexpected situations as they arise. Willingness to adapt to changing needs of organization. Works well in a team environment.  Able to deal with the public and co-workers in a friendly, courteous, and tactful manner; demonstrated ability to remain calm and task-focused in stressful situations, and to respond appropriately to any emergency or unusual occurrence. Proven ability to communicate well and establish rapport with a diverse population. Able to follow first aid protocol and aid sick or injured guests or employees. Maintains a professional appearance and good personal hygiene. Safety-oriented.