MOCA seeks a Director of Public Programs to conceptualize, develop, and implement public programming, including but not limited to lectures, symposia, and convenings; screenings, readings, and festivals; workshops and residencies; and curricular partnerships.

The Director of Public Programs is responsible for interpretative programming that builds on exhibitions as well as for original programming initiatives in pursuit of the museum’s mission to promote artistic innovation, original scholarship, and community investment across the museum’s two physical locations, in the digital sphere, and offsite for special projects. This position requires a highly creative thinker who is dedicated to deepening the public value of the museum and understanding the interests and needs of the museum’s diverse and growing audiences. Reporting to the Chief of Public Engagement, Learning & Impact, the Director of Public Programs will work collaboratively with the Curatorial, Visitor Engagement, Education, and Communications departments. Of equal importance is the cultivation and sustenance of close relationships with stakeholders outside the institution–community members, scholars, artists, curators, and a broad range of thinkers, writers, and makers, comprising new and existing museum audiences.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, execute, and evaluate a well-balanced roster of mission-driven programs that create long-lasting, impactful relationships between the museum and its diverse publics – Foster and maintain strategic partnerships with individuals, cultural organizations, academic institutions, and community agencies
• Provide strategy, direction, and vision for the role of the contemporary art museum in the public sphere
• Oversee contracts with program participants; arrange travel and artist, performer, and speaker service provisions
• Develop and manage public programs budgets
• Write promotional copy for public programs and work closely with the Communications team to prepare and edit print and digital materials that promote and publicize public programs
• Work with The Maurice Marciano Director, Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs, Chief Communications Officer, and Director of Education & Visitor Engagement to integrate strategic goals, exhibition, collection, and education program, and public engagement objectives
• Participate in the development of funding sources for programs, including foundation, corporate, and individual sponsorships; write grants and collaborate with Advancement department to participate in donor cultivation
• Ensure that public programming occupies a leading role in the museum’s efforts to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEI&A) goals

Requirements:

• Exceptional communication skills, written and oral; confidence in public speaking; and deftness with leading and moderating discussions
• At least 5 years of professional experience in program development and project management in the non-profit cultural sector
• Deep knowledge of contemporary art practices and of the museum field, locally, nationally, and globally
• Demonstrated record of successfully fostering connections with artistic partners, program attendees, cultural organizations, and community groups, and of serving as a primary liaison between an institution and its publics
• Must be highly detail-oriented, hands-on, and enterprising when it comes to production
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEA&I)
• Proficiency with Google applications and all Microsoft office software.
• Possession of an M.A. in art history, museum studies, studio art, art education, or related subject is highly preferred
• Previous experience in curating exhibitions, publishing books, and/or producing performances/events is a plus

Salary Range: $90,000 – $105,000

POSITION COVERED BY MOCA/AFSCME COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT: NO

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment is required. Heavy usage of computers and phones required.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Arts commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.