About Our Organization

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 Director of Public Programs is responsible for the development and delivery of public programs designed to engage adult audiences with the mission of the Studio Museum in Harlem.  

The Studio Museum presents a wide range of public programs that bring the Museum’s culturally-specific mission, world-class exhibitions and permanent collection to life. These adult programs—which include artist talks, panels, performances, hands-on workshops, thematic tours, book clubs, and more—demystify artistic practices, elevate creativity as an art form accessible to all, and open the pathways for direct engagement with contemporary art and artists. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Program Development & Innovation 

• Lead the development and implementation of public programs geared towards adult audiences, in alignment with the Museum’s mission, values, and organizational priorities. 

• Develop and manage the annual adult public programs calendar, creating entry points to engage with artists of African descent and promoting broader accessibility to art. 

• Innovate new public program models that connect with local Harlem communities and broader audiences, increasing awareness of and engagement with the Studio Museum’s mission. 

• Ensure each program aligns with organizational goals, grant requirements, timelines, and budgets. 

Collaboration & Audience Engagement 

• Work interdepartmentally to foster a team-oriented approach to program development, ensuring cohesive planning across exhibitions, artist projects, and mission-related initiatives. 

• Collaborate with learning and engagement, communication, and marketing staff to develop promotional materials and strategies that amplify program impact across platforms including Studio magazine, the Museum’s website, and social media. 

• Nurture relationships with existing audiences and develop strategies to connect with new ones. 

• Establish and maintain relationships with individuals, groups, and institutions to extend public program engagement across communities. 

Team Leadership & Supervision 

• Supervise the Public Programs team—including the Coordinator, Fellow(s), and intern(s)—by setting goals, attending planning meetings, conducting regular check-ins, and organizing the team’s work around program ideation, production, and implementation. 

• Establish a schedule for the Public Programs Coordinator, who manages logistics and serves as the primary administrative contact for internal and external collaborators. 

Budgeting & Reporting 

• Formulate and monitor the Public Programs budget, setting yearly goals and timelines, and ensuring timely invoice processing. 

• Report regularly to the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement on the status of adult public programs and collaborative partnerships. 

Evaluation & Documentation 

• Develop and implement evaluation tools to measure, interpret, and analyze program outcomes. 

• Ensure consistent documentation of activities and contribute to grant research, writing, and reporting using evaluation analytics. 

Public Representation & Institutional Support 

• Represent the Museum donor events, community meetings and through contributions to publications and conference presentations. 

• Facilitate tours and presentations for key stakeholders as needed. 

• Participate in the development of 3–4 annual Member programs and other donor-related events, contributing as a thought leader and supporting content development and implementation. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Qualifications  

• Extensive knowledge and interest in contemporary artists of African descent; experience generating audience engagement with collections, exhibitions, and artist projects. 

• Creative self-starter with the ability to multi-task, problem-solve, meet deadlines, and be a flexible team player. 

• Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written) to ensure that programs are well conceived, developed, and implemented to support the Museum’s mission. 

• Ability to interface smoothly and professionally with colleagues and key stakeholders inside and outside of the museum, including program leaders, institutional directors, curators, educators, scholars and funders. 

• Working knowledge and skills in budget development. 

• Demonstrated proficiency with and accuracy in using Microsoft 365 (Office) products, including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and other related software applications 

Education and Experience 

• Master’s degree in Art History, Visual Arts, Museum Studies, or a related field is preferred.  

• Minimum seven years of demonstrated experience in museums and public programming, particularly in developing and leading programs for adult audiences.  

• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory experience and project management skills.  

Physical Demands 

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Approximately 60% of time is spent working at a desk or in meetings. Balance of time (approximately 40%) is spent moving around the work areas, program spaces, galleries, and around the City. 

• Speaking/Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, visitors and outside agencies, by phone, email and in person. 

• Vision: Ability to see art objects and to effectively use a computer screen, interpret digital and printed materials, and other appropriate museum materials. 

Work Environment 

• This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week. 

• Position work schedule requires frequent evening and weekend hours to lead and participate in Museum programs, and meeting job goals and deadlines. 

• 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

$100,000 - $110,000 annually

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

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.