California

The Arts Finance Empowerment Camp – Series 1: Financial Literacy

The Arts Finance Empowerment Camp is an interactive cohort learning program for Bay Area individual arts workers, administrators, managers, and board members. In Series 1 we unpack the basics of nonprofit arts finance to build your basic understanding and create a solid foundation of literacy. Get training in financial literacy, explore the arts finance ecosystem, and begin to develop your financial reporting skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Vicky Cassis teaches series 1. By the end of this series, participants will be able to…

  • Identify various financial relationships in the arts ecosystem
  • Gain financial literacy through a basic knowledge of key financial terms
  • Make financial choices with confidence
  • Navigate the Big 4 of financial reporting – Profit & Loss, Budget vs. Actuals, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, and the narratives they tell

PROGRAM FEATURES

  • 12 participant cohort
  • 4 sessions, 3 hours each
  • 12 hours total

Enroll here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-finance-empowerment-camp-series-1-financial-literacy-tickets-1471218898329?aff=website

Assistant To The City Manager – OEDCA (Public Art Director – Office of Cultural Affairs)

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San Jose, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San Jose employees work together as one team to make San Jose a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San Jose.

The City of San Jose is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San Jose is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at Citv.Careers@sanjoseca.gov.

About the Department

The City Manager’s Office of Economic Development & Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) has three integrated divisions:

1. Cultural Affairs: Arts, Sports, and Entertainment- Fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and creative city by advancing cultural expression, supporting artists and arts organizations through grants and technical assistance, promoting access to sports and entertainment, commissioning and preserving public art, producing/coordinating outdoor special events and destination marketing, and stewarding City-owned convention and cultural facility assets and partnerships.

2. Economic Growth and Business Development- Accelerating San José’s economic vitality by driving business retention, expansion, and attraction; supporting real estate and catalytic development; strengthening Downtown as a thriving urban center; and advancing commercial corridor revitalization and small business success across San José’s diverse neighborhoods.

3. Workforce and Talent Development- Building a resilient and inclusive workforce by connecting job seekers to training, education, and career pathways; delivering supportive services that reduce barriers to employment; and partnering with employers to design hiring initiatives that align with regional industry needs and economic opportunity.

OEDCA’s mission is to catalyze equitable job growth, investment, entrepreneurship, cultural vibrancy, and talent attraction and retention in San José while strengthening the City’s fiscal health. In support of its mission, OEDCA focuses on five key areas:

1. Retain/ grow jobs and revenue and promote innovation from large and medium-sized businesses in key sectors such as manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
2. Foster small business resilience and create thriving business districts.
3. Accelerate a thriving Downtown.
4. Activate San José as the South Bay’s hub for sports, arts, and entertainment.
5. Prepare residents to participate in the local economy through training, education, and career support.

About the Office of Cultural Affairs

A division of OEDCA, the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) is the champion of San José’s artistic and cultural vibrancy, resources, and vision. With the new Council-approved Economic Strategy Work Plan, OCA advances San José’s goal to be a vibrant hub of arts, sports, and cultural offerings. It is the City of San José’s lead agency for supporting the development of a rich arts and cultural environment for the City’s almost one million residents and its many visitors.  Programs and services of OCA include: public art, cultural funding (grantmaking), special event coordination and production, creative entrepreneurship, cultural facility stewardship, placemaking, and cultural policy. OCA is comprised of a motivated, professional staff of 13 across the following sections: Art Industry Support, Public Art, Special Events, and Administration. The Public Art Program Director manages the Public Art Section of OCA.

OCA also serves as the staff liaison to the 11-member Council advisory San José Arts Commission and its two subcommittees: the Executive Committee and the Public Art Committee. The priorities and work of the OCA and the Arts Commission are guided by the Economic Strategy Work Plan for 2025-2027 and the goals of Cultural Connection: San José’s Cultural Plan.   More information about the Office of Cultural Affairs can be found at www.sanjoseculture.org.

Position Duties:

The classification for this role is Assistant to the City Manager with a working title of Public Art Program Director.

OCA is seeking a proven, visionary leader to serve as its next Public Art Program Director. The new Public Art Director will lead an innovative and award-winning public art program in the 12th-largest U.S. city, and one of the most demographically diverse, known as the Capital of Silicon Valley. This key member of the OCA senior management team will be a strategic, visionary, and energetic leader with a facilitative spirit of customer service.

Stewarding over 400 works of art, the City of San José has a 1% for art ordinance, in which 1% of eligible City capital improvement project costs are set aside for public art. The program is highly regarded for its innovative work at the intersection of art and technology, reflecting San José’s diversity and rich history. In addition to capital projects, the program includes a City Hall exhibition program, collection maintenance, interagency contracts for public art services, and other creative placemaking efforts.  Exemplifying its reputation as a center of excellence in public art best practices, the City of San José has interagency agreements with the County of Santa Clara and the Valley Transportation Authority to provide project management services.

This key leader is responsible for managing the Public Art Program. This includes developing a strategic vision, guiding and, where applicable, developing public policy, planning, managing and evaluating the program and its projects, stewarding its budget, as well as guiding the program’s projects realization from inception, installation, to conservation. This position will work closely with interdepartmental leadership and the community to realize the vision for public art in San José. This position will supervise two Senior Arts Coordinators, one Art Coordinator, and perform as an individual contributor. This position reports to and receives direction from the Director of Cultural Affairs/Deputy Director of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs.

The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented individual with the necessary initiative, flexibility, and creativity to succeed in a team-oriented, fast-paced, and high-volume work environment. A high level of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, and a strong work ethic are sought. Knowledge of trends and best practices in public art, along with experience in program and budget management, is highly desired.  Strong skills, including diplomacy, excellent written and oral communications, and political awareness, are needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Seek to advance San José’s cultural life in alignment with the goals of the City’s Economic Strategy Work Plan, Cultural Connection: San José’s Cultural Plan, and Public Art NEXT!
  • In partnership with stakeholders, develop the Public Art Five-Year Capital Improvement Project Work Plan. Works with staff and stakeholders to develop scope and approach to projects, envisioning how public art can support community goals.
  • Manage public art projects, integrating temporary and capital improvement projects into the public realm.
  • Oversee the conservation of the public art collection.
  • Manage the public art program budget, comprised predominantly of capital fund and interagency contract revenues.
  • Lead, supervise, and foster professional development for three public art staff.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Public Art Committee and support the Arts Commission.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with intergovernmental agencies, artists, and contractors.
  • Coordinate annual work plans; project predevelopment; budget development and monitoring; scheduling; artist/vendor selection as needed; contract negotiations and monitoring; outreach, communications, and marketing; and reporting.
  • Serves as an internal and external advisor on civic design and community art projects.
  • Identify grant, fundraising, and partnership opportunities. Develop grant proposals. Manage grant administration and reporting.
  • Develop and recommend policies, guidelines, and procedures.
  • Effectively prepare written and verbal reports on programs for City Council, City leadership, Arts Commission, and Public Art Committee.
  • Represent the City of San José within the community.
  • Support the operations and services of OEDCA, performing other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Arts, Public Art Studies, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field; and six (6) years of management and/or administrative experience in arts, public art, public works, or design-related programs for community entities. A Master’s degree is preferred and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Licensing Requirements: Possession of a valid California Driver’s license is required.

Other Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

  • Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and Regulations.
  • Management – Evaluates priorities to ensure the ‘true’ top priorities are handled satisfactorily; sets clear goals for the employees and the work unit.
  • Supervision – Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices.
  • Political Skill – In taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.
  • Fiscal Management – Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.
  • Creativity – Addresses objectives and problems while questioning traditional assumptions/solutions in order to generate creative ideas and new ways of doing business; exhibits creativity and innovation when contributing to organizational and individual objectives.
  • Collaboration – Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities
  • Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following skills and qualities to ensure success:

  • Knowledge of principles and practices of creative placemaking, public art, community arts development, non-profit arts management, and/or community-based programs.
  • Knowledge of principles of public art and project management, including aspects of artist selection, project approvals, contracts, community input, budget management, fabrication, installation and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of integration of public art components into the underlying capital project or public space.
  • Knowledge of contracting procedures, contract development and contract negotiations.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of grants administration.
  • Knowledge of accounting procedures and ability to develop budgets and financial statements.
  • Ability to develop a variety of resources through fundraising, grants, and various other activities in providing broad base program support.
  • Ability to establish community support for meeting the goals and objectives of public art.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, including team leadership skills.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
  • Information technology skills involving a variety of software systems including: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FileMaker Pro, Outlook, and design programs.
  • Ability to coordinate and manage multiple complex projects involving a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups of people.
  • Ability to effectively speak and present complex ideas and recommendations in public.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with artists, community groups, public agencies and officials, and co-workers.
  • Proven experience in the management of people, programs, and budgets.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant’s training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of this position, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Lori Venzon at lori.venzon@sanjoseca.gov.

The application will prompt you to respond to the following questions:

*QUESTION 1
Please describe your professional experience in the field of public art. Include the types of projects or programs you have led or contributed to.
*QUESTION 2
Describe your experience planning, directing, and implementing public art programs and/or capital improvement projects for a public agency or similar entity.
*QUESTION 3
Describe your experience supervising and managing staff or consultants. Include the types of deliverables you were responsible for reviewing and approving.
*QUESTION 4
Describe your experience preparing and managing budgets at both the program and project level.
*QUESTION 5
Describe your experience working with an Arts Commission, Public Art Committee, or other advisory or review body.
* Required Question

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (Subject to Change):

Application filing deadline: Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM, PST
Panel interview (virtual): Thursday, November 6, 2025
Second-round interview (in person): Friday, November 14, 2025

 

 

Arts Program Specialist – Telework Option (Associate Governmental Program Analyst)

Two positions are available for this one job posting. Please specify RPA 29215 & 29181 and JC-493859 on your state application.

These positions are hybrid and eligible for telework up to three days per week in accordance with Statewide Telework Policy, with required in-office attendance at the Sacramento office on Wednesdays and Thursdays and/or as needed/required. Beginning July 1, 2026, telework eligibility will be reduced to one day per week, with in-office attendance required four days per week and/or as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment.

Under the direction of the Staff Services Manager (SSM) I, the Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) / Arts Programs Specialist (APS) in the California Arts Council (CAC) Programs Unit independently performs the more complex and technical analytical work such as developing arts grant program guidelines, contract services, data research, summary reports, and internal process documents.

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment.

Click here to view the duty statement.

Click here to apply at CalCareers website.

Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with any state agency. Click here to learn more about examinations administered by DGS and click here to view the AGPA exam for eligibility for this position.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required when applying for this vacancy. The SOQ must be no more than 2 pages in length using Arial font size 12.

  1. Please describe why you are uniquely qualified for this position.
  2. Please provide examples of your experience supporting or improving administrative systems and processes to increase accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.

Resumes DO NOT take the place of the SOQ.

Print applications and SOQ must be postmarked by the postal service or received by close of business on the final filing date. Applications received after the final filing date will not be accepted.

Operations Assistant

Operations Assistant 
Job Description 
 
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library seeks a full-time Operations Assistant to support daily Athenaeum functions, including administrative support, vendor management, and facility operations. 

Operations Assistant is a full-time non-exempt 30-hour per week position and reports to the Assistant Director, Administration and Exhibitions. Work location is on site in La Jolla. Pay range is $23-26 per hour, commensurate with experience. This position is not compatible with remote work. Must have access to reliable transportation and have a valid California driver’s license. Job offer is contingent on passing a background check. 

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library is a non-profit cultural organization and membership library dedicated to providing studio art classes, year-round exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and other public programs, and music and arts library resources to San Diego communities. We work across two locations: the historic library in downtown La Jolla, and the Athenaeum Art Center in Logan Heights, inside the Bread & Salt building. This position offers an opportunity to join the organization at an exciting moment of growth as we embark on a strategic planning process and a grant-funded interior renovation of the Athenaeum Art Center facilities. 

The Operations Assistant provides general and facility-related support to both the La Jolla and Logan Heights locations. Responsibilities include:  
 
Manage all office and facility-related operations  
Oversee inventory and order office and event supplies 
Act as the main point of contact for vendors related to supplies, building repairs, cleaning, and maintenance for the Athenaeum and Athenaeum Art Center 
Schedule and maintain communication with facility and event assistants with oversight from Assistant Director; coordinate scheduling based on events calendar and organizational needs 
Process event licenses, insurance renewals, and update office posters/paperwork on an ongoing basis  
Conduct a monthly walkthrough to survey maintenance, inventory, and other building needs 
Collect vendor invoices for accountant 
Coordinate venue rental contracts for private events  
General support with Raiser’s Edge database management, including maintaining and updating constituent records; act as main liaison for Raiser’s Edge database management  
Create mailing lists from database for outgoing materials, including invitations, newsletters, and brochures  
Provide general administrative support, including filing, answering phones, processing phone registrations and payments, organizing office and storage spaces, filling in at library front desk, as needed  
Manage inventory of items stored in on-site and off-site storage facilities 
Assist with general correspondence, meetings, and event preparations, including annual benefit celebration and other events 
Other administrative duties, as assigned 
 
Experience and Qualifications 
Minimum 2-3 years’ experience in positions of progressive responsibility in facilities, administrative, or operations work. Experience in non-profit administration and public-facing work preferable 
B.A. or B.F.A. in a related field 
Expertise with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint); experience using Raiser’s Edge preferred 
Detail-oriented and organized with a strong ability to successfully multitask 
Excellent communication and project management skills 
Proven ability to take initiative, prioritize, set goals and meet deadlines 
Visitor-facing experience preferred 
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on organizational needs 
 
Benefits 
 Generous vacation package and employer-sponsored healthcare plan in addition to a voluntary benefits package 
13 holidays per year on Athenaeum designated holidays 
Paid sick leave, 1 hour for every 30 hours worked 
403b program with match opportunity after one year 
Family membership to the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library 
Free admission to Athenaeum/AAC lectures, concerts, art classes, and select events 
 
Starting date: Mid-October 2025 or as soon as possible 
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume addressed to Christie Mitchell, Executive Director, to careers@ljathenaeum.org. 

The Athenaeum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. 

Theater Chair

California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Theater Chair position. The Theater Chair is an annually contracted position that oversees CSSSA’s academic programming of the Theater Department. The Theater Chair develops and implements curriculum, courses, and pedagogy, and may also instruct courses within the department. For a complete list of duties please see the Scope of Work Section below.

Program Overview
Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California. CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer. The 2026 hosting site will be announced before finalists are interviewed for the Theater Chair position. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2026 summer session runs from July 4 to August 1.

Eligible Applicants
CSSSA welcomes theater professionals with broad ranging skills and experiences in the arts and arts education. Artists with professional theater careers, educators, interdisciplinary artists, and more are welcome to apply. The Theater Chair shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors. This is in harmony with CSSSA’s legislation. To apply for this opportunity, please submit a Curriculum Vitae/Resume and Statement of Qualifications by November 14, 2025 at 5:00 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Applications (RFA).

Qualifications
• Undergraduate or advanced degree in the department’s discipline, or related field and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of teaching experience, preferably with some experience working with high school age students.
• Sustained record of creative / professional practice in the theater industry.
• Knowledge of cutting-edge trends in arts education as well as opportunities in the creative industries for young artists.
• Skills and expertise in multiple genres of the theater discipline.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse students of varying levels and demographics.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.

Scope of Work
The Theater Chair will be contracted to provide the following services:
• Recruit and hire faculty and teaching assistants as assigned by CSSSA’s Board of Trustees.
• Ensure that the CSSSA contract analyst has complete contract information for each of the department’s hires.
• Review student applications and participate in the selection of students.
• Manage the scheduling of student and faculty class schedules and develop course rosters.
• Create detailed supply orders for the entire department with estimates from competing vendors.
• Develop and oversee the department’s curriculum, including courses, schedule, and pedagogy.
• Participate in the program set-up and tear-down before and after the session.
• Reside on campus during the summer session and supervise the work of full-time faculty, part-time faculty, teaching assistants, and visiting artists while the program is in session.
• Instruct courses and chair faculty meetings.
• Conduct pre-CSSSA webinars for student recruitment and theater department orientation.
• Monitor student academic / artistic progress, as well as department policies for obtaining college credits.
• Work with faculty and CSSSA staff to resolve student conduct, and other student affairs issues.
• Work with other department chairs and faculty to develop an interdisciplinary and/or multi-disciplinary program.
• Follow and uphold CSSSA’s policies and procedures as outlined, including those in the Faculty / Staff Handbook.

Contract Status
The Department Chairs are paid on a contractual basis and are not considered state employees. The contract is preset by CSSSA. The contract amount is a comparable level set by the California State University System. The Theater Chair will report directly to the Director of CSSSA. The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire to begin planning for the 2026 session. The position is part-time during the planning stages of the Scope of Work and is full-time for the duration of the summer session. The contract salary is a one-time payment of $12,600. This includes all aspects of the Scope of Work. Payment is made by check and is received within 45 days following the session.

Selection Process
Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of CSSSA, and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty selection panel convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose. The faculty selection panel shall be composed of professional artists and arts educators, selected to be broadly representative of the schools, institutions, arts organizations, artists, colleges, and universities located throughout the state. Members of the CSSSA Board of Trustees may serve on the faculty selection panel but shall comprise no more than one-third of any faculty selection panel. Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview or additional materials for review by the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the final candidate is determined. The Theater Chair shall be chosen for their excellence in artistic production, direction, and teaching ability. CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy.

RFA Posting Information
Posting Date: September 8, 2025
Applications Due: November 14, 2025, at 5:00 pm, Pacific Time

RFA Submission Requirements
Applications are accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents as well as questions to comments@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

Required Documents:
1. Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas:
a. Introduce why you are interested in this position.
b. Describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position.
c. Describe your ability to manage multiple, high priority tasks while maintaining both organization and flexibility.
d. Please describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume

Optional Documents:
3. Creative Portfolio/Website
4. Educational Philosophy
5. Weblinks to Creative Work

Art and Sustainability Fellowship – Garden-Based Learning and Community Engagement

The Skirball Cultural Center is seeking to engage a two-year fellow with three distinct capabilities: knowledge of permaculture agriculture practice, ability to tend and direct garden cultivation, and experience in early childhood education or older adult continued learning. The focus of the fellowship will center on the launch of a new learning garden at Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, supporting its ongoing care and cultivation once planted and installed by landscape designers and installation team in Fall 2025, engagement with visitors to the garden, and relationship building with relevant community organizations. The Fellow will co-create meaningful learning experiences for children and multigenerational audiences, steward the ongoing cultivation of the garden, and engage with community partners to extend the garden’s reach across Skirball’s programs and networks. The fellow will be a member of the Skirball’s Education and Family Programs team, working closely with Operations team members and consultants and service providers. While the Fellow will have experience in the areas listed above, this is also an educational opportunity for the Fellow to evaluate the feasibility of sustainable gardening practices across the Skirball’s campus and in school-based programs throughout the region in the coming years.

Contract Timeframe: Fall 2025 through Summer 2027 

Compensation: Research Fellow is a full time, limited term position with an hourly rate of $28/hr. This role is eligible for Skirball’s employee benefits package.

Contract Scope, Deliverables, and Responsibilities:

  • Help develop an ongoing garden cultivation plan as a member of the Skirball’s Education and Family Programs department and in close collaboration with the Operations Department, landscape design consultant Farmer D, and landscape maintenance provider Four Seasons. Note: The garden’s design and initial installation will be completed by landscape  professionals in Fall 2025; the Fellow will focus on care, programming, and refinement rather than original design.
  • Evaluate and recommend future opportunities to replicate success in the learning garden to other locations at the Skirball and in community.
  • To the extent volunteers and third-party service providers, including Four Seasons and Shemesh Farms, are a part of the garden cultivation plan, coordinate schedule, responsibilities, supplies, supervision, and logistics among the same. The Fellow will not oversee construction or initial planting, but if hired before the installation, will observe and assist with documentation and logistics during the process, ensuring a smooth handoff to their role coordinating care, programming, and engagement once the garden is operational.
  • Help develop and co-teach a new garden curriculum with Skirball educators for weekday school programs, specifically school groups from local TK through 3rd grade classes.
  • Help develop self-guided and “low touch” visitor engagement talking points, prompts, and activities for visitors to the gardens during afternoon, weekend, and school holiday hours, anticipating a broad age and literacy range.
  • Identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other garden learning sites, using Skirball’s existing network of school and community partners and other curriculum distribution networks.

Key Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will spend approximately 60% of their time on educational program development, delivery, and visitor engagement, and 40% on garden cultivation and care. We’re looking for passionate educators first, with a solid foundation in sustainable gardening practices.

  • Experience in permaculture and/or biodynamic farming, Jewish farming practices, and garden cultivation. Familiarity with Mediterranean climate plant care and native habitat gardening is a plus.
  • Experience developing or utilizing early childhood education or adult learning resources.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead participatory educational experiences for people of all ages.
  • Experience in informal or formal educational settings (early childhood, multigenerational, or museum-based).
  • Experience developing curriculum and educational resources that align with state or national learning standards, with an emphasis on environmental or garden-based education.
  • Experience developing inclusive and accessible educational materials and programs, ensuring engagement for learners of all abilities and backgrounds.
  • Ability to mentor, train, or support fellow educators, volunteers, and staff in delivering high-quality garden-based learning experiences.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, flexibility, and attention to detail, deadlines, and follow-through.
    Affinity for working consultatively and incorporating the input of others.
  • Personal resonance with the Skirball Cultural Center’s mission and values, including its grounding in Jewish tradition and commitment to social and environmental responsibility, with the ability to integrate themes of community, civic engagement, and shared responsibility into educational programming.
  • Ability to work extended hours that require physical agility outdoors (e.g., kneeling, crouching, lifting, sitting on ground) and sustained energy.
  • Ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays when visits to Skirball are often most popular.
  • Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Education, Horticulture, Museum Education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Preferred: Prior experience working in a culturally specific organization, with knowledge of Jewish history, culture, and traditions.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a garden-based learning experience rooted in sustainability, Jewish values, and human connection. We welcome applicants who are passionate about land stewardship, education, and creating inclusive spaces for intergenerational learning.

Please provide resume and cover letter by applying here:
https://skirball-cultural-center.breezy.hr/p/feda4dc0f6a2-getty-global-art-and-sustainability-fellowship 

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