Mission Statement
The Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University is dedicated to commissioning new works of art, preserving our collections, supporting artist residencies, and presenting exhibitions, performing arts, film / video, and educational programs. Housed in the first major public commission by architect Peter Eisenman, our iconic building embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, fostering artistic practices, and promoting inclusive, meaningful dialogue between artists and communities. We serve a diverse range of artists and audiences, from regional to international, and are sustained by public funding, donors, sponsors, and members.
Position Summary
The Audience Development and Community Relationship Manager will play a critical role in advancing the Wexner Center's strategic vision by building, nurturing, and sustaining relationships that foster deeper engagement with the center and the communities it serves. This role requires a deep commitment to listening, learning, and cultivating trust within and across diverse communities while connecting with these communities through the center's programs and mission.
The manager will proactively build sustainable relationships with Columbus residents, The Ohio State University, the State of Ohio, and surrounding areas to deepen the Center's impact within the communities we serve. The manager will work to establish and deepen connections with local tourism boards and Ohio's travel industry, broadening our impact in Columbus and surrounding areas. The manager will also collaborate internally across marketing, advancement, visitor experience, programming, and education departments to lead an integrated and strategic approach to community engagement that ensures the center's presence is felt in diverse community spaces.
This role integrates both on-the-ground community engagement and strategic planning at the center :
- In the community : Representing the Wexner Center at local events, meetings, and with community organizations.
- At the center : Coordinating community relations initiatives, strategizing with colleagues, supporting programs, and aligning the center's work with community needs.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced community connector and relationship-builder, passionate about creating sustainable partnerships and ensuring that the Wexner Center's engagement efforts reflect inclusivity, access, and shared purpose.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements :
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience2 years of professional experience in community outreach, audience development and engagement, community relations, public relations, or program management, with a focus on arts, culture, or education.Demonstrated success in building partnerships and fostering relationships with community organizations, academic institutions, and diverse populations.Participation in community events and meetings, both on and off the WCA campus, is required.Desired Experience :
Prior experience working in or with cultural institutions, museums, or art organizations is highly desirable.Familiarity with the Columbus arts and cultural scene, as well as an understanding of The Ohio State University's academic and cultural landscape, is a plus.Skills and Abilities :
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to connect with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives, meet deadlines, and work across departments to execute community programs.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.A strong commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the arts.Attributes :
Passion for the arts and a deep commitment to fostering meaningful community engagement.Advocate for the arts as an essential tool for community engagement, civic dialogue, and educational enrichment.Creative thinker with the ability to identify new opportunities for outreach, engagement, and collaboration.Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and a focus on execution and follow-through.A positive, proactive, and results-driven attitude, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement and Relationship BuildingServe as a connector between the Wexner Center and community members, fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and growth.
Increase awareness of Wexner Center programs through targeted outreach efforts that engage diverse audiences.Establish and nurture strong relationships with community leaders, cultural organizations, tourism boards, K-12 schools, universities (with a focus on Ohio State), and underserved populations.Represent the Wexner Center at community events, neighborhood meetings, university programs, and cultural gatherings to promote the Center's vision and values.Proactively build networks beyond immediate programming needs to create ongoing opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and partnership.Strategic Community Relations Management
Design and execute a cross-departmental community engagement strategy in partnership with the Director of Planning and Strategic Projects.Collaborate with Wexner Center staff to cultivate a network of partnerships that expand the center's visibility and community presence.Manage logistics for engagement activities and events in partnership with center colleagues ensuring that these initiatives promote inclusivity, access, and involvement.Identify opportunities to connect with diverse audiences, tailoring engagement strategies to meet community needs and interests.Provide regular updates to senior leadership and staff on outreach outcomes, including metrics, insights, and recommendations for improvement.Use data and community feedback to refine engagement approaches and strengthen relationships across the community.Programmatic Support
Partner with programming and education teams to leverage and expand partnerships that bring cultural experiences to diverse groups, including university students, K-12 schools, community organizations, and seniors.Ensure community insights shape program development, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.Work closely with visitor experience, marketing, and programming teams to reduce barriers to participation in Wexner Center programs.Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop outreach strategies and materials that inspire community action, such as attending events, visiting galleries, or joining programs.Contribute to internal discussions to align community engagement efforts with the Wexner Center's mission, values, and broader strategic goals.The target hiring range for this position is $47,200.00 - $65,000. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), with flexibility required for evenings, weekends and holidays. Mileage reimbursement may apply for travel.A successful background check is required prior to starting.Function : Business Planning and Operations
Subfunction : Community Outreach
Band : Specialized
Level : 2
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Salary : $47,200 - $65,000
