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Whitney Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Officer

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$22.64/hr

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first ...

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Whitney Museum information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Curator at the Whitney Museum, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Curator at the Whitney Museum, you need expertise in art history, strong research skills, and typically a master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibition design software, and conservation practices is essential. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills help curators engage audiences and coordinate with artists, scholars, and staff. These skills are crucial for creating impactful exhibitions and preserving the museum's reputation as a leader in contemporary American art.

What is the difference between Whitney Museum vs Art Curator?

AspectWhitney MuseumArt Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Art, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentArt museum, gallery, or cultural institutionArt museums, galleries, or private collections
Employer & Industry UsagePublic art institutions, non-profit sectorPublic and private art institutions, galleries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Whitney Museum is a specific art institution focusing on contemporary American art, whereas an art curator is a professional responsible for selecting, organizing, and managing art collections or exhibitions across various institutions, including museums like the Whitney. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, the Whitney Museum is a specific employer, and an art curator is a broader profession found in many institutions.

What is the Whitney Museum and what does it do?

The Whitney Museum of American Art, commonly known as the Whitney, is a major art museum in New York City that focuses on 20th and 21st-century American art. It is renowned for its extensive collection of works by living artists as well as its annual and biennial exhibitions, which showcase new and innovative trends in contemporary art. The museum was founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and has a mission to support and promote the work of American artists. Visitors can explore a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia installations. The Whitney also offers educational programs, workshops, and community events for all ages.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at the Whitney Museum, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Staff at the Whitney Museum often work in a fast-paced, visitor-focused environment where adaptability and clear communication are key. Common challenges include managing high visitor volume during exhibitions, staying updated on current and upcoming installations, and collaborating across departments such as curatorial, education, and guest services. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with the museum's mission and collections, practicing strong customer service skills, and being open to ongoing training and teamwork. Embracing flexibility and a passion for contemporary art will help staff thrive in this dynamic setting.
What cities are hiring for Whitney Museum jobs? Cities with the most Whitney Museum job openings:
What states have the most Whitney Museum jobs? States with the most job openings for Whitney Museum jobs include:
Infographic showing various Whitney Museum job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Joan Tisch Teaching Fellow

Joan Tisch Teaching Fellow

Whitney Museum of American Art

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$150/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Joan Tisch Teaching Fellows Program offers graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in art and art history the unique opportunity to work directly with the Whitney Museum's collection and audiences within a community of academic support. Participants in the program design tours and talks on the Whitney's collection and temporary exhibitions for museum visitors and more advanced Teaching Fellows also have opportunities to propose topical tours, lectures, and courses drawing on their own scholarship for special membership groups and public program audiences. Fellows also meet for workshops for feedback and support on their scholarly work and for training in teaching, communication and presentation skills, or other professional development topics.
This selective program offers an invaluable opportunity for students to develop skills for public speaking without notes, communicating sophisticated ideas in a clear and organized fashion to general audiences, and finding their own authentic voice. Alumni of the program, who have gone on to a range of prestigious positions in museums and academia, often reference how these skills benefited them throughout their careers.
Requirements
  • Must be a graduate student currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Art History or a related field, finishing their coursework or working toward the completion of their dissertation.
  • Students specializing in areas covered by the Museum's collection are given special consideration, but this is not a prerequisite for selection.
  • We are seeking diverse perspectives on American Art of the 20th and 21st Century, including Latinx and American indigenous perspectives. We are especially looking for candidates who are able to offer tours in both Spanish and English.
Details
Fellows are offered a base pay of $600 a month to support the learning opportunities of the program in addition to per tour pay of $150 per hour for private and specialized tours and $115 for public tours. Fellows also have the potential for further pay for courses, special programs, membership lectures, and other projects.
Fellowships are ideally for a period of three years, with a minimum commitment of two years. During this period, Fellows are expected to live in or near New York City as the role is in-person on site. We are currently accepting applications for a Fellow to start in the fall of 2026.
We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you're new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.
About the Whitney
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
EEO Statement
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
The Joan Tisch Teaching Fellows Program at the Whitney Museum of American Art is supported by a generous gift from Steven Tisch.