Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, 2-year temporary assignment

Reporting directly to the Museum Director, the Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives plays a critical role in driving cross-departmental projects and advancing key organizational priorities that strengthen and support organizational change and cultural transformation. The Program Manager will ensure alignment, coordination, and progress across the Museum.  

Additionally, the Program Manager will oversee the implementation, monitoring, and tracking of the Strategic Plan, working closely with Museum staff, leadership, and the Board of Trustees to ensure consistent progress toward institutional goals. They will facilitate communication, track milestones, and provide regular reporting to both internal and external stakeholders, reinforcing transparency and accountability in achieving SFMOMA’s mission and vision. 

• Program Management & Cross Departmental Initiatives 
• Oversee and manage interconnected projects that drive forward strategic organizational initiatives, ensuring they contribute to the Museum’s mission of creating meaningful and impactful experiences for the fullest spectrum of audiences.  
• Provide structure, coordination, and clear roadmaps to guide cross-departmental efforts. 
• Lead collaboration with and provide strategic support for working groups (such as Inclusive Design, Environmental Sustainability). Facilitate communication of milestones, updates, and progress across all levels of staff to foster transparency and engagement. 
• Serve as primary liaison between working groups ensuring seamless alignment on initiatives. Foster a culture of collaboration by facilitating information-sharing, decision-making processes, and resource alignment across the Museum. 

• Strategic Plan Implementation & Organizational Development 
• Partner with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer to fully integrate the Strategic Plan into the Museum’s operational and financial framework. Track implementation progress, surface potential challenges, and help develop solutions to ensure successful execution across all teams. 
• Establish tracking mechanisms and reporting structures to monitor the execution of the Strategic Plan, ensuring key actions are documented, measured, and regularly communicated to stakeholders, including staff, leadership, and the Board of Trustees. 
• Build strong relationships across the Museum to understand evolving priorities, challenges, and opportunities. Serve as a trusted resource for teams by identifying ways to support their initiatives while maintaining strategic alignment with institutional objectives. 
• Recommend and implement improvements to institutional policies, governance structures, and operational practices to enhance organizational effectiveness. Lead and manage cross-functional working groups to foster a more supportive, engaged, and mission-driven culture. 
• Recommend enhancements to institutional policies, structures, and practices to foster a more supportive and engaged organizational culture. Lead and manage cross-functional working groups that progress the Museum’s mission and vision. 

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading strategic programs in a mission-driven organization, preferably within a multi-cultural and complex organizational environment. 
• Minimum of three (3) years of program and/or project management experience, including overseeing cross-functional teams and initiatives. 
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and tracking. 
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Skilled in navigating complex and ambiguous situations. 
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Comfortable with public speaking and group facilitation. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Demonstrated ability to connect cultural strategies to an organization’s mission, strategy, and values, by approaching problems from a perspective of growth, accountability, and scalability. 
• Exhibits an awareness and sensitivity to cultural and other differences when working with partner organizations, volunteers, museum staff, Board members, patrons, other stakeholders, and the general public. 

Job posting open date: 2/19/25

All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.    

We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period.Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed. 

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.