Work at SVACEmployment Opportunities
Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art
Southern Vermont Arts Center seeks a Curator at an exciting time of growth centered on sharing the story of Vermont art with all. The Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art will be a key leadership position responsible for setting the vision for SVAC’s modern and contemporary art collection, its representation of regional contemporary artists, and its program of temporary exhibitions.
Permanent Collection
SVAC has a nearly 100-year history of showcasing Southern Vermont artists, with a vibrant community of approximately 300 artist members and 40,000 annual visitors today. The Permanent Collection is comprised of over 1,000 paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by prominent American Regionalists including Reginald Marsh, Guy Pene duBois, Harriette Gowen Miller, Ogden Pleissner, Jay Hall Connaway, Marion Huse, Luigi Lucioni, Bernadine Custer Sharp, and Robert Strong Woodward, among others. For the first time this fall, the collection is being shared as a free online resource, part of a larger multi-phase project to document the collection managed by a highly experienced contract consulting Curator. SVAC is entering into planning phases for the creation of permanent galleries to share the collection with the public. SVAC’s campus also includes a 10-acre sculpture garden with exciting opportunities for future growth.
As we deepen our work with the collection, the Curator will lead the development of a collection plan, collection management strategy, and conservation planning. The Curator will also guide the planning for permanent collection installation and develop interpretation to share the story of Vermont art with the public.
Contemporary Art
The Curator will create connections between the Art Center’s history and the rich artistic community working in Vermont today. This position will be key to fostering and growing SVAC’s relationships with a deep network of artists throughout the region. The Curator will lead the next chapter of SVAC’s presentation of regional contemporary art and guide SVAC’s work to support our artist community.
Exhibitions
The Curator will develop and execute a program of exhibitions that attracts, engages, and inspires growing audiences of locals and visitors. The Curator is responsible for development, installation, and management of all exhibitions at SVAC in both the Wilson Museum and Yester House.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Conceive and develop exhibitions and gallery installations to attract and engage a wide range of audiences, with a special focus on sharing the story of Vermont art. Execute exhibitions from initial idea through final installation. Guide the planning for a permanent collection installation and future gallery rotations.
- Work closely with the Executive Director to forge and foster relationships with arts funders, supporters, and partners, both within and beyond the Southern Vermont region. Attracting strong grant funding for the exhibition program and upcoming collection installation is a primary objective. Cultivating relationships with partner organizations including universities and art museums is also essential.
- Develop annual work plans, budgets, and goals for Collections and Exhibitions, aligned with forthcoming institutional strategic planning. Manage a balanced budget and forecast expenses and income opportunities as we plan for growth.
- Develop an SVAC Collections Plan to define the scope and management of the permanent collection, ensuring compliance with professional ethics codes including the American Alliance of Museums. Guide the development of the collection, including identifying and suggesting gifts and purchases.
Qualifications
- Contagious passion for sharing art with others and an interpretive philosophy that centers visitor engagement.
- Five years’ curatorial experience in a museum or exhibiting arts organization and a Master’s degree in Art History with extensive knowledge of contemporary and/or modern art is required. Experience working with living artists and knowledge of American Regionalist artists is desired.
- Strong storytelling and writing skills that include compelling public speaking, an engaging writing voice that welcomes the broadest possible public into the conversation around art, and the ability to successfully interact with a wide range of stakeholders including community leaders, donors, and artists.
- Proven record of attracting grant funding for exhibitions and/or research. Demonstrated experience in donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to execute multiple projects and responsibilities. The ability to navigate a complex workload independently and take initiative to prioritize, pivot, and recommend changes when needed is especially desired.
- A hands-on, collaborative attitude. Comfortable rolling up sleeves and carrying out tasks at all levels to execute plans. Ability to build trust and partnership across SVAC’s small, hardworking staff is essential.
- Experience handling art and proper care and conservation of works.
- Knowledge of research tools and methodologies.
- Availability for periodic evening and weekend openings and exhibition events.
Salary and benefits:
The salary range for the position is $65,000-$75,000. SVAC does not offer health insurance but offers vision and dental coverage.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to:
Amelia Wiggins, Executive Director
Southern Vermont Arts Center
awiggins@svac.org
Summer Art Educators
JUNE 11–AUGUST 29, 2025
Summer Camp Lead Teaching Artist Positions
Southern Vermont Arts Center seeks art educators to lead children’s day camps in our classrooms and outdoors on our 100-acre campus. We welcome applicants with strengths in visual arts, performing arts, crafts and more.
Requirements:
- Design and plan engaging curriculum with support of SVAC Manager of Education
- Prepare for and pivot as needed to create a safe, positive, structured environment
- Possess classroom and/or art center teaching experience with youth
- Demonstrate a thoughtful, warm, energetic approach
- Exhibit flexibility in meeting the needs of diverse learners
- Provide camp counselors with appropriate guidance
- Demonstrate sincere interest in the artistic development and social-emotional welfare of each camper
- Provide background check authorization
- Complete First Aid/CPR training at SVAC or separately and provide certification
- Exhibit the highest professional standards and ethical behavior with campers, families, SVAC staff and museum visitors
Schedule
Camps run one week, M–F. Teaching artists arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the start of camp and allow time for cleanup after camp each day. Most camps run for full days. Some half-day slots exist. Campers are present on one of the following schedules:
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
12–3 p.m.
1–4 p.m.
Compensation:
Instructor payment for camp is $1000 per week for full days and $700 for half days.
To Apply:
Please send the following by December 15, 2024.
- Title, description, age range and sample lesson plan for a one-week-long camp
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Contact information for two professional references
- Weeks available within the window June 11–August 22, 2025
Submit materials to Erin Kaufman, SVAC Manager of Education, at ekaufman@svac.org. Please contact Erin with questions by email or phone at 802-367-1306.
Summer Camp Assistant
JUNE 11–AUGUST 29, 2025
Southern Vermont Arts Center is looking for camp assistants to work one or more weeks during the summer. We welcome applicants who have an interest in working with children and adults in a fast-paced, arts-oriented environment.
Responsibilities:
- Help children with visual art and/or performance projects
- Help children with whatever else they need
- Help teachers with studio setup and cleanup
- Help with lunch coverage, errands and administrative tasks for children’s camps
- Demonstrate a thoughtful, warm, energetic approach
- Maintain close communication with lead teaching artists and SVAC staff
- Exhibit the highest professional standards and ethical behavior in dealings with campers, parents, staff and museum visitors
Qualifications:
- Complete First Aid/CPR training at SVAC or separately and provide certification
- Have experience working with children
- Demonstrate interest in visual and/or performing arts
- Be able to communicate effectively with adults as well as children
- Be responsible
- Be punctual
Hours:
Full days: 8:30-3:30, Monday – Friday
Half days: hours vary
Payment:
Summer Camp Assistants will be paid at a rate of $14.25/hr. Volunteer arrangements are also welcome; please submit a complete application whether applying for a paid or unpaid position..
How to Apply:
Please send the items below to Erin Kaufman, SVAC Manager of Education: ekaufman@svac.org. Feel free to reach out in advance with questions.
- Resume
- Letter describing experience and interest including a note re: which weeks you would be available
- Contact information for two references
Applications accepted until positions are filled.
For volunteer and internship opportunities, please visit our Volunteer/Intern page.
SVAC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.