Programs Assistant
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
F/T Non-exempt
UNIT
Public Programs
APPLICATION DEADLINE
03/28/2024
OPEN DATE
02/07/2024
Position Summary:
Position will assist with content development, themes, and program ideas for public programs to further the museum’s mission in consultation with Program and Development staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Assist supervisors with scheduling Public Programs and Democracy Center support staff, volunteers, and student interns working on public programs to ensure a successful event.
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Assist in logistics and coordinate public programs. Communicates with all staff and volunteers about upcoming public programs.
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Assist with stage management and communications with talent and speakers, in advance and during public programming. Assist with visitor experience during Public Programs, including ticketing and check-in.
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Assist the Director of Public Programs and other Public Programs staff to plan and organize a total of two free days per year (Two Free Family Festivals—Natsumatsuri and Oshogatsu). Assist in planning logistics, booking and communicating with performers, making floor plans, stage managing of performances, and all other activities needed to make the event successful.
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Assist the Director of Public Programs and Director of the Democracy Center in developing, creating, and publishing of online content such as blog posts, email communications, social media postings and campaigns, etc. This work is done in coordination with various departments of JANM where appropriate including Public Programs, Marketing and Communications, and Development.
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Assist in compiling data and providing administrative support to the Public Programs unit.
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Provide good customer service to guests, members, and program participants by having professional demeanor and attitude. Works collaboratively with partnering organizations.
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Work weekends and evenings as needed. Tuesday–Saturday schedule preferred. On occasion provide front desk/lobby lunch break coverage for visitor services. Criminal background check is required.
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Staff members must be able to work with visitors of all ages to support the various events sponsored by JANM. Each staff member will be expected to work on a minimum of three museum-wide events per year:
- JANM’s Benefit and Online Auction—(off-site) typically held in the Spring (April-May)
- Oshogatsu Family Festival (first Sunday in January)
- Natsumatsuri Family Festival (Saturday in August)
- Members receptions and/or exhibition openings
This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions outlined above.
Bachelor’s degree in arts, humanities, education, or other related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of one year of successful experience in supporting programs and events for a diverse audience, museum programs preferred. At least 6 months of successful experience and knowledge of stage and performing arts set-ups and operations preferred. Excellent writing and organizational skills. Detail oriented.
Knowledge of Japanese American culture, history, and communities desired. Experience working with the Asian American community and working with volunteers and community-based organizations is desired but not necessary. Experience in working with diverse communities including those traditionally marginalized or underrepresented. This may include experience as a volunteer. An interest in social justice and in helping to surface solutions for the issues facing our communities today. Experience or demonstrated interest in understanding complex social, political, and/or economic issues.
Ability to multitask and prioritize. Ability to work in a team-environment and independently. Ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises. Ability to work with individuals and groups from a wide range of experiences—general public, artists, performing artists, scholars, etc. Demonstrate commitment and flexibility at all times in order to ensure high quality service. Willingness to learn and apply new skills.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.
Ability to write program notes, routine reports, and correspondence. Comfortable with public speaking in front of large convenings and ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group format. Professional phone manners are essential. Ability to manage visitor and guest expectations with tact and courtesy.
Is computer literate, internet savvy, and experience with MS Office is required; speed and accuracy are essential. Familiarity with Altru, Espace, Gmail, and Google suite is preferred.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Act on your own initiative. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The Programs Assistant is a regular, full-time non-exempt position. Please note, however, that this is an at-will position, meaning that your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. There is, in other words, no guarantee that you will be employed until any date in the future.
Reports To: Director of Public Programs and the Director of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (National Center)
Positions Supervised: None
$17.50 - $19 per hour, DOE