Careers

Phoenix Art Museum’s Modern and Contemporary art curatorial department is inviting current undergraduate students in art history, museum studies, and/or studio art to apply for the Hirabayashi Internship that will provide research and administrative support for the Modern and Contemporary art team and their ongoing initiatives, including two new gallery reinstallations and the organization and planning of a forthcoming survey exhibition and publication on the America postwar artist, Deborah Remington.

Exhibition responsibilities of this position could include updating exhibition checklists, creating artist files; gathering resources and research material on modern and contemporary art movements and themes; preparing agendas and other materials for exhibition meetings; and using Microsoft Teams and other project management software and principles to contribute to the organization and success of the department’s projects.

The publication will require the intern to maintain research/artist files and images, collaborating frequently with Rachel Zebro, Curator of Modern Art and Manager of Collections and Archives, with daily correspondence; gathering object/artist information; essay organization; fact checking/editing; documenting and updating data, and overseeing a production calendar to ensure catalogue deliverables is timely and accurate.

Requisite skills and abilities include:

• A demonstrated knowledge of modern and contemporary art is expected, but students in all areas are encouraged to apply
• Previous museum or gallery experience not required, but preferred
• Proficiency in art historical research and scholarly writing
• Detail-oriented and organized; able and willing to complete administrative tasks as necessary
• Communicate effectively both in written and oral form
• Diligent attention to details and ability to complete projects daily
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams and other project management software
• Work effectively with a wide variety of Museum supporters, visitors, volunteers, and staff

Eligibility:

Undergraduate level students

Part-Time | Compensation | November 2026 – May 2027: ($17.00/hr; 20 hours per week).

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and a copy of your resume with the job title Hirabayashi Intern to HR@phxart.org.

Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion

Phoenix Art Museum | Phoenix, Arizona
Full-Time | Exempt

Phoenix Art Museum seeks a dynamic and accomplished Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion to provide curatorial vision, artistic leadership, and scholarly direction for one of the nation’s distinguished museum fashion programs.

The Curator will steward Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Collection of nearly 9,000 objects of couture, accessories, and ephemera spanning nearly five centuries, while developing original exhibitions, research, publications, acquisitions, and public programs that connect the collection with both historical scholarship and contemporary conversations in fashion. The position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of an established fashion program with a national and international profile.

The Opportunity

The Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion will lead the continued development of a nationally and internationally recognized program, bringing an ambitious curatorial perspective to the interpretation and presentation of fashion across periods and cultures.

Working closely with the Director for Curatorial Affairs and Selig Family Chief Curator, the Curator will develop a multi-year exhibition program that draws upon the depth of the permanent collection while also presenting high-profile special exhibitions and pursuing opportunities for Phoenix Art Museum-organized exhibitions to travel nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate will combine deep knowledge of fashion history with intellectual curiosity about fashion’s relationship to aesthetics, material culture, history, and social and cultural change. The Curator will be an active scholar and compelling communicator who can engage audiences ranging from museum colleagues and academic peers to designers, collectors, donors, ACI members, media, and the broader public.

Key Responsibilities

The Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion will:

• Provide curatorial and artistic leadership for the Museum’s Fashion department and help define the future direction and visibility of the program locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Conduct original research on the Fashion Collection and produce scholarly writing for exhibitions, catalogues, publications, interpretive materials, lectures, and other platforms.
• Develop and implement an ambitious multi-year exhibition program, including annual rotations in the Ellman Fashion Galleries and major special exhibitions.
• Conceive and develop original Phoenix Art Museum exhibitions with the potential to travel nationally and internationally.
• Work closely with the Fashion Collection Manager on collections care, conservation, installations, loans, acquisitions, and gifts, and provide specialized expertise in mannequin dressing, installation, design, and conservation.
• Identify significant acquisitions and cultivate relationships with designers, collectors, donors, scholars, fashion journalists, brands, and other leaders across the international fashion community.
• Work collaboratively with the Arizona Costume Institute to develop compelling programming and support signature events, including the annual Haute Lecture and Holiday Luncheon.
• Recommend and help secure nationally and internationally recognized designers, scholars, curators, collectors, and other speakers for ACI and Museum programs.
• Collaborate across curatorial departments to integrate fashion into broader collection presentations and institutional initiatives.
• Partner with Education and Engagement colleagues to create accessible, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous public programs.
• Represent the Museum through lectures, gallery talks, tours, media engagements, donor programs, professional activities, and other public-facing opportunities.
• Participate in institutional strategic planning related to collections, exhibitions, scholarship, and audience engagement.
• Supervise and support Fashion department staff while fostering a transparent, proactive, collaborative, and respectful working environment.

These responsibilities reflect the scope of the approved position, including its emphasis on scholarship, exhibitions, collections stewardship, ACI collaboration, public engagement, traveling exhibitions, and building relationships throughout the national and international fashion field.

Qualifications

An advanced degree in fashion studies, fashion history, art history, design, material culture, or a related field is required, with a demonstrated record of scholarship and publication. A PhD or master’s degree is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant curatorial experience will also be considered.

Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience organizing fashion-design exhibitions, writing scholarly essays, publishing catalogues, preparing interpretive materials, and presenting public lectures and gallery talks.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Deep knowledge of 20th- and 21st-century fashion design, with broad knowledge of earlier periods.
• A strong record of scholarly research and writing for museum or related publications.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive and organize ambitious original exhibitions and accompanying publications.
• Knowledge of collections stewardship and specialized practices related to fashion installation, design, and conservation.
• An innovative curatorial vision and an interest in the evolving role of fashion within museums and contemporary culture.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to delegate, develop staff, and achieve goals collaboratively.
• A highly collegial working style and demonstrated ability to build productive relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills and the ability to balance long-term program development with simultaneous exhibitions, collections work, publications, and institutional priorities.
• A broad professional network or demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with designers, collectors, scholars, curators, journalists, and other leaders in the field.
• A commitment to engaging diverse audiences and communities through programming, outreach, staffing, and organizational culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including significant experience with public speaking and the ability to communicate effectively with audiences of varied backgrounds and levels of expertise.
• Working proficiency with standard office technology and museum collections-management systems.

Working at Phoenix Art Museum

This is a regular, full-time, exempt position based at Phoenix Art Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. The position works in both office and exhibition-gallery environments and includes physical activity associated with the care and installation of fashion objects, including lifting up to 50 pounds and activities such as standing, walking, reaching, kneeling, stooping, pushing, and pulling.

The Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion reports to the Director for Curatorial Affairs and the Selig Family Chief Curator and supervises members of the Fashion department.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000/annually

Phoenix Art Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer HSA contributions; Museum-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental leave; and a 401(k) plan with employer contributions. Employees also receive complimentary Museum membership, Museum Store and restaurant discounts, and admission privileges at participating Valley cultural institutions.

About the Fashion Collection

Founded in 1966, the Phoenix Art Museum Fashion Collection is one of the Museum’s signature collection areas and one of the few continuously active museum fashion programs in the United States. Its nearly 9,000 objects span five centuries of fashionable dress and accessories and include significant works by designers such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Christian Dior, Claire McCardell, Fortuny, Halston, Iris van Herpen, Yohji Yamamoto, and Schiaparelli.

The collection also includes important concentrations of mid-century haute couture and avant-garde fashion, along with special archives including the Geoffrey Beene Archive, the Emphatics Archive, and the Ann Bonfoey Taylor Archive. The Fashion program is supported by the Arizona Costume Institute (ACI), founded in 1966 to advance the acquisition, preservation, exhibition, and appreciation of fashion as art.

About Phoenix Art Museum

Located in the heart of Phoenix, Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the southwestern United States and a vibrant destination for the visual arts. The Museum is home to more than 20,000 objects and engages more than 300,000 guests, lifelong learners, and art lovers annually through its collections, exhibitions, educational offerings, and multidimensional community programs. Its mission is to ignite imaginations, create connections, and serve as a vibrant destination and brave space for all people who wish to experience the transformative power of art.

The Museum’s collections encompass American and Western American, Asian, European, Latin American, modern and contemporary art, fashion, and photography, complemented by critically acclaimed national and international exhibitions and a broad range of public and educational programming.

To Apply

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé/CV to HR@phxart.org with job code PAM-FASH in the subject line. Please provide examples of publications, exhibitions, or other relevant scholarly work.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Phoenix Art Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Phoenix Art Museum is seeking an experienced, highly organized Senior Event Specialist to help bring Museum events to life.

Working across the organization, the Senior Event Specialist plans and executes a wide variety of internal programs, Museum-wide events, and private facility rentals. This position manages events from initial planning through execution, coordinating everything from budgets, contracts, catering, and vendors to timelines, room layouts, audiovisual needs, and event design.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional hospitality and customer service with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced event professional who enjoys managing complex logistics, building relationships, solving problems, and creating memorable experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and execute Museum events and programs, collaborating with Curatorial, Education & Engagement, Development, External Affairs, Museum support groups, and other departments.
• Manage private facility rentals from start to finish, including client communication, site visits and walkthroughs, timelines, room layouts, contracts, billing, and coordination with Museum departments.
• Coordinate event logistics, including catering and beverage service, audiovisual requirements, vendors, equipment, custodial needs, security, and event setup.
• Serve as the primary onsite contact for event vendors, coordinating agreements, walkthroughs, insurance requirements, and compliance with Museum policies and procedures.
• Support the Senior Director of Events in developing private-event business by responding to leads, coordinating site visits, preparing rental contracts, and assisting with billing and receipts.
• Help manage the Museum’s Master Events Calendar, coordinating the scheduling and use of Museum rooms and galleries as well as off-site Museum activities.
• Work with clients, Museum staff, vendors, custodial teams, bartenders, projectionists, Phoenix Theatre, and other partners to ensure events are executed successfully.
• Ensure events respect the unique requirements of an art museum environment, including restrictions related to works of art and Museum safety and security procedures.
• Prepare and distribute weekly and monthly summaries of upcoming events and meetings to appropriate Museum staff and partners.
• Build strong working relationships throughout the Museum and with outside vendors through timely communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
• Remain available during events to troubleshoot issues, respond quickly to changing circumstances, and help ensure an exceptional experience for guests and clients.

The position works extensively across Museum departments and with external clients and vendors to coordinate events and maintain the Museum’s event calendar.

Education and Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge and Skills

Successful candidates will bring:

• Strong event coordination and execution experience.
• A hospitality- and customer-service-oriented approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple events, projects, deadlines, and communications simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with clients, vendors, staff, volunteers, members, donors, and trustees.
• The ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and follow projects through to completion.
• Comfort working in a busy environment where plans can change quickly and effective troubleshooting is essential.
• Experience with event-management software and Microsoft Office.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Experience with Tripleseat, Cvent Floorplans, and Altru is beneficial.

Schedule and Work Environment

This position combines office-based administrative work with hands-on event execution in indoor and outdoor environments throughout the Museum campus. Because Museum events occur outside traditional business hours, the Senior Event Specialist must be available to work some evenings, weekends, and early mornings as required.

The position also involves the physical activity associated with event setup and execution, including periods of standing and walking and occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, kneeling, and similar activities.

About Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the southwestern United States, providing access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 60 years. The Museum presents a dynamic collection of art from around the world alongside nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions, films, educational programs, and special events.

As a vibrant gathering place in the heart of Phoenix, the Museum welcomes a broad community of visitors, members, artists, donors, educators, and organizations and provides a distinctive setting for experiences ranging from public programs and lectures to celebrations and private events.

Working at Phoenix Art Museum

Joining Phoenix Art Museum means becoming part of a collaborative organization dedicated to connecting people with great art and ideas. Employees enjoy the opportunity to work in a unique cultural environment while supporting exhibitions, programs, events, and experiences that serve the greater Phoenix community.

Compensation & Benefits

SALARY RANGE – $50,000-$55,000/annually

Phoenix Art Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributions toward eligible health savings accounts; retirement benefits with employer contributions; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; life and disability insurance; and additional employee benefits and Museum privileges.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter with job code PAM-SES to HR@phxart.org.

**Incomplete applications may not be considered.**

Phoenix Art Museum | Phoenix, Arizona
Regular, Full-Time | Exempt

Phoenix Art Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Phoenix Art Museum seeks an experienced, highly organized, and compelling writer and administrator to serve as Institutional Giving Manager, leading the Museum’s $1.6M+ portfolio of foundation and government support and contributing to prospect research efforts that advance the Museum’s broader fundraising priorities.

The Institutional Giving Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle of institutional grants—from prospect identification and proposal development through grant administration, reporting, and stewardship. Working collaboratively across the Museum, this position translates the work of curatorial, education, and other programmatic teams into persuasive funding proposals and meaningful reports that demonstrate impact and strengthen relationships with institutional funders.

The position also plays an important role in the Museum’s prospect research program, identifying and researching prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors and providing actionable intelligence to Development staff, senior leadership, and Trustees.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and researcher who can synthesize complex information into clear and persuasive narratives; manage multiple deadlines and priorities with precision; and build productive relationships with colleagues throughout the organization.

Essential Responsibilities
Institutional Giving and Grants Management – 85%

1. Manage the Museum’s $1.6M+ institutional giving program, including support from private foundations and federal, state, and local government entities.
2. Research funding opportunities and develop compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting materials that align Museum priorities with funder interests.
3. Manage a comprehensive grants calendar, ensuring the timely submission of proposals, applications, contracts, interim and final reports, and other funder requirements.
4. Collaborate closely with curatorial, education, finance, and other Museum departments to develop grant proposals, establish measurable outcomes, gather required information, and ensure grant-funded projects remain on track.
5. Collect, analyze, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative information regarding grant-funded activities to demonstrate program outcomes and impact.
6. Prepare compelling interim and final grant reports, annual donor reports, and endowment reports that fulfill funder requirements and support strong long-term donor relationships.
7. Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of pending and awarded grants, contracts, reporting requirements, supporting documentation, and institutional information.
8. Develop and maintain productive relationships with Museum staff, senior leadership, Trustees, community partners, and other stakeholders in support of institutional fundraising priorities.

Prospect Research and Development Support 15%

1. Conduct research on prospective and current individual and foundation donors using confidential records, subscription-based research tools, public information, and other appropriate resources, as needed for the Chief Advancement Officer, Director and CEO, and the Board of Trustees.
2. Analyze and synthesize research into concise, actionable prospect profiles, briefings, memos, and reports for Development staff, Museum leadership, the Board of Trustees, and appropriate Board committees.
3. Maintain accurate prospect records, classifications, and research information within the Museum’s CRM and prospect-management systems related to granting organizations.
4. Maintain the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality in handling donor and prospect information and adhere to professional ethical standards.

Qualifications
Required

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
2. Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in grant writing, institutional giving, prospect research, fundraising, or related nonprofit or educational work.
3. Demonstrated ability to develop clear, persuasive, and successful grant proposals and other fundraising communications.
4. Exceptional writing, editing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
5. Strong project-management and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
6. Ability to gather information from multiple stakeholders and translate programmatic goals, activities, and outcomes into compelling cases for support.
7. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and organizational levels.
8. Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, and comfort learning and using database, research, and project-management platforms.

Preferred

1. Experience managing foundation and/or government grant portfolios within a nonprofit, cultural, arts, or educational organization.
2. Experience with prospect research and prospect-development practices, including wealth screening, philanthropic research, and donor data analysis.
3. Experience with foundation directory tools, government grant platforms, or comparable institutional funding research tools.
4. Experience with Blackbaud Altru or another nonprofit CRM/fundraising database.
5. Familiarity with prospect-development standards and fundraising ethics.
6. Experience working in a museum, arts and culture organization, educational institution, or other mission-driven nonprofit environment.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Institutional Giving Manager will combine excellent writing and research skills with rigorous project management and an ability to work collaboratively across the Museum. This individual will help grow and diversify institutional support, ensure exceptional stewardship of foundation and government funders, identify promising new sources of philanthropic support, and provide Museum leadership and fundraisers with the information they need to build strong donor relationships.

This is an opportunity for a development professional who enjoys both the creative and analytical sides of fundraising: building a compelling case for support, discovering new philanthropic opportunities, developing meaningful relationships across an organization, and connecting funders with work that makes a measurable difference in the community.

Please email cover letter and resume with job code PAM-IGM to HR@phxart.org                                                   

** Incomplete applications may not be accepted for review **

Job Status: Regular, full-time, exempt                                                                                  EOE

Salary: $75,000 -$85,000 annually