Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement

Title: Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement Reportto: Director of Education & Public Program 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 a creative and highly organized cultural programmer to serve as Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement. This role leads the development, production, and evolution of public-facing programs that connect artists, audiences, and ideas in ways that reflect the Museum’s mission. The Manager will shape a year-round calendar of public programs, including performances, talks, festivals, convenings and large-scale cultural celebrations that bring artists, audiences, and ideas into conversation. This role requires a hands‑on producer who can turn artistic and cultural ideas into engaging public experiences. The Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement will co‑lead the conceptualization and delivery of major institutional festivals and collaborate across departments to ensure that public programs contribute to El Museo del Barrio’s reputation as a leading cultural voice locally and internationally.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Program Strategy & Development Lead the design and implementation of a year‑round calendar of public programs that align with exhibitions, institutional priorities, and cultural context. Develop program formats that foster artistic exchange, public discourse, and community engagement. Identify opportunities for convenings, interdisciplinary initiatives, and partnerships that position the Museum as a site of cultural dialogue and learning. Shape flagship festivals as anchor programs that deepen audience engagement and extend the Museum’s cultural and educational impact. Artist Collaboration & Program Production Collaborate with curatorial colleagues to develop art‑ and artist‑centered programs connected to exhibitions. Coordinate the contracting and logistical management of artists, presenters, and program contributors. Facilitate participatory cultural experiences that involve audiences through creative activities and dynamic conversation. Program Operations & Team Leadership Oversee the planning, production, and execution of public programs, ensuring high‑quality visitor experiences and effective cross‑departmental coordination. Supervise staff, contracted personnel, and volunteers, supporting professional growth and program consistency. Manage program budgets, timelines, and production logistics in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. External Representation & Institutional Presence Represent El Museo del Barrio in cultural networks, public forums, and collaborative initiatives at local and international levels. Contribute to the Museum’s visibility as a platform for artistic dialogue and cultural leadership. Qualifications Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Cultural Studies, Humanities, Performance Studies, or a related field required Minimum of 5 years of experience producing public programs, cultural events, or artist-centered initiatives within a museum, arts organization, or similar context. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with artists, curators, and cultural partners. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to lead complex initiatives from concept to execution. Commitment to culturally responsive programming and engagement with Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends as required. Background in Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts is preferred. Spanish/English bilingual skills highly desirable. Salary Range $72,000- $82,000 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr El Museo