Skip to content

Employment & Internship Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities at the Cincinnati Art Museum. The museum continually seeks to hire friendly, dynamic, and talented individuals from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds to join our team. We greatly value expertise and skills gained at the museum and encourage professional development and career growth.

Due to the high volume of responses to our employment listings, we regret that we cannot contact every job applicant. If a strong potential match is found, the Human Resources Department will contact you to request further information or schedule an interview.

Current Job Openings

The Cincinnati Art Museum has an immediate opening for a part-time Gift Shop Assistant to work in the gift shop on occasional Friday evenings (Art After Dark) but mostly the weekends.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

 Working under the direction of the Museum Gift Shop Manager, duties include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  • Providing excellent customer service to visitors of the Art Museum
  • Assist with stocking and merchandising the gift shops
  • Assisting in opening and closing the shops daily
  • Tracking all damaged merchandise for inventory
  • Assisting with all aspects of special events and satellite shops
  • Assisting with the annual inventory process
  • Researching artists, brands, books, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 

  • High school diploma or general education degree is required.
  • Cash handling experience and experience working with point-of-sale systems a plus.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills, ability to work well with others in a team environment, superb interpersonal skills, and ability to adhere to Art Museum policies & procedures are necessary.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business documents, effectively communicate with visitors in person and on phone calls, and present information and respond to questions from visitors.
  • Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and be able to learn new software programs.
  • Must be able to carry a minimum of 50 pounds and handle some physical labor.

 

BENEFITS & COMP

 

  • Pay rate: $14.25 per hour
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Family-level museum membership
  • Discounts in museum gift shop and café
  • Professional development opportunities

 

TO APPLY

Apply for Gift Shop Assistant - PT using the link below:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=347b7c9b-5aac-4d96-ab81-3b32a60f7052&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=599777&lang=en_US&source=CC2

 

Position open until filled. No phone calls please.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

 

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Gallery Attendant position is a part-time position, scheduled 10-29 hours per week. Gallery Attendants will be required to walk and move about locations on foot, and work will include periods of standing, sitting, and use of stairs as needed. May be required to lift and/or move items of moderate weight as needed.

General work hours are Tuesday through Sunday (Saturday or Sunday required) from 11am-5pm while the museum is open. Availability is required for evening events also, general evening shifts are 5pm-11pm.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to security management, duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing a visitor-friendly atmosphere.
  • Monitoring artwork and museum areas to ensure safety and security.
  • Monitoring alarm systems.
  • Dispersing and collecting keys.
  • Signing in and out contract employees and visitors.
  • Answering telephones for department.
  • Logging lost and found.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • High school diploma or equivalent work experience required. 
  • Previous security or museum experience is a plus.
  • Candidates must have strong customer service & interpersonal skills and possess a strong ability to work with the public. 
  • Candidates for this position should have knowledge of security practices and possess excellent organizational skills. 
  • Due to the essential nature of all front-line staff positions, security/gallery attendant staff must be flexible with hours, including some nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as having reliable transportation to and from the Art Museum.

 

BENEFITS & COMP

  • Hourly Pay Rate: $14.00
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Family-level museum membership
  • Discounts in museum gift shop and café
  • Professional development opportunities

 

TO APPLY

Apply for Gallery Attendant - PT using the link below:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=347b7c9b-5aac-4d96-ab81-3b32a60f7052&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=596755&lang=en_US&source=CC2

Position open until filled. No phone calls please.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

 

The Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) stewards an encyclopedic collection of more than 73,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years. The collection galleries are predominantly organized by geographic region, with rotating spaces dedicated to prints, photography, and textiles. In addition to collection galleries, the museum organizes and hosts numerous exhibitions each year in a series of rotating exhibition galleries. Through research, display, programming, and special events, the museum contributes to a more vibrant Cincinnati by inspiring its people and connecting its communities. 

CAM seeks a fashion and textile curator at the Associate or Full level to fill a newly endowed curatorial position. The Mary W. Baskett Associate/Curator of Fashion Arts & Textiles will report to the Director of Curatorial Affairs & Initiatives and will be an active member of a dynamic curatorial team. CAM’s Curatorial Division is currently organized into eight departments: American Painting, Sculpture, & Drawings; East Asian Art; Fashion Arts & Textiles; Decorative Arts & Design; European Painting, Sculpture, & Drawings; Photography; Prints; and South Asian Art, Islamic Art & Antiquities.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mary W. Baskett Associate/Full Curator of Fashion Arts & Textiles will be responsible for the stewardship, growth, development, and programmatic initiatives of the museum’s fashion and textiles collection. Strengths of the collection include historic American and European dress (predominantly from the 19th century onwards) as well as global contemporary fashion (with notable holdings in Japanese contemporary designers). The collection also includes jewelry, accessories, and ephemeral items.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Director of Curatorial Affairs & Initiatives, duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Stewardship of the fashion arts and textile collection, including collaborative stewardship of objects that overlap curatorial departments (for example East and South Asian jewelry and textiles; contemporary textile-based arts). 
  • Supervision and professional development of a curatorial assistant dedicated to fashion arts and textiles. Supervision of museum interns and volunteers when applicable.   
  • Creative and logistical project manager of CAM’s Mary W. Baskett Gallery, including planning twice yearly rotations (object choice, research, mounting, interpretation, press, and publicity) working collaboratively with colleagues across the institution. 
  • Generate original exhibitions and project manage temporary traveling exhibitions, as proposed and as assigned. Exhibition-related responsibilities include exhibition narrative development, object research, academic and interpretative writing, and working collaboratively with colleagues to coordinate programming (lectures, gallery activations, symposia), organize loans, develop exhibition design concepts, installation, fundraising, and publicizing projects. 
  • Manage Fashion Arts & Textiles department budget; work collaboratively with colleagues to plan and adhere to exhibition and programming budgets as required. 
  • Build and maintain relationships with a range of museum constituents, including colleagues across the museum field, donors, dealers, collectors, docents, and artists.  
  • Work collaboratively and constructively with colleagues across the institution, including Conservation (to care for, document, store, and mount collection objects); Photo Services (to photograph collection objects); Philanthropy (grant writing and donor stewardship); Marketing and Communications (external publicity); Learning & Interpretation (interpretative gallery texts and programming), and more. 
  • Research and catalogue collection objects in TMS. Lecture on and publish original research on topics that center CAM’s collection, programming, and projects for both academic and general audiences. 
  • Attend and participate in field-specific symposia, conferences, and lectures; visit museums and galleries in the U.S. and abroad; and represent CAM’s vision and values externally.  
  • Research, recommend, propose, and secure new acquisitions (gifts and purchases) for CAM’s collections, including academic and provenance research. 
  • Participate in Cincinnati’s broader arts ecosystem, including representing the museum at social and civic events and serving on internal and external committees or panels as applicable. 
  • Serve as liaison between the Cincinnati Art Museum and visiting committees and other groups with special interest in the department, including the museum-affiliated Friends of Fashion Arts & Textiles.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • M.A. in Art History (Ph.D. preferred) with a subject expertise relevant to CAM’s Fashion Arts & Textiles Collection. 
  • Minimum of seven (7) years with experience as an Academic Fellow or Assistant/Associate Curator or Curator. Curatorial rank will be commensurate with experience. 
  • The Mary W. Baskett Associate/Full Curator of Fashion Arts & Textiles must possess a demonstrated knowledge of museum practices; excellent written and oral communication skills; good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office program suite and other relevant computer programs; a commitment to both academic endeavors and working with diverse public constituencies; and the ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of constituents, including museum staff, donors, museum members, and the general public.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively and respectively with multiple internal and external stakeholders to achieve institutional objectives. 
  • Evening and weekend work as needed.

 

 BENEFITS & COMP

  • Annual salary: $75,000 - $95,000 commensurate with experience 
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k retirement planning with company match
  • Robust paid time off (PTO) and 9 paid holidays 
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Dependent care leave benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Family-level museum membership
  • Discounts in museum gift shop and café 
  • Professional development opportunities

 

TO APPLY

Apply for the Mary W. Baskett Associate/Full Curator of Fashion Arts & Textiles position using the link below. Please also submit a cover letter and CV. 

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=347b7c9b-5aac-4d96-ab81-3b32a60f7052&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=597199&lang=en_US&source=CC2

 

Position open until filled. No phone calls please.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

 

The Mary R. Schiff Library is an art research library with a non-circulating collection of over 100,000 items, including books, periodicals, digital resources, artist files and auction catalogues. Its holdings reflect the Cincinnati Art Museum’s collections, which span 6,000 years of artistic creativity from cultures across the globe. Areas of strength in the library collections include decorative arts, fashion, photography, and Cincinnati artists. The library dates to the founding of the museum in 1881, and today it fulfills its dual mandate to support the research and education programs of the museum and be a welcoming public resource.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head Librarian provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Mary R. Schiff Library. This role manages collections, staff, spaces, and research resources; oversees collection development, research services, and digital initiatives; and advances access to art historical resources for museum staff, scholars, and the public.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Director of Academic Partnerships & Research, duties include, but are not limited to: 

Leadership & Strategic Direction

  • Develop and implement a long-term vision for the museum library in alignment with institutional priorities articulated by the museum’s 2026-2029 strategic plan
  • Evaluate policies, procedures, and performance standards to guide operations and support innovation in library practice

Library Operations & Administration

  • Oversee core library functions, including reference, circulation, interlibrary loan, acquisitions, cataloging, and preservation
  • Ensure effective access to physical and digital collections for internal and external users
  • Manage department budgets.
  • Evaluate and implement and maintain systems for library management, metadata, and digital asset organization
  • Liaise with University of Cincinnati Libraries, OhioLINK, and other electronic resource partners and providers
  • Work closely and collaboratively with museum archivists, registrars, curators and educators

Collection Development & Stewardship

  • Lead collection development in collaboration with Curatorial, Learning & Interpretation, and other stakeholders
  • Oversee acquisition, cataloging, and stewardship of books, journals, ephemera, and digital and electronic resources
  • Ensure adherence to professional standards for cataloging, metadata, and archival description
  • Partner with Archives and Conservation to guide preservation and storage for rare and special collections

Research, References & Scholarly Support

  • Provide advanced research support for curators, educators, and visiting and corresponding researchers
  • Support museum exhibition, publication, and research initiatives through expert reference services
  • Develop research tools such as finding aids, bibliographies, and subject guides
  • Ensure a high standard of user-centered service and engagement with diverse audiences

Digital Strategy & Innovation

  • Partner with Registration, Archives, and IT on metadata strategy, digital infrastructure, and resource discoverability
  • Lead digitization programs and digital access initiatives to expand the reach of collections
  • Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including digital scholarship tools, linked data, and artificial intelligence
  • Ensure long-term digital preservation and sustainable data management practices 

External Relations, Institutional Collaboration & Public Engagement

  • Collaborate across museum teams on exhibitions and programming
  • With the Director of Academic Partnerships & Research, build partnerships with academic institutions, libraries, and arts organizations
  • Represent the museum in professional associations, conferences, and scholarly forums
  • Support fundraising efforts, including grant writing and donor engagement for library initiatives

Staff Leadership & Development

  • Collaborate with, manage, and mentor two direct reports, and any applicable volunteers, interns, and fellows
  • Work with direct reports to support professional development, personal growth and institutional success through a framework of goal setting and feedback

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program. Advanced degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field preferred.
  • Five to seven (5-7) years of progressively responsible experience in a research library, museum library, or special collections environment. Experience working with archives, rare books, or special collections a plus. 
  • Demonstrated success in leadership, staff management, and strategic planning
  • Knowledge of art history resources, visual culture, or related disciplines
  • Experience in library systems, metadata standards, and digital information management

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with digital humanities, linked data, or large-scale metadata initiatives
  • Experience with grant writing, fundraising, and donor relations
  • Experience with Ex Libris Alma/Primo Library Services Platform
  • Active participation in professional organizations (e.g. ARLIS/NA, ALA, IFLA)

 

BENEFITS & COMP

  • Annual salary: $60,000 - $70,000
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k retirement planning with company match.
  • Robust paid time off (PTO) and 9 paid holidays 
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Dependent care leave benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Family-level museum membership
  • Discounts in museum gift shop and café 
  • Professional development opportunities

 

TO APPLY

Apply for the Head Librarian position using the link below. Please also submit a cover letter and CV. 

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=347b7c9b-5aac-4d96-ab81-3b32a60f7052&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=598864&lang=en_US&source=CC2

 

All applications received by July 10, 2026 will be considered. 

The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Philanthropy is a member of the Philanthropy team and serves as a front-line fundraiser responsible for generating revenue through leadership annual giving and corporate giving. This position actively solicits gifts, manages key donor and corporate relationships, and develops strategies to grow philanthropic support aligned with institutional priorities.

This role plays a central part in building a sustainable culture of philanthropy by connecting donors and corporate partners to the museum’s mission, exhibitions, and community impact. Through consistent and thoughtful communication, solicitation, and stewardship, the Associate Director of Philanthropy works to increase participation, strengthen retention, and expand long term support.

The Associate Director of Philanthropy supervises the Donor Engagement Manager and ensures that donor solicitation, benefit fulfillment and engagement activities are executed at a high level. This position also serves as the primary staff liaison to the Individual Giving Committee and the Corporate Committee, working closely with trustees and volunteers to support solicitation strategies, strengthen relationships, and advance fundraising goals.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITES

Reporting directly to the Director of Philanthropy, duties include, but are not limited to:

Leadership Annual Giving

  • Lead strategy and execution of the Founders Society, including acquisition, retention, and upgrade efforts
  • Actively solicit leadership annual gifts and renewals through direct outreach including meetings, calls, and written proposals
  • Develop annual plans and measurable goals to grow leadership annual giving
  • Manage a portfolio of leadership donors and prospects with a focus on relationship building and solicitation
  • Create and implement targeted communication and renewal strategies
  • Partner with trustees and volunteers to engage donors and support solicitation efforts
  • Plan and implement recognition and stewardship events that strengthen donor connection to the museum

Corporate Giving and Sponsorships

  • Lead the strategy, cultivation, and active solicitation of corporate gifts and sponsorships to meet and exceed budgeted fundraising goals
  • Work closely with the Corporate Committee and Board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit corporate support
  • Manage and grow relationships with current corporate partners through consistent communication and stewardship
  • Develop and execute strategies to secure new corporate donors and expand participation
  • Create customized sponsorship opportunities tied to exhibitions, programs, and events
  • Prepare proposals, presentations, and agreements to secure corporate funding
  • Position the museum as a strong partner for corporations seeking community impact and visibility
  • Track progress toward revenue goals and adjust strategies to meet fundraising targets

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

  • Oversee fulfillment of donor and corporate partner benefits
  • Ensure timely and accurate execution of all stewardship activities
  • Develop engagement opportunities that connect donors to programs and impact
  • Collaborate across departments to support events and recognition experiences
  • Maintain a high level of service and responsiveness to donor needs

Staff Management

  • Supervise the Donor Engagement Manager
  • Provide direction, feedback, and support to achieve program goals
  • Ensure coordination between engagement activities and fundraising priorities
  • Board and Committee Engagement
  • Serve as primary staff liaison to the Individual Giving Committee and Corporate Committee
  • Partner with committee members to develop and execute fundraising and solicitation strategies
  • Prepare materials, reports, and updates for meetings
  • Engage trustees and volunteers in donor cultivation and corporate partnership development
  • Support board members in their role as ambassadors and fundraisers for the museum

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Five or more years of relevant fundraising or corporate relations experience
  • Demonstrated experience in frontline fundraising and solicitation
  • Strong relationship building and communication skills
  • Experience working with boards or volunteer committees preferred
  • Experience with donor databases and reporting
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively

 

BENEFITS & COMP

  • Annual salary: $67,000 - $72,000
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k retirement planning with company match.
  • Robust paid time off (PTO) and 9 paid holidays
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Dependent care leave benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Family-level museum membership
  • Discounts in museum gift shop and café
  • Professional development opportunities

 

TO APPLY

Apply for the Associate Director of Philanthropy position using the link below.

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=347b7c9b-5aac-4d96-ab81-3b32a60f7052&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=599774&lang=en_US&source=CC2

 

Position open until filled. No phone calls please.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

 

Fellowship and Internship Opportunities

INTERNSHIP POSITION SUMMARY

The Cincinnati Art Museum has an opening for a Curatorial Intern working with the Decorative Arts & Design and Fashion Arts & Textiles curatorial divisions this fall. This is a 12-week paid internship that runs between September to December 2026 and is scheduled for 15-25 hours per week during the Monday-Friday 9am-5pm workweek. 

The Curatorial Intern will assist in cataloging and processing a transformational gift of 85 modern and contemporary enamel objects. This collection will be integrated into the Decorative Arts & Design collection, with select enameled jewelry pieces joining the Fashion Arts & Textiles collection. The intern will conduct object research, capture reference photographs, prepare formal accession paperwork, and input comprehensive data into the museum's collections management system, TMS (The Museum System).

 

ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Curator of Decorative Arts & Design, internship duties include:

  • Conduct Art Historical Research: Verify and document provenance, artist histories, and material execution for 85 modern and contemporary enamel objects using primary and secondary research sources.
  • Database Management: Input detailed cataloging data, reference and provided publication-quality images, and research findings into TMS to ensure prompt public and internal digital access. 
  • Accession Documentation: Prepare museum accession paperwork, including detailed accession worksheets, following institutional standards. 
  • Object Photography: Take clear, accurate reference photographs of collection objects for identification, documentation, and database attachment. 
  • Art Handling: Assist with the safe handling, movement, and physical inspection of delicate enamel and jewelry pieces during the cataloguing phase. 
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Coordinate workflow and insights between the Decorative Arts & Design and Fashion Arts & Textiles departments to properly categorize incoming pieces. 
  • Professional Development: Participate in regular curatorial meetings, mentorship sessions, and institutional learning opportunities to build foundational knowledge of museum operations. Author a blog post about the enamel collection.
  • Other duties as assigned.


INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

  • Current undergraduate upperclassman or graduate student pursuing a degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Material Culture, Decorative Arts, or a closely related field. 
  • College-level coursework in art history, with a preferred interest or focus on modern/contemporary art, design, or craft histories. 
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing primary and secondary sources, such as archival materials, library databases, and other published records. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; prior exposure to museum databases like TMS (The Museum System) is a plus but is not required. 
  • Strong written communication skills for documentation and excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating across multiple curatorial and affiliated departments. Writing sample is required with application.
  • Exceptional organizational habits and attention to detail, specifically regarding data entry, object descriptions, and administrative paperwork. 
  • Basic knowledge of or a strong willingness to learn the museum standards for the safe and ethical handling of delicate art objects and jewelry.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

 

Pay rate: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

 

TO APPLY

Apply for the Curatorial Intern – PT Fall 2026 using the link below:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=347b7c9b-5aac-4d96-ab81-3b32a60f7052&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=599518&lang=en_US&source=CC2 

 

Position open until it is filled. No phone calls please.

The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

 

 

Educational credit may be available for internships, check with school(s) for requirements.

 

The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category protected under applicable law.

 

 

Header image courtesy of Dish Design.