Communications and Programs Manager

Established by Chief Curator and Executive Director (CCED) Cheryl Haines in 2003, FOR-SITE is dedicated to the creation, understanding, and presentation of art about place. Through exhibitions, commissions, and public programs, FOR-SITE’s projects inspire fresh thinking and dialogue about our natural and cultural environment. 

Position Summary 

Working closely with the CCED, the Communications and Programs Manager is responsible for cultivating FOR-SITE’s media visibility, communications outreach, and public programming. This is a creative, detail-oriented position ideal for a communications professional who thrives in a small, collaborative team. Successful applicants will be experienced in making contemporary art engaging for journalists, partners, and diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities: Communications

• Working in tandem with a project-based PR agent (as needed), develop and implement an overall comms strategy that fosters public awareness of FOR-SITE and its work. 
• Create and distribute public-facing communications, including press kits, newsletters / eblasts, and exhibition and event collateral, ensuring consistent and engaging messaging.
• Manage day-to-day press operations, securing and coordinating media coverage.
• Maintain FOR-SITE’s website; liaise with the Graphic Designer on web updates and the production of digital assets and print collateral. 
• Partner with the Social Media Manager to develop content that amplifies FOR-SITE’s work.
• Represent FOR-SITE with professionalism and warmth in public and partner-facing interactions. 

Key Responsibilities: Public Programs

• Working with the CCED, research and develop public programs that extend the themes of FOR-SITE’s next project, And the Beat Goes On, and subsequent exhibitions, identifying potential participants, performers, and community collaborators.
• Cultivate relationships with neighborhood organizations and cultural partners, serving as a primary liaison and coordinating participation, scheduling, and communications.
• Under the supervision of the CCED and in collaboration with other team members, coordinate the planning and production of public events, including talks, performances, workshops, and community gatherings, managing logistics such as scheduling, venue needs, and participant support.
• Draft program descriptions and materials for use in promotional and educational contexts, including website, newsletters, and event listings.

Working Conditions, Salary, and Benefits

FOR-SITE’s office is located at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture campus in San Francisco. 

This is an in-person, office-based, full-time position requiring occasional evening and weekend work. 

Salary: $75,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits 

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance 
• 401(k) 
• Paid time off 

Desired Qualifications 

• 3 years of successful experience in a communications role at an arts nonprofit, with strong work samples.
• Experience supporting public programs, events, or community-facing cultural initiatives preferred.
• Highly organized, with superior attention to detail; a creative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Competency with Mac OS, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Dropbox, database management, and the Adobe Suite. 
• Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment 
• Knowledge of the Bay Area arts community, including artists, arts patrons, and institutions, is a significant plus
• Educational background in one of the following fields: non-profit administration, arts administration, museum studies, public art, art history 

To Apply

Please submit a CV, cover letter, and three work samples to haley@for-site.org that demonstrate your communications experience, writing ability, and/or experience with arts-related public engagement.

Applications that do not include all required materials will not be considered.