Public Programs Manager

Further Triennial is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Public Programs Manager to join our team in the lead-up to the Triennial, which takes place throughout the Greater Bay Area from March 10-June 10, 2027. During the Triennial season museums and arts spaces across Northern California will come together to spotlight contemporary artists, share untold histories, and explore themes that highlight the region’s innovative thinking, offbeat sensibility, and artistic expression.

Role

The Public Programs Manager will oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse range of events and experiences throughout the Triennial season, including:

• Opening and closing events;
• Partner program days that bring multiple organizations together;
• Events highlighting site-specific projects; and
• Large-scale special events in collaboration with Triennial partners.

In collaboration with the Deputy Director, the Programs Manager will also help manage:

• A central visitor center in downtown San Francisco;
• A mobile activation vehicle designed for on-the-go engagement; and
• A team of part-time staff who will connect with audiences during the season.

This individual will be one of the faces of the Further Triennial ensuring our presence is professional, engaging, and well-organized. The position will lead event-day operations, including managing a team of engagement staff, and serve as the main point of contact for event-related logistics.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all programs and events are planned, executed, and delivered on time, within scope and budget.
• Collaborate with internal teams—including operations, creative, marketing, and content—to ensure cohesive event delivery.
• Source and manage vendors, fabrication partners, production crews, and freelance event staff.
• Coordinate logistics with exhibition partners, including space planning, security, A/V, engineering, and facilities.
• Develop and manage event budgets, timelines, run-of-show documents, and production schedules.
• Oversee on-site production and event execution.
• Manage permits, insurance, contracts, and safety compliance.
• Manage all on-site event logistics, including event setup and breakdown, handling day-of challenges.
• Track event attendance and audience engagement.
• Supervise the downtown hub, mobile activation, and on-site engagement staff in partnership with the Deputy Director.
• Support the engagement team by providing clear instructions, delegating tasks, and ensuring a positive experience.
• Pick up and transport event materials from storage and other locations to event locations, as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate who brings:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience producing and managing public events, ideally with a portfolio of experiential or arts-focused projects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Must be comfortable engaging with diverse groups of people.
• Reliability and punctuality with ability to commit to scheduled events.
• Experience collaborating with creative directors, designers, and brand teams to deliver immersive experiences.
• Passion for storytelling through space, interaction, and sensory design.
• Strong visual sensibility and understanding of brand aesthetics and cultural relevance.
• Familiarity with production design, scenic builds, and spatial planning.
• Proficiency with Airtable, Google Workspace, Slack, and other creative collaboration tools.
• Understanding of social media strategies that amplify live events.
• Demonstrated connections with Bay Area cultural stakeholders, artists, and creative communities.
• Qualified candidates must live in the Bay Area, be willing to work flexible hours (including nights and weekends) during event production periods, travel throughout Northern California, hold a valid California driver’s license, and have access to a reliable personal vehicle. Mileage will be reimbursed according to organizational policy.

Physical Requirements

Frequently moving to/from various work areas; occasionally communicating by phone and email; frequently remaining in a stationary position during events, expressing oneself and exchanging accurate information; frequently moving to/from off-site meeting and/or event locations; frequently moving supplies and/or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Working Conditions

Primary locations vary and are often outdoors in various weather conditions.

Reporting and Compensation

This time-limited position reports to the Deputy Director and works closely with the Further Triennial team and more than 70 exhibition partners. The role begins as a part-time position in the planning period, moves to a full-time position as production begins, and concludes following the close of the Triennial on or about mid-June 2027:

• Jan–June 2026 (Planning): Part-time, 12 hours per week at $40/hour
• July 2026–June 2027 (Production): Full-time, $90,000 annual salary

Further Triennial offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employee wellness programs

Part-time employees are eligible for paid sick leave and certain other statutory benefits as required by California law.