Access Programs Coordinator

Studio Museum in Harlem; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Studio Museum in Harlem seeks an Access Programs Coordinator to lead inclusive, access-centered educational initiatives and partnerships. You’ll work with Learning & Engagement colleagues, community partners, and visitors to expand access for people with disabilities through programs, resources, and outreach.

You will help embed accessibility across offerings, support research-informed practices, and collaborate on budget and impact tracking with leadership and staff.

Qualifications

• BA/BFA or equivalent in a relevant field and 2–4 years museum education or accessibility experience.
• Experience planning and delivering public programs for diverse audiences.
• Commitment to accessibility and inclusive education practices.

Responsibilities

• Organize logistics and administer access initiatives to broaden inclusion.
• Produce access-centered interpretive materials and resources.
• Collaborate with Communications to develop accessible collateral and campaigns.
• Advance accessibility across Museum programs and share best practices.
• Coordinate program administration, budgeting, reporting, and inquiries.
• Represent the Museum at community events and establish partnerships.

Skills

Accessibility

Community connections

Time management

Communication

MS Office proficiency

Professionalism

Education

BA/BFA in art, arts administration, art history, art education, African American Studies, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The Access Programs Coordinator supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of access-centered educational programs and initiatives that advance the Museum's commitment to inclusive engagement and belonging. Working closely with Learning & Engagement colleagues, community partners, and visitors, this role helps expand access to Museum experiences for people with disabilities and diverse access needs through programming, interpretive resources, audience engagement, and community partnership-building. This role also contributes to department-wide efforts to embed accessibility across educational offerings and supports research-informed practices that strengthen program impact and participation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Organize logistics and handle administration of access initiatives that broaden inclusion for diverse audiences, including school-aged learners, adults, families, and community members living with disabilities and specific needs.
• Produce access-centered interpretive materials, including gallery activities, sensory materials and online resources.
• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing staff to develop accessible collateral, including email campaigns, printed materials and other promotional efforts that increase visibility and participation in Access Programs.
• Collaborate with fellow Learning & Engagement staff to advance accessibility across all Museum programs, sharing resources, strategies, and best practices to expand inclusive engagement.
• Research best practices, field developments, and prepare case studies as directed by the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement.
• Coordinate Access Program administrative functions including ordering supplies, maintaining program documentation, responding to participant questions and public inquiries, and preparing reports that track program outcomes and impact.
• Represent the Museum in community meetings, fairs, convenings, and public events, strengthening relationships with access audiences and community organizations, cultivating meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
• Teach or facilitate access-focused programs and educational experiences as needed, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and audience needs.
• Provide input on Access Program goals and growth opportunities in consultation with department leadership.
• Support the development of the Access Programs annual budget and quarterly budget reforecasts.
• Collaborate with Learning & Engagement staff on special projects as needed.
• Participate in selection and training of teaching artists and program staff, and supervision of department interns, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

To be successful in this role, the Team Member must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Passion for accessibility and familiaritywith care-centered frameworks as related to educational pedagogy.
• Ability to create and form community connections, developing relationships with cultural, social, and educational organizations.
• Commitment to the dual programmatic goals of achieving artistic and educational excellence and community-building.
• Ability to assess and manage multiple competing priorities and work well under pressure, excellent time management, problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Has excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work with close attention to detail.
• Able to demonstrate proficiency with and accuracy in using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and other related software applications.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to work professionally and tactfully, represent the Museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism, adhere to Museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.

Education and Experience

• Candidates must have a BA/BFA in art, arts administration, art history, art education, African American Studies, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in related fields.
• 2-4 years of relevant professional experience in museum education, arts and culture, community engagement, accessibility, disability inclusion, or related fields, including experience planning, coordinating, and implementing public-facing programs for diverse audiences.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Position work schedule includes evening and weekend hours, leading and participating in Museum programs, and meeting job goals and deadlines.
• The position requires primarily local travel in and around Harlem and the 5 boroughs of New York City.
• Access program sessions take place primarily in indoor spaces, but may include outdoor spaces, requiring walking and travel by mass transit.
• Position requires close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus for the regular review and discussion of artwork and program participant images.
• Regular packing, lifting, and carrying program supplies up to 15 pounds.
• This position is a full-time, non-exempt position, requiring a minimum of 35 working hours per week.
• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.
• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed .

Compensation

$33-$37/hourly

A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.