Education & Community Engagement Manager

Position Summary

The Education and Community Engagement Manager develops and leads educational programming, community partnerships, and public events that expand access to contemporary art. This role is responsible for designing inclusive learning experiences, cultivating meaningful community relationships, and producing dynamic events and festivals that position the organization as a welcoming and entrepreneurial cultural hub.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who is passionate about contemporary art, community-building, and creating high-impact, accessible programming.

Key Responsibilities

Education & Public Programming

• • Develop and implement a year-round education strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and exhibitions.
  • Design engaging programs for diverse audiences including youth, families, teens, adults, and seniors.
  • Develop, plan, execute and oversee artist talks, workshops, panel discussions, tours, and interdisciplinary programming.
  • Create accessible interpretation materials (didactics, guides, digital content, etc.).
  • Cultivate relationships with local schools, universities, educators, and community organizations.
  • Manage teaching artists, facilitators, and volunteers.
  • Evaluate program impact and prepare reports for leadership and funders.

Community Engagement

• • Build and sustain partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, businesses, and civic leaders.
  • Ensure programming reflects diverse representation and inclusive practices.
  • Identify and remove barriers to participation.
  • Represent the organization at community meetings and outreach events.
  • Develop initiatives that foster respectful dialogue and creative exchange.

Events & Festivals

• • Lead planning and execution of exhibition openings, special events, and community events.
  • Develop and manage large-scale public programs and festivals (e.g., art festivals, outdoor activations).
  • Oversee logistics including vendor coordination, permits, site planning, artist participation, entertainment, and volunteers.
  • Collaborate with marketing to promote events and drive attendance.
  • Develop sponsorship opportunities and support fundraising initiatives tied to events.
  • Create memorable, mission-aligned experiences that enhance audience engagement and revenue generation.

Operations & Budget Management

• • Develop and manage annual education and event budgets.
  • Track expenses, contracts, and program income.
  • Assist with grant writing and reporting related to education and community programs.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and city regulations for events and festivals.

Other Responsibilities

• This role may include additional duties as assigned, and all team members are expected to support various areas of the organization as needed.

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Education, Art History, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • 3–5 years of experience in arts education, community engagement, and/or event management.
  • Demonstrated experience producing public events or festivals.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Experience managing budgets and vendors.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends for events.
  • Passion for contemporary art and community-centered programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience working in nonprofit arts organizations.
  • Established relationships within the local arts and cultural community.
  • Grant writing or fundraising experience.
  • Bilingual abilities a plus.

Key Competencies

• • Entrepreneurial mindset and creative problem-solving
  • Strong interpersonal and partnership-building skills
  • Inclusive and equity-driven leadership approach
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strategic thinking balanced with hands-on execution

Impact of the Role

The Education & Community Engagement Manager strengthens the organization’s role as a welcoming, inclusive, and entrepreneurial arts institution by:

• • Expanding access to contemporary art
  • Building meaningful community relationships
  • Creating dynamic events and festivals that attract new audiences
  • Elevating the organization’s visibility and reputation