Public Engagement Manager

Public Engagement Manager at Phillips@THEARC

Active – Regular full-time
Institution: The Phillips Collection
Salary Range:$65,000.00 To $68,000.00 Annually
Deadline: March 6th, 2026

Position Objective

As a part of the Phillips Collection’s Department of Education and Responsive Learning, the Phillips@THEARC division delivers meaningful, collaborative, and innovative public experiences that engage and reflect the local community. The Public Engagement Manager— Phillips@THEARC plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the strategic vision, programmatic direction, and community relationships of The Phillips Collection’s space at Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) in Southeast Washington, D.C. This role is responsible for managing the operations and administration of Phillips@THEARC overseeing program and project management, and partner and public engagement. With oversight from the Director of Public Programs and Phillips@THEARC, this position oversees a dynamic portfolio of workshops and community-driven programming, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders.

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, with hours outside of weekday, potential for travel (0- 10%).

Essential Functions

Phillips@THEARC Operations and Administrative Management

• Manage day-to-day operations at Phillips@THEARCin coordination with Building Bridges Across the River and The Phillips Collection’s central operations team.
• Supervise and set expectations for the Community Engagement Assistant and contract staff, ensuring smooth execution of programs, projects, and exhibitions.
• Maintain operational systems such as contract services, pay requisitions and facility operations developed in collaboration with the Director of Public Programs and Phillips@THEARC. 
• Provide budget management and oversight for Phillips@THEARC.
• Develop and manage programmatic budgets, ensuring financial accountability and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversee gallery installation and art workshop logistics including contracts, artwork delivery and pickup, installation, and gallery maintenance.
• Coordinate operational needs for programs at Phillips@THEARC, including scheduling, staffing, setup/breakdown, catering, and technical requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date records of inventory and space usage in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Compile and contribute data for institutional reporting, evaluation, and strategic assessment.

Program and Project Management

• With guidance from the Director of Public Programs and Phillips@THEARC, support the implementation of Phillips@THEARC’s strategic plan.
• Oversee program development and implementation with teaching artists and visiting artists for a wide range of partners and audiences.
• Take the lead on coordinating evening and weekend art workshop programming.
• Collaborate with resident partners and outside partner organizations to develop after-school programming for middle school and teen audiences.
• Collaborate with the Teaching and Learning division to implement school tours, weekend family workshops and Creative Aging programs.

Partner Engagement and Community Outreach

• Serve as the primary liaison to resident and non-resident partners at THEARC, building and sustaining collaborative relationships that foster cross-organizational initiatives and shared impact.
• Build and nurture relationships with local artists, non-profits, organizations, businesses, and all other project and program partners, in alignment with strategic goals.
• Partner with Communications, Marketing, and AV departments to promote programming, projects, and gallery installations, ensuring broad visibility and community outreach.
• Manage all marketing and communications opportunities within Building Bridges Across the River’s landing page and e-news, as well as collaborate with The Phillips Collection’s Marketing and Communications team on project and program promotion. 

Additional Responsibilities

• As a key member of the Phillips Collection’s programming team, be willing to serve as substitute or support large scale programming at 21st Street (such as PA5) when necessary and in consultation with the Director of Public Programs and Phillips@THEARC.
• Remain current on best practices in community engagement, arts-based programming, and equity-centered approaches within the museum field.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support institutional goals.

Position Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred, with 3-5 years of experience developing, managing, coordinating, and implementing public programs for a museum or equivalent cultural/non-profit institution.
• Strong interest in and familiarity with museums, art, education, and visual culture.
• A track record of successful event planning and execution (coordinating with external partners and day-of management experience).
• Demonstrated experience with engaging diverse audiences/stakeholders/constituencies.
• Demonstrated experience working with multiple age groups ranging from youth to adult programs.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in event production or cultural programming.
• Budget, contract, and payment requisition management.
• Ability to lead, manage, delegate, and juggle multiple priorities and simultaneously meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain big picture programming initiatives while maintaining minute details regarding specific programs.
• Superior interpersonal skills to work with a broad range of people with an instinct for collaboration
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to high-quality public engagement and a passion for the arts and culture sector.