Public Programs Manager – BMW Guggenheim Lab

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is seeking a Public Programs Manager. The Public Programs Manager, BMW Guggenheim Lab, North America will lead the development and execution of a rich roster of educational programs for the BMW Guggenheim Lab at its first venue in North America (See project description at the end of this document). The Lab’s programming will include offerings aimed at youth, teen, and adult audiences. The Public Programs Manager must be a dynamic, innovative and devoted educator, willing to jump into an ambitious project with a short time frame and able to work collaboratively with a team.

About the BMW Guggenheim Lab
The BMW Guggenheim Lab is a long-term global collaboration between the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and BMW. Spanning six years of programmed activities that will engage people in nine major cities across the globe, the BMW Guggenheim Lab is conceived as an innovative movable structure, which will travel from city to city bringing together ambitious thinkers and becoming a public place for research, experimentation, and the sharing of ideas about major issues affecting urban life.

Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, and other manifestations of visual culture, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods. The Guggenheim realizes this mission through exceptional exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim strives to engage and educate an increasingly diverse international audience through its unique network of museums and partnerships. With nearly three million annual visitors worldwide, the Guggenheim and its network is one of the most visited cultural institutions in the world.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Lab Assistant
Key Responsibilities:
* Work closely with curatorial staff and BMW Guggenheim Lab Team members to create a rich calendar of public programs for the Lab. Programs are expected to take place on a daily basis and will engage a diverse audience of children, teens, and adults.

* Research and facilitate connections with local institutions and community groups that are potential collaborators or participants in Lab programs, including, for example, local schools, universities, and advocacy organizations.
* Develop and manage the overall schedule for the conceptualization, implementation, and documentation of the Lab’s programs.
* In conjunction with the Lab Manager, draft and manage the public program budget
* Serve as the primary point person for the Lab Team during the R&D month (currently scheduled for March 2011) and during the run of the Lab (August-mid-October).
* Oversee the successful execution of all public programs from start to finish, including, for example, creating letters of invitation, following up on lecture invitations, negotiating contracts with speakers, making travel arrangements for speakers, and ensuring that any set-up required for performances or workshops is properly prepared.
* Be present at all programs, provide house-management, facilitate audience interaction, and troubleshoot any problems that arise.
* Oversee registration for programs when participation is limited.
* Compile information and images for marketing and publicity materials for public programs, including the BMW Guggenheim Lab website and social media, and participate in the development of a compelling and effective outreach campaign.
* Handle and track all paperwork, from contracts to invoices, timesheets, and payments, for public programs.
* Create thank you letters for all program participants.
* In conjunction with the BMW Guggenheim Lab Manager, manage the work of the Lab assistant and the Lab intern in furtherance of the tasks outlined above.
* Investigate synching programs and audiences with uptown Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York exhibition, education and event schedule.

Qualifications and Requirements:
* BA/BS in art history/architecture /art education/museum studies or related field; MA/MS preferred.
* 5 years of experience organizing programs for adults, youth and families for a contemporary art, architecture or design institution in an urban area.
* Excellent organizational, written, verbal, interpersonal and administrative skills.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, PC and Mac operating systems
* Experience with marketing and public affairs as well as a good design sense.

PLEASE NOTE:

* Applicant must be New York-based or willing to relocate to New York.
* This position will be part-time (20 hours per week) January through March 15, 2011, and full-time (40 hrs +) from March 15th through October 30, 2011.
* During the run of the lab (August – mid-October 2011), the applicant must be available to work weekends and evenings.
* The Guggenheim offers a competitive salary and excellent medical, dental, life, disability and pension plan coverage. Our staff also enjoys generous vacation, sick leave and personal days, access to a variety of cultural institutions, discounts to museum stores and a stimulating and collegial work environment.
* Qualified applicants please send your resume and cover letter, including salary expectations, to employment[at]guggenheim[dot]org. Indicate the job title “Public Programs Manager-BMW” in the subject line. Only those applicants who meet our requirements for this position will be contacted.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.