Public Programs Manager

Public Programs Manager

Position Summary:

The Public Programs Manager is responsible for developing, planning, and executing engaging public programs and events in alignment with PMA’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. This role fosters community engagement drives attendance and ticket revenue and enhances the Museum’s reputation as a cultural hub, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Program Development and Logistics

• In close collaboration with Head of Communications and Audience Engagement and Head of Philanthropy, designs and implements inclusive, mission-driven public programs. Works cross-departmentally on programming to ensure curatorial, learning, and philanthropic programming goals are met.
• Develops, designs, and implements a comprehensive annual calendar of programming including adult, exhibition-based, endowed lectures, and family-oriented programming and events.
• Facilitates, moderates, and presents engaging programs to diverse audiences, working closely with Facilities colleagues to ensure excellent presentations for members and visitors.
• Researches, recruits, and schedules collaborators, presenters, and guest speakers.
• Writes program plans, marketing collateral, and promotional content.
• Oversees and aligns with PMA Films to integrate selections with broader engagement strategies.

2. Event Management

• Plans, coordinates, and executes logistics for PMA-hosted events, ensuring high-quality execution and alignment with brand standards.
• Coordinates setup, breakdown, travel arrangements, and vendor relationships for events.
• Manages contracts, finances, and logistics for marquee programming.
• Supervises the execution of high-profile and recurring PMA events.

3. Community Engagement

• Builds and sustains strategic partnerships with community organizations, artists, and cultural leaders to co-create programs that enhance PMA’s accessibility and relevance.
• Maintains consistent outreach and effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Ensures program ideas and offerings involve community partner input and feedback.
• Presents locally, regionally, and nationally to advocate for and promote PMA’s initiatives.

4. Internal Collaboration

• Serves as a liaison, disseminating program information across PMA’s departments to foster collaboration and alignment
• Collaborates with Curatorial, Philanthropy, Visitor Services, Facilities, Safety and Security, and Audience Engagement to ensure integrated program execution aligned with PMA’s goals.

5. Accessibility and Inclusion

• Ensures programming platforms are ADA compliant and universally accessible.
• Researches and implements strategies to ensure inclusivity in program design across digital and physical spaces.

6. Data Collection and Reporting

• Monitors attendance, gathers feedback, and evaluates program effectiveness to inform future initiatives and improve audience engagement.
• Develops and implements benchmarks, metrics, and systems for data collection.
• Actively tracks and archives program statistics for ongoing analysis and strategic planning.
• Generates program reports and responds to general program inquiries.

7. Budget Oversight

• Develops and manages program and event budgets.
• Strategically manages resources to ensure financial sustainability and optimize program funding.
• Obtains required expense documentation, reviews and processes expenditure and purchasing documents, and reconciles account balances.

Other Duties as Assigned:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Interviewing and hiring, training and development, scheduling, counseling and coaching, documentation, disciplinary actions, performance evaluation, and termination of employment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, event management, arts administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in public programming, event planning, or related roles, preferably in museum or cultural institutions.

Qualifications:

• Proven ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships across diverse audiences.
• Proficient in budget management, event software, and project management tools.
• Creative problem-solver with adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in program design and execution.
• Flexible multitasker, skilled in organizing work and meeting deadlines with attention to detail and quality in fast-paced settings.
• Experienced in designing, implementing, and presenting programs and events from start to finish.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Skilled at fostering positive and collaborative relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of exhibitions, collections, PMA audience and community needs, and current programmatic practices.
• Strategic in organizing and maintaining records, improving processes, and implementing solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and adherence to PMA brand standards.
• Experienced in office management and familiar with standard practices and procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, database applications, and other assigned software.

General Expectations:

• Maintains a friendly and welcoming demeanor for visitors, volunteers, and staff of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.
• Fosters positive relationships by demonstrating kindness, respect, and attentiveness in all interactions.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse cultures and orientations.
• Supports PMA’s inclusivity and diversity action plan by promoting equity, preventing discrimination, and addressing barriers.
• Communicates effectively by exercising tact and diplomacy while representing the Museum positively and professionally.
• Delivers exceptional customer service across all visitor areas.
• Adheres to all PMA safety protocols and procedures.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check and other pre-employment screenings
• Valid State of Maine Class C driver’s license (may be preferred vs. required) (include insurance requirements if needed)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The majority of work is performed in a museum, gallery, or office setting, not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, or odor. The role involves extended periods of sitting, computer use, and small muscle tasks, as well as regular standing, walking, and moving during program setup, execution, and breakdown. Work may also require lifting, carrying, and moving materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, climbing stairs, and working in confined spaces. Occasional local, regional, and national travel is required. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is essential to support programs and events.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

PMA is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, whistleblower status, marital status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maine Human Rights Act, PMA provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship. This policy covers all employment practices, including the application process. For accommodation requests, please contact PMA’s Human Resources.

All job requirements are essential, with necessary accommodations considered on a case-by-case basis for those with disabilities, ensuring they can perform job functions either independently or with reasonable assistance.

This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as needed to meet the changing needs of the employer and job requirements.