Studio Museum Institute Coordinator

Published on 21 January 2026

Key Information

Role: Studio Museum Institute Coordinator
Institution: The Studio Museum in Harlem
Location: Harlem, New York City, USA
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $65,000 annually
Benefits: Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement account; substantial vacation time
Experience Level: 2–5 years
Application Materials: Resume and cover letter
Application Method: Online application only (no phone calls or emails)

About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The Studio Museum Institute (SMI) Coordinator will be involved in supporting the Studio Museum Institute and the Chief Programs Officer in researching, developing, and coordinating projects that pertain to these two integral functions within the Studio Museum. The Studio Museum Institute is a professional development, curatorial, and arts education initiative created to foster a spirit of incubation, ideation, and support. It is a suite of programs that aggregates the Museum’s vision and commitment to train and mentor leaders in the art world from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including educators, curators, and scholars.

Under the direction of the Director of Studio Museum Institute, this role will assist in the implementation and planning of SMI programs. This includes coordinating the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of interns, fellows, and MEP participants. The candidate will also support the development of research initiatives, working closely with the Director of Studio Museum Institute and the Chief Program Officer to advance the strategic work of the department’s initiatives.

The ideal candidate is flexible and willing to take on a wide range of administrative and programmatic responsibilities, including event planning, budget and time tracking, and correspondence. They must also be comfortable interfacing with the public on a regular basis, periodically providing remarks and facilitating conversations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate fellowship and internship orientation meetings, facilitate regular one-on-one check-in meetings with participants, and organize culminating celebrations for internship and fellowship programs.
• Collaborate with the SMI Director to organize and facilitate the schedule of internship and fellowship professional development meetings and offsite excursions, designed to provide insight into the workings of museums and other arts and cultural organizations.
• Facilitate the application and selection process of all SMI programs, coordinating with People & Culture, Operations, Communications, and IT departments to ensure timely on- and off-boarding procedures.
• Research and develop program concepts, connecting industry research, history, and key collaborators in support of the Studio Museum’s mission.
• Support special projects and initiatives related to professional development, professional peers’ community development, and programmatic initiatives.
• Communicate and coordinate with a diverse group of participants and facilitators, including artists, lecturers, performers, scholars, educators, writers, community organizers, and arts and culture organizations.
• Perform administrative tasks to maintain a robust calendar of professional development workshops using calendars, note-taking, and program production. Schedule and collect notes for all program development and program delivery. Monitor group activities during events, workshops, and engagements. Conduct post-program evaluations for all SMI events.
• Collaborate with People & Culture team to maintain best practices for recruitment and hiring.
• Support research and help develop new relationships and deepen existing connections with a wider NYC arts & culture community.
• Conduct program evaluations and maintain statistics, records, and documentation of programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to support successful development and execution of public programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and ability to work with close attention to detail in a team environment.
• Familiarity with community outreach strategies and developing relationships with social, cultural, and local organizations in New York City.
• Proficiency with accuracy in using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other related software applications.
• Flexible and able to work well with different departments.
• Knowledge of contemporary art, artists’ practice, and programmatic strategies.
• Passion for the dual mission of achieving artistic and educational excellence.

Education and Experience

Candidates must have a BA/BFA in art, art history, art education, arts administration, Africana studies, Black studies or related fields, or have equivalent experience in public programming, arts programming, or higher education.

2–5 years of relevant professional experience working on programming with responsibilities ranging from planning, developing, and implementing programs.

Physical Demands

• Regular packing, lifting, and carrying program supplies.
• Regular production demands setting up program equipment and A/V tech.
• Some domestic travel is required for the job.

Work Environment

Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.

Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Compensation

$65,000 annually

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.