Senior Public Programs Specialist

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Job Summary

The Getty Foundation fulfills the philanthropic mission of the J. Paul Getty Trust by supporting individuals and institutions committed to advancing the greater understanding and preservation of the visual arts in Los Angeles and throughout the world. Through strategic grant initiatives, it strengthens art history as a global discipline, promotes the interdisciplinary practice of conservation, increases access to museum and archival collections, and develops current and future leaders in the visual arts.

 

We are looking for an experienced Senior Public Programs Specialist to join a team working on Getty’s PST ART, and to contribute to Getty’s overall public programming profile. PST ART is a collaboration of dozens of museums and cultural organizations throughout Southern California that, every five years, presents an ambitious range of exhibitions and public programs around a common theme. Previous editions of PST ART (earlier known as Pacific Standard Time) focused on Art in LA 1945-1980 (2011-12), LA/LA: Latin American and Latino Art in dialogue with Los Angeles (2017-18), and Art & Science Collide (2024-25).

 

The Senior Public Programs Specialist will help shape public programming for PST ART, including coordinating with dozens of partner institutions leading up to and throughout the run of the initiative. The Senior Public Programs Specialist will also contribute, develop, and implement ideas for several high-profile events in and around Southern California during PST ART. Between editions of PST ART, the Senior Public Programs Specialist will develop signature programs to advance brand awareness. They will contribute to Getty’s overall onsite programming working with staff across the institution, with programs for multiple audiences ranging from academic to high-profile to family friendly.

 

Additionally, the Senior Public Programs Specialist will be part of a Getty team managing communications and outreach for PST ART, including serving as a liaison between Getty and external communications firms and partner organizations. They will also be involved in selecting production companies to realize programs, with oversight of contracts and developing and monitoring budgets. The position may also involve assessing technical support needed by partner organizations and/or troubleshooting where necessary.  

Major Job Responsibilities

Under broad direction, the Senior Public Programs Specialist will work closely with PST ART leadership and partner organizations to create a cohesive programming schedule; coordinate programming schedules across the initiative; develop programming between editions; cultivate relationships with multidisciplinary local, national, and international artists to generate programs; research and engage specific audiences, as appropriate; establish and maintain relationships with cultural, educational, and community-based organizations; negotiate and contract with external production companies and artists; secure venues as needed; develop and implement procedures to coordinate communications campaign with partner organizations. Additionally, work with staff across Getty to realize programs onsite for multiple audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree minimum
• 8 years of experience developing and managing arts-related public programming; festival or other type of cross -institutional experience a plus, as is national or international experience.
• Position requires excellent administrative skills, outstanding communications skills to work effectively with a wide range of organizations and individuals.

Please note: A cover letter and current resume are required to be considered for this role. The deadline for application submissions is April 22, 2025.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to manage projects, beginning to end
• Strong communication skills for a variety of audiences and stakeholders
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and to troubleshoot last-minute changes
• Demonstrated administrative skills
• Proven knowledge of visual arts and/or performing arts-related programming
• Proven ability to use new technologies to expand outreach and impact
• Excellent ability to manage budgets

Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

 

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.