REEF CalArts Program Manager

SUMMARY

This is a temporary, nine month part-time (22.5 hours per week) position working in conjunction with CalArts programming at the REEF located in downtown Los Angeles. The Program Manager is responsible for the day to day administration of the REEF resident studios, REEF project and presentation space, as well as any public events connected to the programming at REEF. The Program Manager is responsible for all communications between the public, Reef facilities staff, CalArts community members inclusive of faculty, students, staff, and alumni residents and will work directly with relevant offices of the Institute to gather or convey information pertaining to REEF activities. The Manager is not tasked with support for or realization of residents' independent art projects or curatorial activities, but is a general facilitator.

The candidate should have specialized knowledge of all aspects relating to the planning, organizing, curating, programming and directing the operations of an artist-run gallery and performance space. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Communication and Outreach (20%)

• Administration and allocation of alumni REEF resident studios
• Oversee use and scheduling of all REEF spaces including resident studios, project space and presentation programming, and other events
• Actively communicate with students, staff, REEF staff, and faculty and serve as first point-of-contact for studios and galleries
• Collaborate with the CalArts Communications office to generate attendance of public events
• Responsible for the monitoring of the account
• Hold scheduled visiting hours at the facility for guests

Day to Day Events, Exhibition, and Facility Support (30%)

• Support and coordinate installation and de-installation of project space and presentation space programming
• Responsible for CalArts REEF facilities which include advising residents, staff, faculty, and guests with best practices, gallery installation and de-installation training and information; coordinating space use with appropriate Institute departments
• Responsible for gallery maintenance, including the distribution of lights, ladders, paint, and other equipment
• Oversee appropriate technical equipment and their maintenance, as well as the security of resources, including AV technology in the presentation space, and any installation tools. Troubleshoot equipment needs and oversee inventory of equipment. Ensure equipment in all classrooms is in an operational state at all times
• Open facilities and spaces when needed for guests and users
• Participate in regular space repair and planning with the REEF team when appropriate
• Facilities use of other resources at the REEF specifically regarding the CalArts project space.

Supporting the REEF Resident Environment (20%)

• Coordinate orientation events for REEF residents
• Connect with REEF residents to ensure engagement is strong and robust  Provide instruction and advice on aspects of gallery presentation, installation, and lighting for residents and CalArts students when needed
• Set community standards of use with residents to ensure move in and move out is professional and collegial

Curatorial and Public Programs (30%)

• Chair the REEF Exhibition and Event Committee. Help develop, plan, and coordinate a season of alumni, student, and class-based programming at the REEF;
• Collaborate with REEF faculty leads and Institute Deans on developing new events, public programs and workshops to drive awareness and participation of REEF programming;
• Work with CalArts community on alumnx events and other short term programs;

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to function with minimal supervision and to take initiative.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to interact well with people across all areas of the Institute
• Ability to project manage and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with deadlines and clear communications.
• Ability to manage difficult situations and resolve challenges in a timely manner.  Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to prepare studios and affiliated art instructional areas and manage a team of temporary and/or student workers.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in gallery installation and de-installation including lighting, equipment, painting, etc.
• Experience coordinating a team of workers (students or temp) preferred
• Experience in studio/classroom, museum/gallery installation, studio management, curatorial and producing public events is a plus.
• Experience in a pedagogical environment and familiarity with arts Institutions
• Experience working with and understanding the needs of artists
• Knowledge of safe, healthy, and effective studio practices in a professional and pedagogical setting. Training and familiarity with health and safety protocols preferred
• Knowledge of general maintenance

EDUCATION:

• BFA required, MFA art background a plus.