Employment & Internships

Employment Opportunities  

• Curator

  Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate in Nashville, TN. Originally built as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek in 1929 and since converted into a museum of art and botanical garden in 1960, Cheekwood has presented world-class art exhibitions, spectacular gardens, and an historic estate. The Cheekwood Collections encompass paintings, sculpture, works on paper,  furniture, decorative arts, and architecture.

  Reporting to the Vice President of Museum Affairs, the Curator, performs both long-range planning efforts and day-to-day activities relative to the care and stewardship of the collections and exhibitions. In this fast-paced environment, the Curator provides essential guidance relative to the care, shaping and develop of the collections of Painting, Sculpture, Works on Paper and Photograph. They maintain the highest ethical traditions, museum standards and best practices as set forth by the American Alliance of Museums. The position collaborates closely with registrars, preparators, maintenance, marketing, gardens, and development staff, and additionally oversees and trains collections volunteers and interns.

  Responsibilities: 

  • • Oversee and conduct research on the collections of Painting, Sculpture, Print, Drawing and Photography.

  • • Create original, well-researched content for interpretive materials, exhibition content, publications, website, social media, and presentations where appropriate.

  • • Organize and execute exhibitions that relate to and increase awareness of the Painting, Sculpture, Print, Drawing and Photography collections.

  • • Work with Conservators to evaluate and prioritize conservation needs for the collections.

  • • In conjunction with the Education Department develops and grow the Docent program.

  • • Support the development and dissemination of interpretive materials and participate in museum related programming.

  • • Develop, execute, and refine desideratum for the Painting, Sculpture, Print, Drawing and Photography collections.

  • • Actively seek nationally paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs that grow and enhance the museum’s collections, while reflective of the institutional collecting perimeters.

  • • Work closely with the VP of Museum Affairs in enhancing a focused collection.

  • • Adherence to the highest professional standards in accordance American Alliance of Museums (AAM) guidelines and Cheekwood’s Collection Management Policy and Code of Ethics.

  • • Knowledge of trends in the field, while also striving to always be a leader in the field.

  • • Maintain and organize materials relating to historical research, and work with the Registrar to ensure proper protocol for information gathering and filing.

  • • Responsible for the administration and management of records related to the museum’s collections.

  • • In conjunction with the VP of Museum Affairs grow and develop the Cheekwood Fellows, a collectors’ group, acting as the staff liaison, developing collecting habits, patronage, programs, and events for the group.

  • • Ability to manage critical issues on short notice; effective problem solving and ability to make timely decisions; extremely well-organized and able to create and follow timelines.

  • • Effective interpersonal and communication skills; ability to create a calm and efficient work environment.

  • • Assist in the preparation of grants and funding narratives for exhibitions and projects relating to the collections under the curator’s care.

  • • Research, recommend artists, museums, and galleries to secure timely, appropriate, and engaging indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

  • • Coordinates volunteers in concert with Vice President of Museum Affairs, supervising those volunteers and interns as assigned.

  • • Complete any administrative tasks as deemed necessary by the Vice President of Museum Affairs.

  Qualifications: 

  • • M.A. in Art History with a focus in American art or American Studies.

  • • In-depth knowledge of best museum practices and AAM guidelines as they pertain to collections and curatorial work.

  • • Strong knowledge of American Painting, Sculpture, Prints, Drawings and Photographs from the mid-18th century through the first half of the 20th century, with a primary focus on works produce between the Centennial and the advent of World War II. Knowledge of American Furniture and Decorative Arts from the 18th through mid-20th century desirable.

  • • Strong ability to speak publicly and write effectively on topics relevant to American Painting, Sculpture, Prints, Drawings and Photographs from the mid-18th century through the first half of the 20th century.

  • • Proven organizational skills and the ability to coordinate complicated projects and exhibitions.

  • • The ability to review, develop and refine procedures with the Vice President of Museum affairs and implement changes necessary to improve operational efficiency.

  • • Ability to remain calm in a fast-paced work environment that frequently involves working under deadlines.

  • • Minimum 5 years as a curator working with American art from the 18th century through prior experience in a museum or gallery

  • • Experience in the Microsoft Suite of Programs is required. Experience with Gallery System’s Embark database, Embark web kiosk, and Adobe Suite is preferred.

  Please send resume and letter of interest to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org.

  Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

• Seasonal Retail Sales Associate

  The Cheekwood Retail Department is seeking friendly and energetic salespeople to provide excellent customer service, drive sales and assist in store operations within multiple gift shops at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

  Cheekwood has three gift shops on the property. The Garden Gift Shop sells gardening tools, décor, and children’s items. The Mansion Gift Shop is located inside the Historic Mansion & Museum, selling jewelry, art, and gift items. The Holiday Shop is a high-volume shop selling holiday merchandise and s’mores kits for use outside at the nearby fire-pits.

  Core Responsibilities:

  • • Greeting the visitors as a Cheekwood representative. Always offering excellent customer service with a genuinely friendly attitude while providing information and assistance to customers.
  • • Opening/closing procedures within the Gift Shops.
  • • Unpacking, pricing, and stocking merchandise within the store standards and practices.
  • • Operating Point of Sale computer system – completing sales, returns and various other transactions.
  • • Responsible for tracking both individual and store sales, while aiming to meet daily, weekly, and monthly financial goals.

  Qualifications:

  • • Customer Service experience required. Retail experience preferred.
  • • Pleasant service-oriented demeanor and strong customer service skills.
  • • Ability to remain productive and motivated while working alone.
  • • Flexible schedule – must have the availability to work 16-30 hours each week and ability to work nights & • weekends.
  • • Willing to walk/stand for long periods.

  *This position is seasonal (October – January).

  Please send resume to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org.

  Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

• Seasonal Part-time Parking Attendant

  Working closely with the Security & Safety Manager and Coordinator, Parking Attendants are responsible for maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor while providing exceptional customer service.

  • • Become knowledgeable of Cheekwood’s history and basic facts of interest to visitors.
  • • Maintains a clean and neat uniform and appearance.
  • • Responsible for positive interaction with the visitors answering questions while providing clear directions to each of the parking lots.
  • • Must be able to effectively communicate on the radio with other employees while monitoring the parking spaces in his/her lots.

  Qualifications: Must have the availability to work weekends and evenings and willing to walk/stand for long periods in all types of weather conditions. We offer the ability to work in a beautiful environment.

  Please send your resume to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org.

  Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

• Part-time Security Attendant

  Cheekwood is seeking several experienced Security Attendants. Working under the direction of the Security & Safety Manager, this position will be responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment.

  • • Responsible for protecting the works of art by ensuring that no one touches the collection and reports any problems promptly to the Security Manager.
  • • Maintains a clean uniform and appearance to reflect a professional image.
  • • Provides positive interactions with the public answering questions and giving directions. Attendants are required to always maintain a calm friendly and professional demeanor, in all situations, while providing exceptional customer service.
  • • First responder to incidents as needed. Attendants will know the location of every fire extinguisher and first aid kits. Incident response time should be quick while maintaining continual radio contact with the Security Base. Incidents reports will be completed accurately and turned in immediately to the Security Manager.
  • • Must maintain a valid unarmed security license from the State of Tennessee at all times.

  Qualifications: Valid State of Tennessee Security Unarmed Guard License and Driver’s License. Must have the ability to multi-task and endure long periods of standing and walking in all types of weather conditions. Daytime, evening, and weekend shifts are available. Security level experience in the Entertainment or Hospitality Industry is a plus.

  Please send your resume to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org.

  Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

• Gardener

  Cheekwood is seeking an individual with a strong interest in horticulture to support garden maintenance and uphold the highest standard of excellence.

  Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • • Performs all levels of garden and grounds maintenance required to maintain the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property and support seasonal display rotations, especially Blooms. Understands and stewards the Mission Statements for individual gardens and collections.
  • • Assists the garden supervisor in upholding the historic and current intent of the garden.
  • • Frequently practices landscaping maintenance and upkeep including, but not limited to weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning, pest control, spraying, string trimming, leaf removal, and trash removal.
  • • Troubleshoots irrigation issues in the garden.
  • • Maintains bed edges and tree rings.
  • • Applies a basic understanding of plant physiology and botanical nomenclature.
  • • Practices safety measures during task execution.
  • • Maintains water features in assigned garden, if applicable.
  • • Actively participates in large seasonal exhibitions such as Blooms, and additional Seasonal Garden Projects.
  • • Supervises seasonal employees and volunteers in support of the garden supervisor.
  • • Maintains standards for the daily care and storage of garden equipment.
  • • Safely and responsibly operate and maintain landscape equipment including, but not limited to, backpack blowers, edger’s, gas powered shears, string trimmers, and utility carts.
  • • Maintains records of work activities in assigned areas of the garden.
  • • Serves as an external representative of Cheekwood and engages members of the community and industry to exchange information and ideas to support individual and institutional growth.
  • • Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all persons moving through the garden.
  • • Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values, and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support organizational goals and operations.

  Qualifications: Must have the ability to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50lbs; strong customer service skills; willing to work in inclement weather and the availability to work the required hours, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Tuesday – Saturday. This is a full-time position with competitive benefits.

  Please send your resume and letter of interest to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org.

  Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer