Staff Positions

Museum Educator
The Contemporary is seeking a dynamic Museum Educator to plan and implement all of the Contemporary’s education and outreach efforts. We seek a creative and responsible individual who has a passion for helping people better understand and enjoy contemporary art and who is energized by the opportunity to help take the Contemporary's education department to the next level.

Key responsibilities include planning and teaching studio art classes (including New Art in the Neighborhood teen program); developing relationships with universities, K-12 schools, and community partners; coordinating and conducting school and adult group tour programs; planning exhibition-related public programs; and creating a range of education materials (handouts, podcasts, videos, other creative ideas) to improve museum visitor comfort with and understanding of contemporary art.

This is a full time, exempt position with regular hours Tuesday-Saturday (New Art in the Neighborhood sessions are on Saturdays). Excellent written and oral communication skills are required, as is a proven ability to work well with a wide range of people. Art teaching experience, particularly with teens, is preferred. Video production and/or web skills is a plus.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing samples, and list of references to Lisa Grove, Deputy Director, at lgrove@camstl.org.

Internship Program

The Contemporary realizes the importance and value of real-life experience for students, as well as the many skills and ideas that students are able to bring to a workplace. The Contemporary’s internship program aims to provide challenging positions that will enable students to apply the skills, aptitude, and knowledge that have been gained in an academic setting. Interning at the Contemporary is a rewarding opportunity for students to deepen cultural awareness, develop relationships and contacts, and give back to the community. Internships are unpaid and are open to students enrolled in an undergraduate and graduate program, depending on the department. Students may be seeking academic credit, or simply wish to gain experience.

There are three semesters in which a student may intern at the Contemporary: fall (August–December), spring (January–May), and summer (May–August). Most departments ask for a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. Open positions are listed below.

If you are interested in any of the open internship opportunities, please send a letter of interest and resume to Maria Quinlan at mquinlan@camstl.org. Please be sure to make note of the position for which you are applying.

Curatorial Internship
The Contemporary seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented undergraduate or graduate student to participate in the day-to-day working of the museum’s curatorial team. Interns will assist with the preparation for and the organization of exhibitions at the Contemporary. Interns will gain experience in research, working on the intricacies associated with planning an exhibition, as well as having a degree of contact with the installation and de-installation process. Curatorial interns will also assist with ongoing projects by reading and sorting through files, making contact with artists and their galleries, and preparing artist files for the Curators. In addition to working on individual exhibitions and organization of the curatorial offices, interns will also participate in the day-to-day operation of the department by performing administrative tasks such as filing, correspondence, answering phones, entering and shelving books for the curatorial library, and conducting public tours. Upcoming in-depth projects for which interns might be involved in include Flat Files and The Front Room. The Curatorial department requires that interns be organized, detail oriented, responsible, computer literate, comfortable interacting with the public, and capable of multi-tasking.

Public Relations/Marketing Internship
The Contemporary seeks a Public Relations/Marketing intern at the undergraduate level studying in the area of public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field who is highly organized, motivated, detail-oriented, and has excellent written and verbal communication skills. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, assisting with event organization, updating and researching online communications, completing mailings, event and program flyer distribution, conducting various research projects, and the upkeep of press files. It will be important for the person in this position to be available on some nights and weekends in order to attend Contemporary events. The person in this position must be able to multi-task and handle multiple projects in a fast paced environment. Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is required. The knowledge or interest in nonprofit arts organizations and museums is a plus.

Development Internship
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis seeks a motivated and detail oriented intern to provide administrative and research support for its Development Department. This internship offers hands-on experience providing preparation for future fundraising employment in a cultural institution or nonprofit organization. Duties include: research potential corporations, foundations, and grantors for the Contemporary’s specific programs; prepare documents for mailings; compiling information for grant/sponsorship proposals; assist with mailings, filings, data entry; other administrative tasks related to institutional and individual giving, membership, and special events. Qualifications candidates will have an interest in fundraising; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills and will be proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office.

Visitor Services & Education Program Internship
The Contemporary seeks Visitor Services & Education Program Interns who are energetic and dependable team players. VSE Program representatives serve as ambassadors to the public, provide an accessible source of information and ensure that each visitor’s experience at the museum is enjoyable. Interns will be trained to greet and engage people, answer questions, and provide information about the Contemporary and our exhibitions and programs. Enthusiastic individuals interested in museum operations with excellent customer service and observational skills. Able to initiate visitor interaction by demonstrating the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Must be organized and self motivated. Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in working with the public in an educational setting.Customer service, retail, teaching or museum education experience, are helpful.Knowledgeable of museum and local area a plus. Should be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel. Any academic major will be considered, may have particular relevance for those working towards degrees in human resources, communications, museum studies, tourism, hospitality or education. Job requires the ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time, perform tasks involving set-up and breakdown of events, stocking and general upkeep of retail area and information desk operations. Requires a semester long commitment. Flexible work availability a must with an average of 10-15 hours weekly, plus alternating weekends and some evenings. Must be able to attend a mandatory staff exhibition orientation session at least once per exhibit. Also required to attend a monthly exhibition round table discussion. Must have a car and a valid driver’s license.

All interns will also be required to attend an exhibition and tour training session and will be required to give public tours.