The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Design Programming Administrator provides administrative support to the Head of the Design Department by coordinating a wide range of departmental activities and providing administrative support to all aspects of the Walker Art Center’s design exhibition program.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Administrative Support:

• Schedule all internal, external, and cross-departmental meetings; secure meeting spaces in all appropriate registration and tracking systems (Artifax); prepare and distribute required materials; and make any special arrangements 
• Establish and maintain electronic and physical filing systems; maintain contacts in Tessitura and other relevant databases
• Draft departmental correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other requested communication
• Assist in managing Design Programming oversee assigned financial processes and maintain all associated documents
• Arrange travel and accommodations for designers, consultants, and other museum guests as requested.
• Process any contracts, payments, and reimbursements for artists, consultants/contractors, or other Design guests.
• Assist the Design Curator on select Design projects as required

Exhibition & Programming Support:

• Coordinate the flow and routing of information between Walker and collaborators, including curators, designers, and lecturers. 
• Assist in creating and maintaining budgets for exhibitions and programming, including Idea House 3.
• Coordinate checklists, floor plans, approved press images, exhibition graphics and labels, and other relevant information for Design exhibitions and design programming, including Idea House 3. 
• Organize, maintain, and communicate summaries of Design project information to all appropriate internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Design Studio Manager to coordinate print and digital publications, secure image rights and proper crediting for catalogs and marketing efforts related to Design programming and exhibitions
• Works closely with Event Production and other institutional stakeholders to execute Design programming events (e.g. lectures, pop-ups, convenings, etc.) 

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

Minimum Requirements

• 2+ years of administrative support experience is required; preferably 1+ years supporting a senior-level manager.
• 1+ years working in a standard office environment, having experience composing business correspondence, operating common office equipment, and using the full MS Office suite is required.
• Must be proficient in and quick to learn computer and web technology, database, and project managing applications preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with budgets and adhering to standard budgetary practices and fiscal controls.
• Demonstrated excellence in organization, prioritization, and time management.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work with a wide range of constituents (curators, designers, administrators, funders, donors, community partners, patrons, staff) and people across a variety of cultures, generations, and abilities.
• Must show resourcefulness and ability to anticipate needs and adapt to unexpected challenges. 
• Experience scheduling meetings and arranging travel (international and national) or equivalent logistical planning is strongly preferred.
• Using Adobe Suite and familiarity with Airtable is a plus.
• Must possess a commitment to fostering a culture of hospitality with a focus on racial equity, inclusion, and access.
• Experience working in the arts & design community and interest in contemporary art and design is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk 
• Prolonged periods of looking at computer or phone screens

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $28.50 hourly. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

This assignment is anticipated to end in December of 2026.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship. 

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.