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The Institute of Contemporary Art strives to share the pleasures of reflection, inspiration, provocation, and imagination that contemporary art offers through public access to art, artists, and the creative process. The Studio Programs Assistants (SPAs) will work within the Education department as needed to support and implement public studio programs and events. SPAs will prepare and facilitate workshops, activities, and events at the ICA, such as the ICA’s Play Date program for youth and families. SPAs hold a regular schedule on Saturdays or Sundays and may work additional shifts that correspond to events and programs at the ICA, such as school vacation weeks and Monday holidays. Hiring is contingent on passing a CORI screening.


The Studio Programs Assistant contributes to a culture of collaboration, community and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work. This is a part-time, hourly position with hours specific to events and program schedules.

Please note:

  • All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with ICA Education staff to prepare and implement studio programs for a range of audiences
  • Facilitate and lead art-making workshops and activities
  • Support visitors of all ages in their art-making; lead art making experiences that are inclusive and developmentally-appropriate
  • Maintain studio spaces and ensure that materials are accessible, frequently replenished, well organized, and presentable
  • Maintain knowledge of related artists and artworks; foster connections with works on view at the ICA
  • Work with ICA Education staff to collect and update data on studio programming

Qualifications:

  • Strong interpersonal skills; background working with family and youth audiences, a plus
  • Experience or demonstrated interest teaching studio-based lessons and workshops in visual arts to a range of audiences
  • Knowledge of studio art media, materials, and processes
  • Strong organizational skills; penchant for maintaining well-organized studio spaces
  • Ability to identify, react to, and resolve visitor-related issues in the moment with professionalism and tact
  • Ability to work independently as well as on a collaborative team
  • Ability to work collegially, professionally and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors and vendors
  • Bilingual or multilingual, a plus
  • Must have weekend availability
  • Must pass a CORI screening

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of remaining stationary, standing, and/or moving about during Play Dates, activities, and events
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds
  • Ability to remain calm when working with youth and families
  • Ability to move about in the office to access files, printers, etc., and in the Art Lab
  • Must be able to exchange accurate information with departments and with diverse and multigenerational audiences

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Rate: $19.00 per hour

Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@icaboston.org. When applying, please include “Studio Programs Assistant” in the subject line.


The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation (Red and Silver Line).

Other Locations:

Seaport Studio
100 Pier 4 Blvd,
Boston, MA 02210

ICA Watershed
256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02128

The ICA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact HR-EOE@icaboston.org or 617-478-3171.

The ICA Visitor Assistants are reliable, strong customer service oriented individuals who combine the responsibilities of gallery safeguarding with museum information and exhibition interpretation. Visitor Assistants (VA) are responsible for overseeing the gallery spaces and protecting the art while ensuring a positive museum experience by providing exemplary customer service and education. The Visitor Assistant will have the opportunity to work as a key member of an education-oriented, visitor-centered staff. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the visitors’ experience of ICA exhibitions. This is a part-time, hourly position.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a liaison to visitors while promoting safety of the museum, communicate clearly and consistently with visitors to ensure a positive museum experience while facilitating safe and engaging interactions with artwork
  • Remain informed and up-to-date of artwork on view, enhance visitor experience through interpretation and engaging inquiry based conversation
  • Monitor visitors in gallery areas to provide smooth flow of visitation, prioritize artwork and visitor safety during regular museum hours, onsite programs, and special events
  • Enforce museum guidelines in a clear and friendly manner
  • Work in conjunction with gallery supervisors and security to respond to emergency situations
  • Assist with use of educational resources and spaces, and promote programs when applicable
  • Assist in maintaining inventory of brochures, literature, and gallery resources for the public
  • Engage with visitors to answer questions and resolve concerns, partner with gallery supervisors to share feedback and resolve visitor experience concerns
  • Report artwork incidents to gallery supervisors
  • Contribute to regular educational gallery programming, such as Pop-Up Talks and weekend family book readings
  • Attend staff exhibition trainings, museum-wide trainings, all staff, and education department meetings as able
  • Additional duties as directed by management

Qualifications

  • Six months or more customer service experience required, preferably in retail, hospitality, or cultural organizations
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and diverse environment
  • Experience with contemporary art, public speaking, and museum education a plus
  • Experience with safety protocols is a plus
  • Ability to be assertive if needed to enforce museum guidelines
  • Solid interpersonal, problem solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to interact with individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
  • Ability to identify, react to, and resolve visitor-related issues in the moment; strong decision-making skills required
  • Ability to work collegially, professionally, and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors, and vendors
  • Bilingual or multilingual a plus
  • Must be able to work a weekly set schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements:

  • Visitor Assistants must adhere to dress code and ICA policies
  • Work for this position is performed in a museum setting and involves working with the public and all that entails
  • Prolonged periods of remaining stationary, standing, and/or moving about throughout the galleries
  • Staff in this position use and/or operate a hand-held radio for communication
  • Must be able to exchange accurate information with visitors, staff, departments, and with diverse and multigenerational guests

Pay Rate: $18 per hour

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to dpires@icaboston.org. When applying include “Visitor Assistant” in the subject line of the email.


The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation (Red and Silver Line).

Other Locations:

Seaport Studio
100 Pier 4 Blvd,
Boston, MA 02210

ICA Watershed
256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02128

The ICA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact HR-EOE@icaboston.org or 617-478-3171.

The ICA Waterfront Ambassador is a seasonal, part-time position responsible for providing exceptional customer service to all visitors by assisting with travel via water shuttle service from the ICA dock (Seaport) and ensuring visitor safety to and from the ICA Watershed (East Boston). 

This is a part-time, hourly position lasting from May 7, 2024 – September 2, 2024. Evenings, weekends, and holiday availability required.

Please note:

  • All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within a reasonable commuting distance from our Seaport/Watershed locations as of their first day of work

Responsibilities:

  • Provide a friendly and enthusiastic attitude and represent the ICA in a professional and positive manner while assisting visitors at the ICA Seaport and East Boston docks
  • Scan tickets and control and direct crowds at the ICA Seaport and East Boston docks
  • Ensure visitor safety at the ICA Seaport and East Boston docks during boarding/departing water shuttles
  • Provide general information and respond to visitors’ inquiries regarding museum information for both the ICA and Watershed locations
  • Engage in visitor feedback and respond/resolve visitor concerns
  • Follow and enforce guidelines, policies, and procedures set forth by the ICA and the Visitor Services Manager
  • Communicate with Visitor Services staff at the ICA, Watershed building, Watershed dock, and Water Shuttle staff
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Exceptional customer service and communication skills
  • Possess the ability to remain calm under pressure, use good judgement, and respond effectively to visitor concerns
  • A self-starting attitude with the initiative to keep oneself informed and on-task
  • Ability to work well both with a team and independently
  • Ability to troubleshoot and respond effectively during high-volume periods
  • Ability to work collegially, professionally, and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors, and vendors
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
  • Must be reliable, punctual and honest, with a team player attitude
  • Bi-lingual Spanish/English language fluency strongly preferred
  • Must be available to work May 7 – September 2, 2024

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of remaining stationary such as sitting or standing at the dock
  • Ability to work outdoors on the waterfront, rain or shine
  • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds, pushing and pulling
  • Staff in this position use and/or operate a hand-held radio for communication
  • Must be able to exchange accurate information with visitors, staff, departments, and with diverse and multigenerational guests

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Pay Rate: $18 per hour

Interested candidates should send letter of interest and resume to bthurston@icaboston.org. When applying include “Waterfront Ambassador” in the subject line of email.


The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation (Red and Silver Line).

Other Locations:

Seaport Studio
100 Pier 4 Blvd,
Boston, MA 02210

ICA Watershed
256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02128

The ICA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact HR-EOE@icaboston.org or 617-478-3171.

Under the supervision of the Chief Preparator, the Installer works with Preparators, Registrars, and Curators in packing artwork for shipping and storage, loading artwork and materials in and out of the facility, preparing the galleries for exhibition, constructing exhibition furniture and elements, performing wall preparation and installing lighting, and maintaining artwork. The installer may be asked to work on other tasks as needed related to equipment storage, materials inventory and shop maintenance. This is a seasonal, hourly position.

Please note:

  • All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within a reasonable commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.

Responsibilities:

  • Preparation of galleries for exhibitions including demolition and rebuilding of walls, patching, repairing, and painting of the space
  • Use of professional art handling and installation methods
  • Maintenance of exhibition galleries and artwork
  • Maintenance of technical elements in exhibitions
  • Lighting exhibitions
  • Production and fabrication of display furniture and exhibition materials
  • Packing, crating, and moving artwork to a high professional standard
  • Fabrication and installation of exhibition graphics
  • Maintenance of ICA workshop

Qualifications:

  • Experience handling artwork in a variety of media
  • Understanding of the fundamentals of art handling procedures
  • Basic working knowledge of tools and materials
  • Basic working knowledge of audio/visual equipment
  • Ability to take direction, follow instructions, and work as part of a team

Physical Requirements:

  • Requires routine handling of heavy and delicate materials and objects
  • Must be able to lift 40 pounds over head and be able to work on ladders and mechanical lifts
  • Installations periods may require extended work hours and 7 day work weeks

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Hourly Rate Range: $20–$30/hour, commensurate with skillset and experience

Compensation is based on meeting minimum qualifications.

ICA Compensation:

Each ICA position has a job grade based on the position’s evaluated job responsibilities, required education and experience, needed skills to perform the job, and professional knowledge.

The position’s grade and respective compensation range is determined by the position’s overall responsibilities, including decision making, supervisory/management requirements, resource management and budgeting duties. Compensation is ultimately determined by the scope of the position and responsibilities, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity, with starting salaries typically falling in the lower half of the compensation range.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter of interest to tobetz@icaboston.org . When applying, please include “Installer” in the subject line.

The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation (Red and Silver Line).

Other Locations:

Seaport Studio
100 Pier 4 Blvd, Second Floor
Boston, MA 02210

ICA Watershed
256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02128

The ICA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals.

The Visitor Services Associate (seasonal) will provide exceptional customer service to all visitors to the ICA. The ideal candidate will welcome visitors and provide information about the museum, sell general admission, events and theater performance tickets, as well as promote and sell memberships on-site, perform cashiering, cash-handling, and other daily tasks.

This is a part-time, hourly position lasting from April 23, 2024—September 2, 2024. Evenings, weekends, and holiday availability required.

Please note:

  • All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within a reasonable commuting distance from our Seaport/Watershed location as of their first day of work.

​Responsibilities:

  • Present a friendly and enthusiastic attitude and represent the ICA in a positive and professional manner while selling and process general admission, event, and performance tickets
  • Actively promote and sell ICA Memberships; assist with on-site membership processing
  • Provide general information and respond to visitors’ requests for museum information about the facilities, fees, membership information, and other inquiries in order to assist visitors in their use and enjoyment of the ICA
  • Perform all opening and closing responsibilities and tasks related to admissions and box office
  • Prepare and process group visits and tours, keep informed of exhibitions and events
  • Maintain a neat, organized, and stocked work space
  • Respond to phone calls and email inquiries and forward to applicable departments when necessary
  • Engage in visitor feedback and resolve visitor complaints including processing refunds as needed
  • Control and direct crowds in lobby
  • Access safe, set up cash drawers, and make change at open
  • Assume responsibility for all transactions during shift; return cash drawers and bank change to safe at close, go to bank for change as needed
  • Follow and enforce guidelines, policies, and procedures set forth by the ICA and the Associate Director of Visitor Services
  • Attend quarterly staff meetings
  • Rotate as shift leader as assigned to lead daily tasks and handle opening and closing duties as scheduled
  • Communicate with gallery and security supervisors when required
  • Assist with troubleshooting technical issues and Tessitura operations
  • Complete daily tasks as assigned by shift leader
  • Process donation requests, run event sales reports, and log museum attendance
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Exceptional customer service and communication skills
  • Possess the ability to remain calm under pressure, use good judgement, and respond effectively to visitor concerns
  • A self-starting attitude with the initiative to keep oneself informed and on-task
  • Ability to work well both with a team and independently
  • Possess the ability to troubleshoot issues and respond effectively during high-volume times
  • Must be reliable, punctual and honest, with a team player attitude
  • Ability to work collegially, professionally, and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors, and vendors
  • Provide a high level of customer service to visitors
  • Availability to work 15 flexible hours per week, including evening, weekend shifts, and holidays
  • Must be available to work from April 23, 2024—September 2, 2024

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of remaining stationary such as when sitting at admissions desk
  • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds, pushing and pulling, keyboarding and gripping
  • Ability to move about in the office to access file cabinets, printer, and other office equipment
  • Must be able to exchange accurate information with visitors, staff, departments, and with diverse and multigenerational guests

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour

Interested candidates should send letter of interest and resume to bthurston@icaboston.org. When applying include “Seasonal Visitor Services Associate” in the subject line of email.


The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation (Red and Silver Line).

Other Locations:

Seaport Studio
100 Pier 4 Blvd,
Boston, MA 02210

ICA Watershed
256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02128

The ICA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact HR-EOE@icaboston.org or 617-478-3171.