Program Coordinator: Calder Gardens

Primary Function: Calder Gardens, opening Fall 2025, unites the art of Alexander Calder with nature and architecture to create an oasis that invites introspection and nurtures human connection. The Program Coordinator is responsible for supporting production, implementation, communication, and evaluation related to public programs and for providing general administrative support. Reporting to the Marsha Perelman Senior Director of Programs, this individual supports the implementation of all Calder Gardens public programs, as well as the production and planning of private events. The Program Coordinator will also play a vital role in liaising with internal departments and stakeholders, and with our artistic and community partners locally, nationally and internationally. Experimental and cross-disciplinary programs at Calder Gardens will feature a diverse spectrum of contemporary artists of all ages and nationalities who bring new perspectives to Calder’s work and connect it to ideas and experiences relevant to the present. Programming will also include practices related to wellness, the environment, and nature. All programs aim to foster introspection and myriad types of audience engagement, while prioritizing community and accessibility. Calder Gardens is governed by its own board and curatorial committee but will receive administrative, operational, and educational programming support from the Barnes Foundation in what constitutes a new model for institutional sustainability and efficiency.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Performance Arts, Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, Arts Administration or a related field with 2–3 years in a museum or programming role OR some college study in a relevant field with 3–5 years of commensurate work experience
• Superior project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary art, with an emphasis on time-based art
• Technology savvy with extensive experience producing multimedia and audiovisual-oriented programs
• Curious, self-motivated, flexible, resourceful
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Sound judgment and ability to work independently to identify priorities, anticipate tasks, handle multiple issues simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• Professional, positive, and courteous demeanor with a strong aptitude for working with artists, serving audiences, and engaging different communities
• Candidates with a comparable range of professional and educational experience will be considered and are encouraged to apply
  
  

Clearances

• Criminal Background-National
  
  

Physical Activities To Perform Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Moving

• Approximately 80% of time is spent seated while working at a desk.
• Ability to occasionally transport up to 25 lbs. of files, equipment or supplies.
• Ability to move to access files, equipment or supplies.
  
  

Vision Requirements

• Position requires extended time on the computer.
  
  

Communication Requirements

• Clearly communicate in person, by phone, and by video conference.
• Communicate with others in conversational and written English.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Position operates in hybrid work setting comprised of the Calder Gardens’ Philadelphia campus and remote work setting indicated by the employee at their documented home address.
• The Program Coordinator is an employee of the Barnes Foundation.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

• Supports the senior director to plan, produce, implement, document, and evaluate programming on site at Calder Gardens.
• Serves as a primary contact for artists, presenters, and partners.
• Works closely with the senior director, artists, and presenters to create project timelines and identify production needs and accessibility resources.
• Responsible for the timely development, submission, and tracking of artists’ contracts and related payments.
• Provides direct on-site support during all public programs at Calder Gardens.
• Drafts program descriptions and works closely with the web, ticketing, membership, and marketing departments to facilitate program listings online.
• Serves as the department’s central contact for events management; working closely with events, facilities, AV, and Guest and Protection Services departments to coordinate Calder Gardens resources and execute programs.
• Works closely with the marketing department on the promotion of Calder Gardens initiatives and programming while engaging artistic and community partners to support audience and revenue goals within the department.
• Supports public programs through careful and detailed administrative work, thoughtful planning, savvy technological input, and clear communication to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as requested.
  
  

Organization-Wide Competencies

• Accountability:
• Prepares for work assignments and meetings,
• Conducts thorough fact-finding, decision-making, and/or follow through,
• Admits mistakes and errors and informs others when one is not able to meet a commitment.
• Job Quality:
• Dependably demonstrates job knowledge necessary for the position,
• Produces timely, accurate, high quality work output,
• Prioritizes work responsibilities effectively and produces work quantity expected for the role.
• Service:
• Identifies problems and collaborates with others to devise and create effective solutions.
• Interacts and communicates with fellow employees in a manner that promotes a harmonious and cooperative working environment in accordance with our Core Values.
• Facilitates open communication and keeps an open mind about new ideas.
• Leadership:
• Sets a good example for others,
• Demonstrates ethical decision-making and communication,
• Makes decisions. Uses a solution-oriented, collaborative approach.
• Collaboration:
• Seeks win-win outcomes in decision-making,
• Shows a proactive, inclusive, helpful, and respectful attitude to colleagues, guests, and others,
• Takes initiative to contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.