Director, Public Programs

Studio in a School (Studio) is seeking an experienced Director, Public Programs (Director) to lead external facing, large-scale programs, events, and exhibitions. The Director will provide leadership and oversight of Studio's Public Programs, which include events celebrating organizational milestones, at least two, large-scale exhibitions annually, oversight of the permanent collection and gallery space, and development, in collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, of the first-ever Studio in School symposium. In addition, the Director will serve as a leader within the Programs Team and work collaboratively with our Development and Marketing departments.

The Director must be a strong event planner with production expertise, public-programming experience, and knowledge of the visual arts and cultural landscape in New York City. The Director should be an experienced project manager and event producer who is equally comfortable developing a program concept, managing a complex production timeline, coordinating vendors and stakeholders, overseeing an event budget, and ensuring a successful guest experience.

The Director will serve as a thought-partner to the Chief Program Officer (CPO) and the Chief Development Office (CDO) in developing a suite of programs to celebrate organizational milestones, such as our upcoming 50th anniversary, and highlight our impact, as well as creating a sustainable model for the inaugural Studio Symposium. Our ideal candidate has a proven ability to conceive and implement public-facing programs, events, and experiences, as well as content knowledge in the visual arts.

The Director, Public Programs will report to the Chief Program Officer. This is a full-time, exempt, non-union position.

About Studio in a School

Studio in a School fosters the creative and intellectual development of young people through quality visual arts programs, directed by professional artists, arts and cultural internships, and apprentice-based learning in the arts. The organization also collaborates with and develops the ability of those who provide or support arts programming and creative development for young people both in and outside of schools.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision

• In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, develop and steward Studio's public programs, events, and exhibitions.
  • Develop innovative, mission-aligned public programs and event experiences that elevate Studio’s visibility and strengthen the organization’s position as a leader in arts education.
• In collaboration with Senior Leadership, develop programs and events that celebrate organizational milestones, engage key stakeholders, and communicate Studio’s impact.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with artists, cultural institutions, community organizations, vendors, event partners, funders, and other external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborations that expand Studio’s reach and audience.

Planning & Execution

• Plan, develop, produce, and execute Studio’s annual slate of approximately 6–12 public programs, events, and exhibitions, including large-scale organizational, donor, community, and milestone events.
• Own the full event lifecycle, from initial concept development and event objectives through planning, production, execution, evaluation, and post-event follow-up.
• Develop and maintain a multiyear calendar of public programs, events, and exhibitions in collaboration with Programs, Development, and Marketing departments.

Budget & Operations Management

• Draft, manage, and monitor departmental budgets.
• Ensure responsible resource stewardship and cost control.
• Manage contracts with vendors, contractors, and service providers.

Staff & Team Leadership

• Supervise, hire, mentor, and manage performance of at least one direct report.
• Foster a collaborative, cross-departmental work environment.
• Coordinate schedules and workflows across program and marketing teams.

Desired Skills and Background

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, Master’s degree in Visual Art, Art History, Arts Administration, or Non-profit/Public Administration preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning/production, public programs, exhibitions, arts administration, or a related position.
• Experience working within the arts, cultural, education, nonprofit, or related sectors strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in using Microsoft Suites. Prefer experience working with Salesforce.

Personal Qualities and Habits of Work

• Commitment to the mission of Studio in a School.
• Passion for creating meaningful, engaging, and well-executed public experiences.
• Ability to collaborate within a team environment and interact with diverse staff members and populations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as needed. Adaptive and thoughtful in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to delegate and prioritize departmental objectives and goals.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities and manage projects simultaneously, oversee and track work details, and respond flexibly to changes.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic-thinking skills, ethical decision-making and sound discretionary judgment.
• Able to complete NYC Public Schools Fingerprint and Background Check Clearance upon employment.

Generous paid time off, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance/Disability Insurance, Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)and Commuter Benefits, 403b Retirement Plan, Aflac supplemental benefits, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).