Public Programs Specialist

Public Programs Specialist (Regular, Part-Time)

 Education & Public Programs

Reporting to the Director of Adult Public Programs, the Public Programs Specialist develops and implements public programs that complement and reflect the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and other related topics. The position oversees project timelines, budgets, marketing coordination, audience development, and evaluation. Working collaboratively across departments, the Public Programs Specialist develops innovative, mission-aligned programming that engages diverse audiences, advances institutional goals, and contributes to the strategic priorities of Education and Public Programs.

This is a regular part-time (up to 29 hours per week), two-year term position

Responsibilities:

Program Development & Implementation

• Develops and implements programs for a general audience, including lectures, artist conversations, symposiums, workshops, series, performances, and related public initiatives in alignment with exhibitions, identified themes, and initiatives of Education and Public Programs at LACMA.

• Collaborates with internal and external partners, including artists, experts, and institutions, to inform programming content.

• Participates in planning meetings to generate innovative program ideas and align programming with departmental and institutional goals.

• Develops comprehensive project plans for multiple concurrent programs, with defined timelines, milestones, deliverables, and success metrics. Tracks progress and proactively identifies and addresses potential delays or challenges in collaboration with the supervisor.

• Facilitates all logistics involved in the implementation of on-site, off-site, and virtual programs, including but not limited to engaging speakers, securing assets, talent, venue or virtual platform, gathering assets, developing event copy, listing events, and preparing contracts.

• Maintains program schedules, budgets, and logistics in coordination with departmental supervisors and cross-departmental staff.

• Negotiates contracts and coordinates with artists, experts, partnering institutions, and external vendors as needed.

• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.

Marketing & Audience Development

• Develops and reviews written materials for public programs, including program descriptions and other audience-facing content.

• Collaborates with departmental editors, the Senior Coordinator for Public Programs, Music, and Film, and the Data Analyst to ensure timely and accurate communication of programs.

• Generates content for the museum website, blog posts, and public announcements, coordinating with Marketing and internal colleagues.

• Contributes to grant reporting by providing program data, attendance numbers, and other relevant information as requested.

Other 

• Works with departmental staff and leadership to assess program effectiveness and impact, drawing on quantitative data and qualitative feedback to inform future planning.

• Maintains awareness and understanding of diverse communities served locally, nationally, and internationally.

• Performs other duties or special projects as assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.

Benefits:

• The expected hourly rate for this Los Angeles, CA based position is $28.18, subject to change. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Art Education, Museum Studies, or a related field is preferred; a combination of relevant education, training, and applicable experience will be considered.

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in programming or arts administration in a museum or comparable cultural institution. 

• Experience managing complex projects and coordinating across multiple stakeholders.

• Experience analyzing data and preparing reports to support decision-making.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.

• Comfortable presenting and reporting on programs to colleagues and leadership.

• Demonstrated experience successfully managing budgets.

• Strong project management skills, including proficiency with project management software and tools.

• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and collaborative team player.

• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects effectively with minimal supervision.

• Strong written and oral communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

If interested, please submit a cover letter and your most updated resume.