KADIST San Francisco – Program Manager 

KADIST is a non-profit contemporary art organization that believes artists make an important contribution to a progressive society through their artwork, which often addresses key issues of our time. Dedicated to exhibiting the work of artists represented in its collection, KADIST encourages this engagement and affirms contemporary art’s relevance within social discourse. Its local hubs in Paris and San Francisco organize exhibitions, physical and online programs, and host residencies. KADIST stays apprised of developments in contemporary art via a global advisor network, and develops collaborations internationally, including with leading museums, facilitating new connections across cultures and vibrant conversations about contemporary art and society.

KADIST is a non-profit organization founded in 2001. It is operated by an endowment fund in France and by a 501c3 in the United States.

Position summary

KADIST is looking for an experienced arts administrator and producer  to serve as the Program Manager of KADIST San Francisco. Working in a collaborative arts environment, the Program Manager is responsible for the administration of local programs and exhibitions, support of North America and international programs, and the dissemination of online video content. Reporting to the Director of KADIST San Francisco, the Program  Manager is committed to the organization’s mission and programming mandate defined by the organization. This position is based in San Francisco, with flexibility of some remote work. Some evening work is required during events with advanced notice given.

The Program Manager reports to the Director of KADIST San Francisco. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Local Programs

• Exhibition and Collection Displays: 

Produce 1 exhibition per year and coordinate 1-2 collection displays per year at KADIST San Francisco:

• • Translate the vision of guest curators into a concrete exhibition design and realistic planning in collaboration with KADIST SF Director
  • Manage exhibition production schedule, work closely and advise the Production Manager to produce the exhibition within set budgets
  • Coordinate the incoming and outgoing transportation of artworks, in collaboration with Collection Manager
  • Assist with editing and proofreading of texts, including didactics, gallery guides, press releases 
  • Hire, train and manage temporary gallery associates on day-to-day gallery operation, exhibition and gallery tours; prepare and share didactics on artists, artworks and exhibitions
  • Implement visitor outreach strategies and produce comprehensive audience reports

• Residencies:
  • Assist with the hosting of residents (artists, curators) in KADIST SF residency apartment, including scheduling and travel arrangements
  • Maintain general upkeep of residency apartment (including scheduling of cleaning service and ordering of apartment supplies), provide welcome packages to residents, and troubleshooting

• Events:
  • Manage set-up, gallery associates and attend up to 8 public and private events 
  • Coordinate logistics of public events and hospitality of private events for residents (with curators and local arts community)
  • Schedule video and photo documentation of public events

International Programs

• Americas Programs:
  • Support SF Director and International Director on implementation of North America programs and North America network
  • Provide curatorial, production, and administrative support for exhibitions and related programs with North America partner institutions
  • Maintain and cultivate relationships with North America program collaborators (curators, writers, artists)
  • Coordinate the outgoing and incoming transport of artworks for Americas programs (North America and Latin America)
• Video Programs:
  • Kadist.Tv: 
    • Contribute proposals and implement the strategy for Kadist.TV in collaboration with the Communications Manager of KADIST Paris, who is in charge of editorial and visual strategy for all online platforms
    • Maintain and implement online video channels and related programs
    • Supervise the calendar for programs on Kadist.TV (in particular for the Art Center Video Collaborations); coordinate video loans with KADIST SF and KADIST Paris Collection Managers
    • Write, edit, and send Kadist.Tv newsletters featuring content from new channels, using MailChimp
    • Evaluate the impact of Kadist.Tv and propose adjustments if necessary
  • Video Content:
    • Lead and contribute to the production of short video content with KADIST Collection artists for online platforms, in collaboration with the Collection and Communications teams 

Collection

• Manage Americas Collection Fellows, in collaboration with KADIST SF Collection Manager, including research of artists, editing artwork descriptions and artists’ biographies.
• Participate in the organization-wide review process of artworks nominated for its collection and online library 
• Nominate North American artists into the KADIST collection and its online library (optional, time allowing)

Administration

• Assist in day-to-day administrative tasks and annual reports
• Maintain upkeep and operation of office and gallery, including ordering office supplies and business meals

Qualifications

The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that favors both autonomy and collaboration. They possess great organizational, project management and interpersonal skills, and are able to take initiatives and lead complex projects with a wide range of collaborators.

• Degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Art Administration and related fields preferred
• 4+ years of experience within the international art world, preferably in exhibitions and events production and involving partnerships (co-productions, traveling exhibitions, etc). Experience with international or national shipping is a plus 
• Excellent writing abilities and strong copyediting and proofreading skills in English
• Interest and knowledge in contemporary art and its networks, particularly in North America
• Strong organization and logistics skills
• Web-savvy and strong computer skills including WordPress, MailChimp, Photoshop, InDesign, Google Workspace (including Google Sheets, Google Survey), Microsoft Word and Excel

Practical Information

Full-time employment position, with 100% employer paid health and dental insurance. Annual base salary between $60,000-$65,000 based on experience with discretionary annual bonus of up to 15-20% of the annual base salary (eligible after six months of employment). 

How to Apply

Please email a single pdf that includes a resume, a cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to jobs@kadist.org, by Sunday, January 29, 2023, 11:59 pm PT,  with “KADIST San Francisco Program Manager” in the subject header. 

Equal Opportunity

KADIST is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are strongly encouraged to apply.

*Credit: Jota Mombaça, The Sinking Ship/Prosperity, KADIST San Francisco. Photo: Robert Divers Herrick