Public Programs Specialist

Newfields a Place for Nature & The Arts•Indianapolis, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Programs Specialist will plan and implement a comprehensive slate of family-focused, multi-generational, and exhibition-focused programs. This role involves adhering to institutional financial processes, drafting contracts, coordinating program logistics, organizing meetings, and developing relationships with artists and community members. The specialist will also research and propose new programs, implement exhibition-related programming, and complete annual program reviews based on community feedback.

Requirements

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong understanding of Excel, and other software commonly used at Newfields; willingness to learn new software programs.
Strong writing skills; ability to draft clear, original correspondence for internal communication and program copy for publications and marketing.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group settings.
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and organizational skills.
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, meet defined deadlines, and follow up on assigned tasks.
Basic familiarity with Newfields’ permanent collection and special exhibitions.
Mathematical Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Reasoning Ability – Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions and deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Exceptional interpersonal skills.
Basic understanding of public relations fundamentals.
Demonstrated experience working as part of a team.
Must have a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors Degree in arts, museum studies, hospitality or communications and 2 years of program experience required, or 4 years of related programming experience

Responsibilities

Plan and implement a comprehensive slate of family-focused, multi-generational, and exhibition-focused programs including Family Days, Free First Thursdays, exhibition openings, Cereal Cinema, films, community days, performances, performing arts residencies, and partnership initiatives.
Adhere to institutional and department financial processes, including providing information for requisitions, purchase orders, credit card transactions, and invoicing, while tracking income and expenses for assigned projects to stay within approved budgets.
Draft contracts for performances and follow Newfields procedures for review and approval.
Coordinate program logistics, including tracking tasks and deadlines, submitting marketing work orders and ticket requests, researching film screening rights, managing volunteer requests, drafting event orders, and providing on-site facilitation.
Organize and schedule meetings with partner organizations and performers.
Coordinate performer and speaker travel as needed.
Develop relationships with artists, performers, and community members, maintain an active contact list for performance program engagement, and benchmark compensation rates at peer organizations.
Research and propose additions or changes to current and future programs based on goals and mission relevance.
Implement exhibition-related programming aligned with exhibition, Newfields, and programming goals.
Complete an annual review of programs and make adjustments based on community feedback and review.