Project and Program Manager, Contemporary Art and Cultural Sector, New York City

The Role: Project and Program Manger, New York City

Our client, a leading organization in the contemporary art world, is seeking a strategic, service-oriented Project & Program Manager to support the planning, coordination, and delivery of strategic initiatives associated with a major art fair. Reporting to the leadership team, this role will oversee project planning, stakeholder coordination, outreach activities, and operational execution to ensure successful delivery of programs and related initiatives. 

The ideal candidate combines strong project management capabilities with experience working within nonprofit organizations and a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary art ecosystem. This individual will be comfortable engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across the arts, education, philanthropy, and cultural sectors while managing multiple workstreams in a dynamic environment. 

Key Responsibilities of the Project and Program Manager in New York 

Program Planning & Delivery 

• Lead planning, timelines, workstreams, and deliverables for assigned programs and initiatives 

• Coordinate implementation activities and monitor milestones, participation goals, and outcomes 

• Support development of operational plans, schedules, budgets, and project documentation 

• Ensure projects are delivered effectively, on time, and in alignment with organizational objectives 

• Identify opportunities to strengthen program delivery, participation, and impact 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Coordinate outreach and engagement with internal departments and external partners, institutions, community stakeholders, and other key constituencies 

• Build and maintain productive relationships to support program participation and successful execution 

• Prepare presentations, briefings, updates, and meeting materials for internal and external audiences 

• Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders 

• Support relationship management efforts across cultural, educational, philanthropic, and civic organizations 

Project Coordination & Administration 

• Coordinate cross-functional activities across operations, communications, programming, and external partners 

• Track deliverables, risks, issues, and follow-up actions to ensure accountability and timely execution 

• Maintain organized records, contracts, calendars, and project documentation 

• Support administrative, compliance, and reporting processes as required 

• Assist with budget tracking, vendor coordination, and operational logistics 

Communications & Reporting 

• Draft project updates, stakeholder communications, and post-project evaluations 

• Prepare reports, milestone plans, presentations, and status updates for leadership 

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and process enhancements 

• Support documentation of outcomes, learnings, and recommendations 

Key Requirements

Experience & Skills 

• Proven experience in nonprofit operations, program management, arts administration, education, events, community engagement, or related fields 

• Demonstrated experience managing programs or operations within a nonprofit organization required 

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities 

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills 

• Experience coordinating multiple workstreams and external partners 

• Strong knowledge of the contemporary art ecosystem, including artists, institutions, galleries, collectors, foundations, and cultural organizations 

• Demonstrated understanding of leading cultural, educational, and public engagement programs within the arts sector 

• Ability to identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools 

Personal Attributes

• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment 

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail 

• Service-oriented with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships 

• Exercises sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information 

• Passionate about the role of arts and culture in expanding access, engagement, and opportunity 

Additional Qualifications

• Deep interest in contemporary art and awareness of current trends shaping the global art market and cultural landscape 

• Experience working within arts, culture, education, philanthropy, or other mission-driven environments strongly preferred 

• Fluency in English; additional languages are an asset 

• Willingness to travel and support activities during peak project period

Apply

To find out more or apply, please get in touch with a copy of your CV below.

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