Pritzker Director

As the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, the institution seeks the next visionary Pritzker Director to partner with the Board in defining the institution’s future ambitions and goals.

The MCA is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to contemporary art. Presenting and collecting contemporary art to cultivate new ways of seeing, igniting transformative experiences, and forging human connections, the MCA amplifies art as a call to action. The museum interweaves exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs to excite, challenge, and illuminate the visitor experiences and offers insight into the creative process.

Today, the MCA stands at a defining moment. The cultural landscape is shifting, audiences are evolving, and the role of museums is being reimagined. To meet this moment, the MCA seeks to build on its history of firsts to again innovate. Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Pritzker Director leads a broad portfolio that includes but is not limited to artistic direction, community engagement, financial health, organizational culture, and local and global relevance. The Pritzker Director guides a talented team of 113 full-time and 18 part-time staff and oversees an operating budget of $28M and endowment of approximately $150M.

The MCA Chicago has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruitment of its next Pritzker Director. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below.

Sarah James and Courtney Wilk-Mandel are leading this search with Claire Hennessey and Cara Meyers.

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Chicago with a targeted starting salary range of $575,000 - $675,000, commensurate with experience.

The MCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The MCA does not tolerate discrimination against employees or applicants based upon the individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, parental status, military status, source of income, or any other protected status.