Manager of Public Programs

Title: Manager of Public Programs

Department: Curatorial Initiatives

Reports to: Chief of Curatorial Initiatives

Status: Exempt, FT (benefited)

Direct Reports: None

Schedule: Monday–Friday, with some evenings, weekends, & events

Compensation: $85,000/annually

About Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

For three decades, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) has been a dynamic hub for contemporary art in San Francisco's downtown community. We showcase innovative and thought-provoking work across visual arts, performing arts, film, and more, bringing together artists, audiences, and perspectives under one roof.

YBCA is a catalyst for conversations around critical social and cultural questions, using art as a medium for dialogue. We support artists who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and spark experimentation and innovation in the arts.

YBCA Mission, Vision, Values

Mission: To be a gathering space for creative expression that fosters meaningful connection for all.

Vision: To be a catalyst of creative exploration, expression, and innovation that empowers artists, inspires community, and drives lasting social change.

Values:

• Belonging – The arts are for everyone.
• Inclusive Collaboration – We are stronger together.
• Optimism – Art has the power to inspire change.
• Curiosity – Learning is at the center of artistic expression.

About the Role

The Manager of Public Programs is responsible for the development, coordination, and delivery of YBCA’s public programs and community-based initiatives. Working closely with the Chief of Curatorial Initiatives, Associate Director of Community and Program Events, and the External Relations Team, this role designs and produces interpretive programs that build upon YBCA’s artistic offerings to provide engaging experiences for YBCA’s broad growing publics, as well specialized and specific audiences. The position bridges creative ideation and operational execution—managing logistics, coordinating partners, and ensuring public engagement through exhibitions, performances, film screenings, talks, workshops, and special projects. Essential areas of management include contracting, budget, and on the ground support as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation:

• In collaboration with others, develop and execute public programs that align with and expand upon YBCA’s ongoing work to serve our audiences by producing engaging, mission-driven events.
• Coordinate program logistics including scheduling, contracts, payments, and production timelines, working in partnership with Finance and Events.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Community and Program Events, serve as on-site lead for select public and community programs, ensuring smooth event flow and a welcoming visitor experience.
• Manage public programming budget and track income and expenses, reconciling financials as needed.
• Collaborate with YBCA’s External Affairs Team to draft program descriptions and design a marketing and promotional strategy for public programs through the use of press releases, media engagement tools, calendars, printed collateral, social media and targeted email newsletters.
• Prepare event summaries and reports on participation, attendance, and impact.
• Evaluate effectiveness of programs, reflect on learnings and leverage feedback to optimize learning experiences and programs and report out on the impact and efficacy.
• Build a public programming calendar that aims for 10-15 annual programs related to exhibitions and other curatorial initiatives.
• Contribute to internal calendaring and planning processes across departments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in public programs and event production (museum, cultural, or nonprofit environment preferred).
• Comfortable working both creatively and administratively, from program development to hands-on event execution.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with partners and colleagues.
• Knowledge of art and engagement practices and of the field locally, nationally, and globally.
• Thrives in a highly collaborative environment that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and works effectively with people of varied backgrounds, experiences, points of view, and aspirations.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, stakeholders, and community partners, at all levels.
• Must be hands-on and proactive when it comes to event production, working within relevant budget and timeline parameters
• Previous experience in producing performances/events is a plus
• Proficiency with GSuite, Microsoft Office, and collaboration tools (Slack, Salesforce, Asana, etc.).
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed.

Who Should Apply?

Research shows that many candidates—especially those from communities most affected by inequities—apply only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. At YBCA, no one meets 100%.

If much of this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. We are interested in building a mission-driven, collaborative, and curious team, not in checking every box.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Innovative, collaborative, and connected to the Bay Area arts community and beyond.
• Energetic and creative, authoring and producing compelling programmatic content that aligns with YBCA’s mission.
• Strong communicator and facilitator, promoting engagement and building strong relationships with YBCA audiences and community partners
• Adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced, equity-driven team environment.
• Problem-solver passionate about the arts.

If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $85,000 based on full-time hours, and includes a competitive benefits package including:

• PTO & Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Parking/Commuter)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Reciprocal entry to participating Bay Area and North American museums (NARM)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is committed to diversity in its programming and in creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of San Francisco Bay Area demography. The Center encourages and actively recruits applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender or political affiliation.

YBCA will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

Accommodations

YBCA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. To request an accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, please contact accommodations@ybca.org with the subject line “Accommodations Request.”

Application Status

Thank you for your interest in joining the YBCA team! After you apply, you’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know we’ve received your resume. Our recruiting team will review your application and reach out if your experience matches an open role.

We also invite you to upload your resume and join the YBCA Talent Community to stay connected and be considered for future opportunities as they become available. We wish you the best of luck in your job search!

Agencies and Recruiting Firms: Please note that we will only review applications submitted directly by candidates and do not accept resumes or pay fees to third parties. Any unsolicited resumes received will be considered the property of YBCA.

The salary for this position is $85,000 based on full-time hours, and includes a competitive benefits package including:

• PTO & Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Parking/Commuter)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Reciprocal entry to participating Bay Area and North American museums (NARM)