Coordinator of Public Programming

Dearborn, MI, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work schedule

Employee assistance program

Job Description

The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is a premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving, presenting, and sharing the rich heritage and contemporary experiences of Arab Americans. Located in East Dearborn, the museum serves as a vital community hub that offers immersive educational and cultural programming aimed at fostering an understanding of Arab American culture, arts, and history. The museum engages diverse audiences through exhibits, public programs, and community collaborations, making it an invaluable asset to the region and a beacon for cultural exchange and dialogue.

The AANM is currently seeking an experienced and dedicated Coordinator of Public Programming for a full-time position. This role is essential in managing the logistics and execution of various public programs offered by the museum. The Coordinator of Public Programming will work closely with museum staff, artists, educators, and community partners to extend AANM’s reach within the community. Through well-planned and engaging programs, the coordinator will facilitate deeper connections to the museum’s mission by providing meaningful cultural experiences for visitors of all ages.

In this position, the coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the complex administrative and operational aspects of public events, including managing event timelines, logistics, volunteer coordination, vendor relations, and fiscal tracking. An emphasis on community outreach and audience development is a critical component of this role, particularly through initiatives like the Neighborhood Tours program. This program, which includes guided walking tours in the museum’s neighborhood, offers historically and culturally rich narratives to both students and adults, thereby enhancing visitors’ understanding of Arab American identity and contributions.

The coordinator is expected to bring a strong background in event management or related fields, combined with knowledge of the arts and humanities that enrich the programming content. Fluency or familiarity with Arab American culture, arts, or the Arabic language is highly advantageous and will help in creating authentic and engaging experiences for the public. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills will support effective collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including artists, volunteers, community organizations, and museum leadership.

This role demands a high degree of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The Coordinator of Public Programming must be comfortable working evenings and weekends as required by program schedules. Additionally, the position requires handling budgetary responsibilities such as monitoring expenses, managing ticket sales, and complying with grant-related fiscal requirements. Proficiency in standard office software and equipment is essential to facilitate smooth event operations. Overall, the coordinator will serve as a key player in amplifying the educational and cultural offerings of the AANM, ensuring vibrant, dynamic, and impactful public engagement.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public programming, humanities, museum studies, education or equivalent education approved by human resources
at least two years of experience in event management or any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by human resources
ability to work evenings and weekends as required
proficiency with standard office software including Microsoft Office
ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
capacity to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
willingness to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
readiness to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally
capability to attend to detail while maintaining a big picture orientation
capacity to provide a high level of customer service
willingness to partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives

Job Qualifications

Knowledge of event planning and logistics
knowledge of performing arts
knowledge of Arab American culture, arts, and/or Arabic language a plus
skill in working with artists and individuals of diverse backgrounds
skill in operating standard office equipment and using required software applications including Microsoft Office
ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
ability to partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
ability to attend to detail while maintaining a big picture orientation
ability to provide a high level of customer service
ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization and with external partners

Job Duties

Liaise event tech needs between artists/speakers and production staff
conduct guided walking tours for groups of students and adults
conduct and oversee outdoor guided tours in and around the Arab American National Museum’s neighborhood as part of the Neighborhood Tours program
coordinate the complex administrative functions of the Neighborhood Tours project including docent staff training and community outreach
recruit vendors and hosts and liaise project promotion, evaluation, and communication between project staff and leadership
utilize techniques of dialogue, inquiry, and storytelling while leading tour groups
review current tour content and scripts and regularly update and revise as needed
distribute promotional materials to designated locations throughout various target communities
research communities and organizations to build audiences for programs
coordinate and monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met
coordinate event set-up, tear down, and follow-up processes
assess event staffing and volunteer needs and recruit and communicate with staff and volunteers as necessary
coordinate and oversee volunteers at events
work at AANM public programs including several evenings and weekends
issue check requests, invoices, and other fiscal paperwork
monitor event budgets, maintain event income and expense records, and ensure compliance with fiscal and grant requirements
manage event ticket sales and monetary reconciliation process
operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned