Public Engagement Assistant, Temporary (7 months)

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, at least three days working onsite, Temporary (through December 31, 2025)

Under the supervision of the Manager of Public Program, the Public Engagement Assistant supports and facilitates public engagement events and programs including, but not limited to, workshops, in gallery educational events, screenings, talks, and festivals.  The position supports administrative work that occurs prior to programs, is on site on program days to assist in the execution of programming, facilitates educational experiences designed by SFMOMA and external partners, and contributes to departmental administrative tasks. This position is expected to work regularly on weekends to accommodate on-site programming. 

Success for the Public Engagement Assistant will be to support the Public Engagement team’s efforts to: 

• Create meaningful shared experiences on the art of our time through public programming and community-based projects for cross-audience learnings and experiences. 

• Encourage exploration, experimentation, and creative problem-solving through a broad range of programs including talks; workshops; festivals; academic, civic, and community engagement projects; creative residencies; performances; storytelling; and artist commissions. 

• Build and nurture relationships to engage a wider community in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. 

• Provide access, diversity of experience, and remove institutional barriers to art and ideas 

• Create opportunities for people to connect to each other and the wider world.  

In the first year of work in this position, key milestones will be: 

• After 30 days: Establish understanding of key programs and processes in Public Engagement. Contribute to projects as assigned.  

• After 90 days: Demonstrate understanding of museum processes, successfully execute assigned projects.

• Program Planning 
• Communicate program logistics to program partners and museum colleagues
• Purchase, gather, and prepare program supplies 
• Prepare program evaluation forms for visitors
• Check program promotion for accuracy 
• Participate in cross-team workflows for tracking program details

• Day of Program 
• Prepare program spaces and needs in advance to the programs start time and maintain space throughout the program
• Greet and support program partners and support their load in 
• Support program partners and visitors' needs in executing programs including replenishing supplies, responding to in the moment needs, and helping with visitor questions 
• Facilitate activities designed by SFMOMA or external partners with the public
• Distribute visitor evaluation to program attendees 
• Support program load out, clean up and space reset 

• Administrative 
• Enter visitor evaluation data from the program
• Support organization and archiving of Public Engagement files
• Take and organize notes from team and partner meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Job posting open date: 3/27/25

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.