Public Programs Coordinator
Description
Through our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with our local communities and artists, expand and diversify our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to creating both an inclusive work culture and welcoming visitor experience.
Our Core Values are:
- Creativity is our Legacy
- Community is our Purpose
- The Collection is our Catalyst
- Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion are our Commitments
Position Summary
Isabella Stewart Gardner believed that art had the power to change lives and she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum setting to do so. Today the Gardner is a living embodiment of her bold vision; a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. Through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances we strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through diverse voices and community members.
The Public Programs Coordinator plans, schedules, and implements programs for Thursday evenings and some Saturdays with direction from the Director of Public Programs. This position supports the overall work of public programs, collaborating across the museum with Education, Security, Visitor Services, Music teams, curators, and outside vendors. The position also includes event coordination and/or support for exhibition lectures, landscape lectures, and special events.
Work Schedule: The schedule is somewhat flexible, and will require planning time during regular working hours (9 am – 5 pm) in addition to Thursday evenings (5 - 9 pm) and the occasional weekend day. Availability on Thursday evenings is a key requirement for this position.
Responsibilities
- Support the Director of Public Programs with logistical planning, administrative management, and execution of all public programs, including, but not limited to, conversations, performances, film screenings, and artists’ talks and workshops
- Manage event flow and timelines to ensure that programs start and stop on time, and work with box office colleagues to address crowd control and capacity restrictions
- Execute departmental administrative work, including but not limited to supporting budget process, managing supplies, handling invoices, and coordinating contracts and payments for musicians, speakers, other performers and/or vendors
- Collaborate with programming and Marketing teams to engage strategic growth audiences (including the academic or college/university community and young adults)
- Design programming activities for visitors, including studio projects, gallery activities, games, and hands-on experiences
- Facilitate the growth of programs, scout collaborators, and help foster collaborative relationships with the cohort of artists and culture makers invested in the Gardner Museum and creative communities in Boston by attending local cultural events and participating in quarterly Neighborhood Salon Luminary meetings. Host regular interdepartmental brainstorming meetings to invite staff to share ideas in support of program planning, advertising and implementation
- Assist with audience research, surveys, and other forms of evaluation related to public, and community programs
- Collaborate with the Director of Public Programs and the Community Engagement Manager to develop mutually beneficial community partnerships in connection with programming
- Other duties as required
Requirements
- 2 or more years of experience in the fields of cultural programming, community engagement, arts administration, event production, and/or project management
- Demonstration of relationship development skills, including connections to the arts and culture community within Greater Boston
- Excellent interpersonal skills and visitor-friendly approach
- Familiarity and experience with Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Google applications
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure
- Excellent research, written, and verbal communication skills; attention to detail and follow up
- Experience working in a museum or arts setting helpful but not required
- Creativity, energy, flexibility and a great sense of humor
Core Competencies:
- Customer Service Orientation: The ability to create a memorable experience by conscientiously anticipating and addressing visitor, artist, and performer needs and expectations while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism.
- Interpersonal Awareness: The ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness with empathy.
- Oral & Written Communication: The ability to express oneself clearly in conversations, interactions, and business writing.
- Providing Motivational Support: The ability to enhance others’ commitment to their work.