Public Engagement Coordinator

Minneapolis, MN

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 Public Engagement team at the Walker Art Center presents innovative programming, projects, and events with artists that engage diverse audiences with the Walker’s exhibitions, collections, and special initiatives. The Public Engagement Coordinator supports the Manager of Public Engagement in ideating, planning, and implementing a broad range of public programs and initiatives on a weekly basis. The collaborative, fast paced, details-oriented role focuses on coordinating Free Thursday Nights, the Walker’s weekly free programming, while also supporting additional engagement activities across departments.


WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Calendars and Meeting Support

  • Schedule spaces and confirm set-up details
  • Make travel arrangements and prepare itineraries
  • Prepare contracts and collect copy content
  • Manage A/V needs and set-up
  • Create and distribute minutes/notes for key meetings
  • Produce related correspondence and documentation

Event Support

  • Prepare contracts and supporting materials for speakers, presenters, writers, artists, and contractors
  • Coordinate event logistics to ensure professional and efficient presentation
  • Make catering arrangements
  • Produce event-related documents (e.g., internal event forms, artmaking instructions, event maps, contracts)
  • Procure and prepare supplies
  • Arrange accessibility accommodations such as ASL interpretation and captions, and review/edit recorded captions

Programming Support

  • Staffing all FTN programs onsite, and other public-facing programs on occasion (onsite and locally offsite)
  • Ensure collaborators, events, and staff are meeting Walker’s presentation standards
  • Timely communication to Walker team members for on-the-ground programming needs (A/V, security, facilities, visitor experience, etc)
  • Process payments, expenses, and track budgets
  • Create and navigate reservations in Tessitura and Artifax
  • Collaborate with Marketing, Communications, and Content teams to provide timely promotional materials for internal and external use
  • Attend regular programming meetings
  • Serve as liaison with Visitor Experience to ensure effective program delivery, including collaborating with staff & volunteers working the events
  • Maintain accurate program statistics and support program debriefs and reports

Public Engagement and Community Outreach

  • Support partnerships with local organizations to co-develop multigenerational programs
  • Communicate information and essential details across departments and support inclusive programming practices
  • Coordinate community group participation and advisory groups for various initiatives
  • Stay informed on other relevant programs locally, nationally, and internationally programs



WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

Minimum Requirements

  • 1–2 years’ experience supporting public programs, ideally focused on administrative support or project coordination
  • Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and adapt in fast-paced environment
  • Proactive work- ethic with high-level, strategic perspectives for event programming
  • Education in arts administration or a related field preferred,
  • Ability to work Thursday evenings and occasional weekends
  • Strong multitasking, time management, and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Collaborative, proactive, and professional work ethic
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Artifax, Tessitura, or other large-scale booking software a plus
  • Ability to engage respectfully with visitors of all backgrounds and abilities
  • Interest in contemporary art, education, and cultural programming

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

  • Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use (up to 60/70% of the time)
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 15-50 pounds
  • Regular engagement and socializing with museum visitors and collaborators

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 compensation for this role is $25.72 hourly. 

The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits: https://walkerart.org/primary-benefits-package/

This position is covered by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) labor contract.  

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.