What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Public Programming position at The Frick Museums and Art of Pittsburgh?
Manager of Public Programming
The Manager of Public Programming plays a central role in realizing the Learning department’s ambitious programming and revenue goals, primarily for an adult audience. They are responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and implementing a diverse array of engaging programs related to the Frick Pittsburgh’s museum spaces, grounds, and temporary exhibitions. This role acts as an organizational hub to coordinate activities within the Learning department as well as with colleagues across other departments, including curatorial, safety, visitor services, and marketing.
Reports to: Director of Learning
Hours: Monday ‐ Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., weekend and evening work required
Salary: $45,421 – 51,106
Status: Full‐time, exempt with benefits
Responsibilities:
- (40%) Public Program Development: Conceptualize and plan a variety of public programs for adult audiences.
- Understand and become proficient in content relating to the Frick’s museums and permanent collections (including Frick family history, Gilded Age history, the Frick art collection, and the social history of transportation) in order to apply that knowledge to program development.
- On an annual basis, develop a cohesive set of public programs relating to the Frick’s permanent collections and museums (Clayton, The Frick Art Museum, and the Car and Carriage Museum).
- Collaborate closely with the curatorial department to learn and deeply engage with the content of upcoming exhibitions, using that knowledge to create programming that engages learners in different ways, offers a variety of experiences, and is inclusive in both presenters and topics.
- Create and plan slates of programs related to temporary exhibitions in all of the Frick’s museum spaces.
- When appropriate, develop programming that makes connections between temporary exhibition objects and content and the collections of the Frick Pittsburgh.
- Plan a range of programs that are diverse in content, revenue potential, learning objectives, and format including, but not limited to: workshops, symposia, film series, social events, lectures, guided tours, and in-gallery experiences.
- Identify potential panelists, program partners, lecturers, etc., issue and track invitations, and serve as the primary point of contact during the planning process.
- Act as project manager for larger-scale programs and initiatives that involve a range of elements from the Learning department including interpretation, family learning components, and performances. Serve as a liaison for program planning that involves multiple departments.
- Consult with the Director of Learning and the Marketing and Communications staff to set appropriate price points for programming in order to meet revenue goals.
- (20%) Public Program Facilitation: Bring planned programs to fruition and serve as the on-site point of contact to facilitate day-of program activities.
- Serve as the main point of contact for all program partners, outside vendors, and internal staff immediately before, during and after the program.
- Provide exceptional customer service while interacting with visitors and handle any complaints with empathy and professionalism.
- Coordinate set up and breakdown of programs in collaboration with Frick operations, safety, events and housekeeping staff.
- Act as point person for tech needs during programs, including sound checks, audiovisual needs, livestreaming, video recording, etc.
- Facilitate programs as appropriate, including introducing speakers, moderating panels, or presenting content.
- (10%) Educator Programming: Build and sustain a robust professional development program for educators.
- Offer at least five Act 48 professional workshops for teachers per year and award professional development credits to participants as appropriate.
- Maintain the Frick’s status as a certified Act 48 provider.
- Work with Learning, Advancement & Engagement and Curatorial staff to create unique, personalized opportunities for area educators to engage with the Frick and its collections.
- Collaborate with the Manager of Youth and Family Programs to develop and send out regular communications to area educators through the Frick’s educator email list.
- (10%) Partnership Development and Collaboration: Serve as a public facing representative of the Frick Pittsburgh to seek out, strengthen and maintain collaborative relationships with other organizations and individuals within the local community.
- Expand the Frick’s organizational networks by identifying new potential partners and establishing new relationships.
- Collaborate with partner organizations, community leaders, artists, etc. to develop programming that connects the work and audiences of the partner with those of the Frick.
- Raise the Frick’s community profile by representing the Frick at community events, speaking engagements, conferences, etc.
- (20%) Administrative Duties
- Research and be knowledgeable in current audience program participation trends, share these trends with Frick staff, and apply this knowledge to program planning and execution.
- Evaluate and analyze participant feedback on programmatic experiences; consistently provide analysis of feedback to the Director of Learning and the L&VE Department, and apply insight learned from evaluations to future program development.
- Manage and complete administrative tasks related to public programming coordination and execution, both within the Learning Department and in collaboration with other departments on site.
- Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Department to provide complete program information on time per established publishing deadlines.
- Work with the Director of Learning on annual budget and forecast revisions.
- Other duties as needed.
Qualifications:
- Commitment to fostering a workplace and museum culture of inclusion and belonging, including anti-racist values and education practices.
- Commitment to activating the Frick’s mission, vision, and values for broad audiences through public programs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with staff and visitors of all backgrounds.
- BA in history, education, museum studies, art history or a related field OR comparable working experience preferred. Work/volunteer experience should be in education, art history, history, museum studies or a related field.
- A collaborative, creative leader who thinks innovatively about ways to connect with diverse audiences through programming.
- Demonstrated experience with creating and implementing public programs for a variety of audiences, working with a range of communities and partners, leading teams and projects, and meaningfully connecting to internal and external stakeholders.
- The capacity to create programs that center dialogue on challenging and complex issues within works of art and history as a means of reflection, growth, and connection.
- Reliable, punctual and willing to work a flexible schedule. Candidates should expect to work occasional weekends, some holidays (The Frick Pittsburgh is closed on Juneteenth, July Fourth, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) and occasional evenings as needed.
- Must have strong communication and organization skills with a highly refined attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt, problem solve and identify creative solutions during high-pressure, quickly evolving situations.
Candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the museum field are encouraged to apply. Confidential inquiries, applications, and recommendations are welcome.
Salary : $45,421 - $51,106