Public Programs Coordinator

El Museo del Barrio; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

TransitChek/MetroCard

Employee discount

Paid time off

Job summary

El Museo del Barrio in New York City is seeking a Public Programs Coordinator to support the planning, production, and execution of public-facing cultural initiatives. You will work closely with the Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement to ensure events run smoothly and uphold the museum's standards.

The role emphasizes organized program logistics, artist and presenter coordination, and on-site support for festivals and talks, with opportunity to contribute to cross-department

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Experience coordinating public programs, events, or festivals.
• Strong planning, scheduling, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate production and logistics for public programs, talks, workshops, and festivals.
• Assist in managing timelines, calendars, and planning processes.
• Coordinate space prep, technical needs, materials, and vendors.
• Support contracting and logistics for artists and presenters.
• Provide on-site support and help ensure positive audience experience.

Skills

Organization

Time management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Flexibility (evenings/weekends)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Cultural Studies, Performing Arts, Museum Studies, or related field

Job description

Title: Public Programs Coordinator

Report to: Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement

Status: FullTime Exempt

El Museo del Barrio, founded by a coalition of Puerto Rican educators, artists, and activists, is the nation’s leading Latino and Latin American cultural institution. The Museum welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of these communities through its extensive Permanent Collection, varied exhibitions and publications, bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals, and special events.

SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF ROLE

El Museo del Barrio seeks an organized and collaborative Coordinator, Public Programs to support the planning, production, and execution of public-facing cultural initiatives. Working closely with the Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement, the Public Programs Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring that performances, conversations, participatory programs, and festivals are delivered with care, clarity, and professionalism.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Production & Logistics

• Support the coordination and execution of public programs, including performances, talks, workshops, and festivals.
• Assist in managing production timelines, program calendars, and internal planning processes.
• Coordinate logistical needs such as space preparation, technical requirements, materials, and vendor relationships.
• Support the preparation and distribution of program-related materials.

Artist & Presenter Coordination

• Assist in coordinating communication with artists, presenters, and other collaborators.
• Support contracting processes and logistical arrangements for program participants.
• Help facilitate presenter needs related to program delivery.

Festival & Large-Scale Event Support

• Provide production support for major institutional festivals and large-scale cultural initiatives.
• Assist with day-of coordination, participant management, and audience experience.
• Contribute to planning processes that ensure effective cross-departmental collaboration.

Administrative & Systems Support

• Maintain accurate program records, participation data, and production documentation.
• Assist with program evaluation, reporting, and grant-related documentation as needed.
• Support the refinement of internal systems related to program planning and delivery.

Visitor Experience & On-site Support

• Serve as an on-site support presence during public programs, helping ensure smooth execution and positive audience experiences.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in collaboration with colleagues across departments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Cultural Studies, Performing Arts, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in cultural programming, event production, or arts administration.
• Experience supporting large-scale cultural events or festivals preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in artist-centered cultural public programming.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends as required.
• Background in Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts.
• Spanish/English bilingual skills highly desirable.

Salary Range

$60,000-$65,000

Benefits

• Medical (up to 100% employer-paid plans available), Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Employees may obtain additional coverage for themselves and/or their families at a low cost.
• Benefits coverage begins on the first day of the month following submission of a completed benefits application, provided the application is submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the start of that month.
• El Museo offers the Cultural Institutions Retirement System (CIRS) 401(k) Savings Plan and CIRS Group Life & Welfare Benefits Plan.
• A TransitChek/MetroCard commuter plan is currently offered to eligible full-time employees.
• El Museo currently extends a 10% discount to employees on all museum shop merchandise.
• Paid time off includes thirteen (13) holidays, ten (10) vacation days, two (2) personal days, and ten (10) sick days.

EEO/DEI Statement

El Museo values diversity in backgrounds and in experiences. El Museo’s commitment to a diverse workforce has been a key to our success. In accordance with that commitment, El Museo provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic information, gender identity and/or expression, military, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.