Manager of Public Programs & Cultural Engagement

El Museo del Barrio•New York, NY

16h

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Background in Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts is preferred.
Spanish/English bilingual skills highly desirable.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.