Travel Manager

SFMOMA•San Francisco, CA

5d•$79,000 - $95,614•Hybrid

About The Position

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is seeking a Travel Manager to join the Annual Giving team within the Philanthropy Department. This role is crucial for planning and executing SFMOMA’s donor travel program, which includes four to six trips annually. The Travel Manager will report to the Head of Major and Annual Giving and collaborate closely with the museum director, curators, Philanthropy staff, and volunteer leadership to design unique and engaging art experiences for SFMOMA donors. The program's goal is to enhance donors' appreciation and understanding of art, thereby deepening their engagement and philanthropic support for SFMOMA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, knowledge of and interest in art or art history preferred, or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in development, special events, travel, or a related field.
Equivalent work-related experience and education may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Must be able to travel internationally.
Proven experience successfully executing events, travel, or similar project management.
Proven diplomacy and ability to communicate effectively with high-level stakeholders.
Flexible and calm under pressure; ability to effectively problem-solve in high pressure situations.
Strong managerial and organizational skills.
Produce accurate, highly detailed work.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

International travel experience (personal or work-related) preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the museum’s travel programs, including those of Curators’ Circle and Director’s Circle, as well as the Contemporaries art experience group, and other travel.
Lead and oversee the conceptualization of each trip, including destination proposals, coordinating trip dates with stakeholders, and determining curatorial leadership.
Oversee the planning of each trip, with input from multiple stakeholders, creating and making ongoing updates to itineraries, managing detailed budgets, timelines, and staff and volunteers.
Conduct extensive research into destinations in advance of trip, vetting suggested visits through museum contacts as well as by independent research.
Manage all aspects of tailoring each program’s itinerary to its constituents, arranging for special-access visits to museums, galleries, private collections, artist studios, cultural visits, etc., as well as making optimal hotel and restaurant reservations, planning for ground transportation, and other visits as applicable to fulfill itinerary.
Work cross-departmentally with Curatorial, the Director’s Office, and other Philanthropy colleagues to develop strategic programs and relationships, as well as manage volunteer leadership for trips.
Work closely with volunteer committees, including trustees and donors, in planning and implementing donor travel. Attend committee meetings as needed to discuss travel opportunities and future trips.
Responsible for curating and determining art visits and cultural programming for annual Director’s Circle trip. Research, interview, and engage curatorial consultant(s) when applicable.
Manage third-party tour operator(s) in planning international trips, when applicable. Liaise between SFMOMA teams (Curatorial, Director’s Office, Philanthropy colleagues, and volunteer leaders) and the tour operator to arrange itinerary.
Negotiate and manage vendor contracts to secure high-quality services with minimal risk. Collaborate with SFMOMA Legal team on hotel contracts and other contracts when applicable.
Execute trips onsite, acting as logistics manager and ambassador of SFMOMA. On trips, represent SFMOMA to artists, gallerists, museum staff, private collectors, and other art world representatives, ensuring a smooth experience for both donors and contacts at each destination. Form relationships with donors and local contacts, serving as a front-line representative for SFMOMA. Manage staff team while onsite.
Manage traveler reservations and requests. Maintain accurate records of interest and attendee lists for trips. Act as the primary point of contact for SFMOMA travelers and staff.
Cultivate and steward donor relationships through travel experiences, fostering deeper engagement and sustained philanthropic support for SFMOMA.
Serve as primary point of contact and maintain relationships with contacts at international and domestic art fairs, arranging VIP passes for donors upon request, and managing a comprehensive art fair schedule.
Oversee budgeting for a financially viable travel program. Monitor annual revenue and expenses and track against goals. Work with finance in maintaining accurate reports on income and expenses.
Evaluate program impact by tracking donor satisfaction, engagement, and fundraising outcomes.
Develop and maintain a long-term schedule and strategy for the travel program.
Track art fairs, biennials, and other major events that may influence museum programming dates on a calendar shared with Philanthropy staff.
Conduct research on travel programs at peer organizations to inform SFMOMA travel program offerings.
Other duties as assigned.