Public Programming Coordinator

Job Summary: 

The Public Programming Coordinator supports the planning, coordination, and execution of public programs and events at both locations of The Contemporary Austin (The Jones Center and Laguna Gloria) including other offsite locations as needed. Working closely with the Events and Experiences Manager, Event Production team, and cross-departmental partners, this role assists with event logistics, scheduling, documentation, and day-of coordination. 

This position plays a key role in ensuring events run smoothly by helping manage ticketing and registration, preparing event materials, coordinating with vendors and internal teams, and supporting on-site execution. The Coordinator also assists with post-event reporting and feedback collection to help inform future programming. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

Event Planning & Coordination 

Support the planning and coordination of museum programs and events, including receptions, performances, workshops, and public gatherings with the opportunity to grow into co-curating and leading events.  

Assist with drafting event descriptions, schedules, and internal planning documents 

Coordinate logistical details such as staffing needs, equipment, AV requirements, and vendor arrangements 

Help prepare and distribute run-of-show documents and event timelines 

Stays current in local cultural, nightlife, and hospitality landscape 

Cross-Department Collaboration 

Work closely with the Event Production team, Visitor Engagement, Communications, and Operations to ensure event details are clearly communicated 

Support ticketing and registration setup, including generating ticketing links and monitoring attendance as needed 

Assist Visitor Engagement staff during events to support a smooth check-in process 

On-Site Event Support 

Provide on-site support during events, including acting as a point of contact for basic questions and troubleshooting 

Assist with vendor coordination (artists, performers, caterers, rentals, etc.) under the direction of the Manager 

Support larger-scale programs and exhibition openings as needed 

Serve as a leader on the ground approaching tasks/event/colleagues with collaboration and a can-do mentality 

Post-Event Support & Administration 

Assist with compiling post-event reports and attendance data 

Help collect and organize post-event feedback from audiences and staff 

Maintain event calendars and assist with scheduling internal planning meetings 

Process payments and manage artist/talent contracts via institutional processes and systems 

Required Skills & Abilities 

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines 

Excellent attention to detail and follow-through 

Clear written and verbal communication skills 

Ability to work collaboratively across teams 

Comfortable supporting events in a fast-paced, public-facing environment 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) 

Comfort shifting between leading and taking notes during meetings both virtually (zoom) and in-person 

Strong sense and skills in customer service 

Education & Experience 

Bachelor’s degree required 

2-3 years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, arts administration, or a related field preferred 

Nonprofit or cultural organization experience a plus 

Physical Requirements 

Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods 

Ability to stand and walk for long periods during events 

Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 40 lbs 

Immediate access to personal, reliable transportation 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Our Mission  
We invite you to discover contemporary art in settings that provoke thought and joy. Our programs join art with place in a pursuit of a deeper experience, a bigger conversation, and a closer community.  

Our Vision   
We believe in the capacity of art to transform lives. We dream of a future where more eyes, ears, hearts, and minds are opened by contemporary art in all of its forms.   

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA)  

The Contemporary Austin values a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and we seek to model these values in our hiring and engagement practices for all our artistic and educational programs. We welcome applications by BIPOC candidates as well as individuals who bring new perspectives in a host of ways. It is the policy of The Contemporary Austin not to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status and to take action to ensure that those seeking to do business with the Contemporary are treated fairly. The Contemporary Austin aims to create a safe, welcoming working environment and doesn’t tolerate discrimination of any kind.  
The organization is currently pursuing a multi-year DEIA effort and seeks individuals who share our commitment to this work.