Live Arts Curator

Title: Live Arts CuratorDepartment: Curatorial InitiativesReports to: Chief of Curatorial InitiativesClassification: Exempt, part time: FTE 67%Status: Temporary one year termSchedule: 25 hours/week, with some evenings, weekends, & eventsCompensation: $85,300/annuallyAbout Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsFor three decades, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) has been a dynamic hub for contemporary art in San Francisco's downtown community. We showcase innovative and thought-provoking work across visual arts, performing arts, film, and more, bringing together artists, audiences, and perspectives under one roof.YBCA is a catalyst for conversations around critical social and cultural questions, using art as a medium for dialogue. We support artists who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and spark experimentation and innovation in the arts.YBCA Mission, Vision, ValuesMission: To be a gathering space for creative expression that fosters meaningful connection for all.Vision: To be a catalyst of creative exploration, expression, and innovation that empowers artists, inspires community, and drives lasting social change.Values:Belonging – The arts are for everyone.Inclusive Collaboration – We are stronger together.Optimism – Art has the power to inspire change.Curiosity – Learning is at the center of artistic expression.About the RoleYerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) seeks a collaborative, systems-oriented Live Arts Curator to support the launch of the Shared Stages Initiative, a new, one-year pilot program focused on building shared cultural infrastructure across Downtown San Francisco, with a particular focus on the Yerba Buena Arts District. This temporary position will also support the execution of the FY27 performing arts season and will curate the FY28 live arts season at YBCA in collaboration with the Chief of Curatorial Initiatives.This role will serve as the operational backbone of the Shared Stages initiative, which offers select local and downtown artists and arts organizations with subsidized access to YBCA’s professional performance venues, technical production teams, and shared marketing infrastructure. The Live Arts Curator will broker partnerships, manage shared-use logistics, and support collaborative live arts programming among YBCA and anchor institutional partners including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).Working closely with YBCA’s Chief of Curatorial Initiatives and General Manager, production teams, and external partners, the Live Arts Curator will design and implement systems that enable more coordinated, efficient, and sustainable collaboration across the arts ecosystem. The position combines curatorial work, program management, operations, partnership coordination, and live event production support within a highly collaborative environment.This is an opportunity for a cultural producer interested in shaping new models of shared infrastructure, institutional collaboration, and civic cultural stewardship in service of the broader field.Primary ResponsibilitiesCross-Institutional Partnership CoordinationServe as the primary day-to-day manager for Shared Stages partner relationshipsFacilitate communication and alignment among artists, organizations, venue teams, and institutional stakeholdersFacilitate collaborative planning meetings, learning circles, and partner conveningsManage relationships with anchor partners, including SFMOMA and MoADShared Infrastructure and OperationsCoordinate shared-use scheduling and logistics across YBCA venuesDevelop and implement a framework that includes standardized Shared Stages policies, selection criteria, operational workflows, governance protocols, and collaborative staffing modelsManage venue access planning for collaborative performances, residencies, convenings, and public programsLiaise with production, front-of-house, marketing, and facilities teams to ensure seamless executionProgram and Production ManagementSupport the planning and delivery of 6–8 collaborative live arts projects during the pilot year, involving 3-5 local and downtown artists or organizationsTrack timelines, deliverables, budgets, contracts, and production needsDevelop artist and partner onboarding processes and implement as neededCuratorial WorkCurate a diverse creative portfolio designed to test which collaborative formats yield the highest audience engagement and artistic impactGuide the development and execution of the FY27 season in collaboration with the General Manager and production teamsBring extensive knowledge of the field to engage in a dialogue with artists and companies under consideration for future YBCA seasonsSource and help develop YBCA-presented performances for FY28Audience Development and Communications SupportCollaborate with YBCA’s marketing and communications teams on integrated audience development strategiesSupport cross-promotional initiatives and coordinated scheduling among partnersMaintain shared calendars, planning tools, and communications workflowsSystems Building and DocumentationDevelop and maintain the Shared-Use Framework, including templates, operational standards, and internal systemsTrack pilot metrics and gather qualitative and quantitative evaluation dataDevelop reports, funding updates, and future scaling plansIdentify operational efficiencies and opportunities for long-term sustainabilityDraft pilot evaluation and coordinate documentation and evaluation activities related to pilot outcomesQualificationsMinimum of 5 years of experience in live arts programming, with demonstrated project leadership and experience managing strategic partnerships and performing artists and companiesLeadership experience in a performing arts organization, including a strong record of innovation, systems-building, and developing an artistic visionDemonstrated experience in developing effective collaborations and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholdersStrong organizational and operational management skillsExperience working with artists and cultural institutionsExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentSelf-directed, able to work independently and effectivelyApplied knowledge of professional curatorial and programmatic principles, practices and proceduresFlexible and collaborativeAble to work evening and weekend hours in relation to performances and YBCA presentationsAbility to create and successfully manage budgetsDemonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving collaboration, and artist management skillsThrives in a highly collaborative environment that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and works effectively with people of varied backgrounds, experiences, points of view, and aspirationsWho Should Apply?Research shows that many candidates—especially those from communities most affected by inequities—apply only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. At YBCA, no one meets 100%.If much of this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. We are interested in building a mission-driven, collaborative, and curious team, not in checking every box.We are looking for someone who is:Proactive and entrepreneurial, with the ability to develop a programmatic framework from scratchA collaborative connector across multiple institutionsRooted in the local live arts ecosystem with extensive knowledge of national and global artistsA creative thinker with a talent for curatorial work and team-based management for live arts productionsIf much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.Compensation and BenefitsThe salary for this position is $85,300/annually based on part-time hours. Benefits include PTO & some holidays,ability to participate in the 403(b) Retirement Plan and potential access to SF City Option programs. Free/members admission price, discounts in the shop, and discounts on ticketed events at participating North American Reciprocal Museum institutions with your YBCA badge.Equal Opportunity EmployerYerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is committed to diversity in its programming and in creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of San Francisco Bay Area demography. The Center encourages and actively recruits applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender or political affiliation.YBCA will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).AccommodationsYBCA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. To request an accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line “Accommodations Request.”Health and SafetyAt YBCA, we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our community. Our current COVID-19 health and safety protocols meet or exceed local, state, and federal public health requirements.Application StatusThank you for your interest in joining the YBCA team! After you apply, you’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know we’ve received your resume. Our recruiting team will review your application and reach out if your experience matches an open role.We also invite you to upload your resume and join the YBCA Talent Community to stay connected and be considered for future opportunities as they become available. We wish you the best of luck in your job search!Agencies and Recruiting Firms: Please note that we will only review applications submitted directly by candidates and do not accept resumes or pay fees to third parties. Any unsolicited resumes received will be considered the property of YBCA. #J-18808-Ljbffr Yerba Buena Center for the Art