About this role
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Public Engagement Administrative Coordinator role focuses on planning, organizing, and logistics related to Public Engagement programming across all three museum locations (Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and Seattle Art Museum Downtown).
ABOUT SAM
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Programming
Provide logistical support to programmers for talks, tours, performances, and other activities to engage visitors through collaboration with curators, community advisors, museum educators, artists, and performers
Liaise with cross-departmental contacts in Security, Audio-Visual Technology, Facilities, Visitor Experience, Finance, Legal, and Food Services for program and event needs
Recruit, schedule, and support teaching artists, temporary staff, performers, and volunteers
Provide comprehensive administrative support for public programs, including event setup and breakdown, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring all program materials and resources are prepared and available, and troubleshooting issues as they arise
Collect data and prepare reports on program attendance, program engagement, attendee feedback, partnership evaluation, revenue, expenses, and other metrics
Division Support
Support the execution of programs across the division across all sites
Conduct credit card reconciliation
Work with development and legal teams respectively, to prepare grants and generate contracts for partner organizations and event vendors
Collaborate with Marketing on promotional activities for public programs by submitting request forms and assisting with writing, editing, and proofreading promotional materials
Compile and analyze statistics on attendance, revenue, and expenses for divisional records and reports
Community Building
Actively build and foster strong connections with leaders and groups in the arts and culture community and at other organizations to share out about Public Engagement work
Cultivate and maintain relationships with local organizations, cultural workers, non-profit partners, artists, and educational entities to build strong community partnerships
Serve as a contact for community partnership inquiries and communications related to public programs
Other Duties
Attend Community Engagement Committee meetings as requested
Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
One year of programming or administrative experience in an arts or cultural organization
Interest in Seattle’s contemporary artist communities, including performance, music, literary, and visual art, and the local organizations that serve and support them
Interest in building and sustaining relationships with diverse communities, neighborhood organizations, and artists
Successfully complete self-directed work and work as part of a team
Knowledge of volunteer management, program development, and administration
Ability to build positive working relationships within as well as outside of organization
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with executives, management, staff, and the public
Strong orientation to teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility
Commitment to diversity in programs and to developing and nurturing diverse audiences
Professional verbal and written communication, with an ability to tailor communications according to audience
Ability to simultaneously manage several projects
Successfully assess priorities, work well with deadlines, time management, and problem-solving skills
Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in art administration, art education, art history, fine art, education, nonprofit leadership, related field, or equivalent experience
Experience in the arts and culture, non-profit, or government sectors
Knowledge of local performing artists and arts organizations
Two years of programming or administrative experience in an arts or cultural organization
FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-exempt
Reports To: Director of Public Engagement
Work Location: Seattle Art Museum Downtown, Seattle Asian Art Museum Volunteer Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park
BENEFITS
Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.
Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.
Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 14 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.
ACCOMODATION
The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.
SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic
Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!