Position: Gallery Programs Associate

Location: 340 16th St. and 2031 Commercial St, San Diego, CA 

Category: Programs 

Job Type: Part-time (20-25 hours a week), in person. Evening and weekend hours are required. 

Salary: $25/hour

Contact Name: Jennifer de Poyen 

Contact Email: jennifer@sdspace4art.org 

Preferred Start Date: Nov 1, 2025 (The position is grant-funded for one year, with the potential to become full-time and permanent beyond the end of the grant period.)

ABOUT SPACE 4 ART 

Space 4 Art was founded in 2009 with a mission to establish a dynamic creative center where artists live, work, mentor youth, and share their work with the community in an innovative and educational environment. 

We believe in Synergy — Artists from disparate backgrounds working together in proximity inspire each other. 
We believe in the Power of art — Art is transformative and can lead to healthy growth in marginalized communities. 
We believe in the Artistic dividend — Arts are an essential element of the cultural economy that attracts creative thinkers from other fields to our city. 
We believe in Cultural diversity — Arts can fortify existing communities and traditional cultures. 
We believe in Empowerment — Community design/build projects give artists control and connect them to their creations and communities. 
We believe in the need for affordable SPACE for artists to #MakeSpace4Art!

Our core programs are providing (1) affordable live-work and work studios for artists, (2) arts education outreach to schools, and (3) free and low-cost cultural programming to the community. 

ROLE DESCRIPTION 

Space 4 Art seeks a highly motivated individual with strong service, interpersonal, and administrative skills, and a passion for the arts, to serve as the Gallery Programs Associate in a part-time position to deliver on Space 4 Art’s programming as outlined in our Venues and Spaces Grant awarded by the Prebys Foundation. A brief outline and objectives are listed below. 

Project Title: Expanding Access: Activating Community Through Emerging Creativity

Project Period: 11/1/2025 – 10/31/2026 (Phase 1: 11/1 to 12/31 is gallery buildout phase while simultaneously mapping out and scheduling the programming calendar for Phase 2; Phase 2: 1/1 to 10/31 is the exhibiting and programming phase.)

Project Summary: This project expands our ability to offer community programming at a partnering site in Logan Heights while continuing current operations at our site in downtown’s East Village. Space 4 Art will create a gallery space, within a large event space, San Diego Made Factory, and partner with other organizations, local nonprofits, schools, colleges, and artists to host exhibitions, performances, workshops, and other community events to showcase emerging artists who have few affordable opportunities to share their work; and offer free arts programming to community members who don’t have access to arts events due to cost.

Measurable Objectives:

• Planning, producing, and presenting seven high-quality art shows, each with a mix of programming (openings, artist talks, performances, workshops) for a total of 33 events (2 art-show related events per show, 12 workshops, 7 performances);
• Engaging and strengthening the emerging artist and student communities through professional workshops, paid internships, exhibitions, and informal gatherings at the proposed rented space at SD Made;
• Partnering with other likeminded arts nonprofits such as SD Made, the Institute for Contemporary Art San Diego, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego to build solidarity, create more resilient networks, increase communications and collaborations, and strengthen the cultural ecosystem throughout the San Diego region.

The Gallery Programs Associate will work closely with the Executive Director and is responsible for the planning, management, coordination, and marketing of “Expanding Access: Activating Community Through Emerging Creativity” Project, as outlined above. The Gallery Programs Associate plays a vital role in leading the planning and execution of exhibitions, performances, artist talks, workshops, and other public programs. Additionally, this person is responsible for the development, tracking, and evaluation of program outcomes through surveys and feedback collection. 

This part-time position is ideal for someone passionate and knowledgeable about contemporary art, community engagement, and arts administration. The successful candidate is an enthusiastic, committed, and self-motivated team player with excellent communication and people skills; superior attention to detail; and strong project-management skills. The Associate will work closely with the programming team at SD Made, curators, artists, installers, student interns, volunteers, partner organizations, and staff to ensure that programs are well-designed, run smoothly, meet project deliverables, and reflect the organization’s mission and values. Curatorial skills and art event/gallery management experience are highly desirable for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Coordinate logistics for exhibitions, openings, workshops, and community programs
• Assist in communicating with artists, speakers, and program partners
• Manage event setup, breakdown, and on-site coordination during gallery events
• Track attendance and compile program data and feedback for evaluation and communication of program outcomes
• Assist in developing and distributing promotional materials (flyers, newsletters, social media content)
• Maintain accurate records of programs and assist in grant reporting as needed
• Help with gallery operations, including visitor engagement and front desk coverage as needed
• Support outreach efforts to local schools, community groups, and artists
• Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong interest in the visual arts and nonprofit cultural work
• Prior experience in arts programming, event planning, or gallery work
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with attention to detail
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, pragmatism, energy, and patience
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, social media and design tools (e.g., Canva)
• Committed to work evenings and weekends to deliver the programming as detailed in the Grant.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, follow through, and meet deadlines
• Bachelor’s/Associate’s Degree in nonprofit, arts, or other related major, or equivalent relevant work experience
• 1-2 years of program-coordination or project-management experience at an arts organization/gallery/nonprofit required
• Curatorial experience is highly desired

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to occasionally stand and walk for a sustained period
• Ability to bend, reach, climb stairs, and lift frequently
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS 

• Valid California Driver’s License and good driving record
• Ability to drive and travel in the San Diego region using personal automobile
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Fast-paced environment with constant interaction with artists, community partners, volunteers, and staff

TO APPLY, please send the following to the contact email listed. Subject line: “Gallery Programs Associate” 

● Cover Letter and Resume 

● Professional References 

Space 4 Art is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to reflect the diverse community we serve. Applicants who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.