Public Programs Manager

ROME GROUP; Quebec; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Counterpublic is looking for a Public Programs Manager to oversee the creation and production of public programming and community engagement initiatives. The role involves event planning, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and management of multiple projects, contributing directly to a major triennial exhibition in St. Louis.

Benefits

Health insurance stipend

401k plan with employer match

Three weeks of PTO

Technology stipend

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience with project management and event planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural competency and knowledge of St. Louis communities required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop an annual cycle of public programs.
• Collaborate with teams on program planning and implementation.
• Provide general administrative support for programming.

Skills

Project Management

Event Planning

Communication

Cultural Competency

Tools

Google Applications

Adobe Creative Suite

Asana

Job description

Counterpublic is seeking an organized, collaborative, and motivated Public Programs Manager to help create and produce our public programs and support exhibition partnerships. This vital role works across the organization by serving as a key administrator for all community engagement and public programming events and civic projects alongside the exhibition. Working closely with our Deputy Director and the Exhibition, Community Engagement, and Operations teams, you’ll support all aspects of creative ideation and production—from proposing ideas and supporting the ideas of artists and curators to vendor management and onsite execution.

Reports to: Deputy Director

Hours: Standard working hours are M-F, 9am-5pm and will require flexibility with periodic weekends and evenings due to collaborator meetings, events and artist site visits.

Location: Hybrid with 3 days in office per week at the Counterpublic offices located at 3733 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. Frequent on location meetings throughout the St. Louis region.

Status: Exempt, full-time position through February 2027

Compensation: $55,000-$65,000 salary based on experience

Benefits: Health insurance stipend of the IRS maximum of $437.50/mo, 401k plan with 3% employer match, three weeks of PTO per year, and a technology stipend.

About Counterpublic

Counterpublic is a triennial exhibition reimagining the role of art in public life. Located in St. Louis, Counterpublic connects art with lasting impact by bringing together bold ideas with the region’s most pressing challenges. As one of the largest public art exhibitions in the nation, Counterpublic celebrates and spotlights the St. Louis region as an epicenter of art and culture through ongoing partnerships and artistic programming. The focal point is a three-month, citywide exhibition with dozens of the world’s leading artists.

Our next exhibition opens in September 2026 and will engage artists, institutions, and communities across the region.

Learn more at www.counterpublic.org

Your Responsibilities

The Public Programs Manager works closely with the staff and curators in the creation and production of programming including readings, performances, walks, artist talks, workshops, symposia and gatherings (in person and online) and other approaches to engagement. You will both propose program ideas and execute the vision of others across the organization, particularly as it relates to ongoing engagement and programming directly tied to the triennial exhibition and convening.

As a key administrator for programming, the Public Programs Manager will provide general administrative support, including, but not limited to organizing meetings, preparing documents and correspondence, and managing files and data in support of exhibition focus area projects, an annual program cycle and program production.

This position plays a pivotal role in cross-departmental communication and programming logistics including collaborating with the team in developing, promoting, and producing events, organizing with partners and artists, and participating in aspects of publications, communication, and fundraising, as needed.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage an annual cycle of public programs including readings, performances, workshops, artist talks, and other events.
• Collaborate with Exhibitions, Community Engagement, and Operations teams on ideation, planning, and implementation of projects.
• Manage production timelines, meeting schedules, vendor coordination, and administrative tasks for exhibition focus area projects.
• Act as a key administrator for programs: maintain calendars, organize meetings and agendas, manage budgets, draft collaborator agreements, and ensure documentation and archiving.
• Coordinate a national convening during off-years from the triennial, supporting a cohort of curators, artists, and organizers.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with local and national programming partners.
• Assist artists and curators in connecting with local collaborators and resources.
• Welcome visiting artists and collaborators to St. Louis through itinerary planning, orientation, and hospitality.
• Work with Communications to support event promotion, outreach materials, and audience development.
• Represent Counterpublic at partner meetings, events, and community engagements.

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years experience with project management and event planning and production
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, working with artists, community and cultural organizers and civic stakeholders a plus
• Cultural competency and knowledge of St. Louis and its communities or interest in building community in St. Louis required
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment while being self-motivated
• Comfortable with hybrid work and frequent on-site meetings around St. Louis
• Ability to work evenings and weekends in the production of events
  Familiarity and interest in public art, site-specific installations, or triennials a plus
• Knowledge of Google Applications, Adobe Creative Suite, and Asana experience preferred

Additional Information

This position will evolve as the exhibition unfolds and will require flexibility and collaboration. All Counterpublic employees are expected to remain informed about contemporary art and participate in community-facing events.

Counterpublic is committed to transparency and to principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and inclusion and is putting these principles into practice at all levels of the organization.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Counterpublic is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status.

We are committed to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage individuals from historically marginalized communities—including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others—to apply.

Apply

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to Jess Bellomo, Managing Director, at [e-mail]. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis through the end of June or until a candidate is selected.