Program Manager of Co:Laboratory (Full-time)

Company Description

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

Job Description

The Program Manager of Co:Laboratory role at PAM CUT // Center for an Untold Tomorrow will develop, manage, and grow a portfolio of revenue-generating educational and public programs that position PAM CUT as a leader in animation, creative technology, and emerging media arts. The role oversees seasonal youth camps, year-round classes, labs and workshops, and seasonal public events while cultivating partnerships with artists, educators, businesses, and community organizations.

Working collaboratively across the Museum, this position leads the planning, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of innovative programs that engage youth, families, and adult audiences through animation, XR, gaming, sonic arts, and new media storytelling. The Program Manager is responsible for expanding audience participation, increasing earned revenue, and creating accessible, forward-thinking experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and support PAM CUT's mission. 

In this role, you will

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee 10-week Animation & Innovation Summer Camp programs and support teaching artists at both the PAM CUT and PAM Learning spaces, including expanding offerings to meet community demand
• Develop and facilitate consistent, ongoing, revenue driven youth afterschool, partner and weekend workshops, classes, and creative activations focused on animation, innovation, new media and creative technology programming
• Develop, implement, and enforce policy guidelines and best practices to ensure safe, engaging, and compliant summer camps and youth programs
• Develop and manage quarterly revenue-generating public programs focused on animation, technology, XR, gaming, sonic arts and pop culture, including talks, screenings, game jams, and community engagement events
• In partnership with the programming team, assist in the planning and execution of annual animation festival activities and community engagement events
• Support the development of media art jams and interdisciplinary creative programming, dependent on funding opportunities and organizational priorities
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with creative industry distributors, community partners and animation/tech industry to expand educational and community-based programming initiatives.
• Manage resources, materials, online class portal, and equipment to support Co:Lab programs and revenue goals
• Develop program materials and promotional strategies in partnership with Marketing and Communications to increase enrollment, attendance, and community awareness.
• Represent Co:Lab programs at press opportunities, internal committees, and staff meetings
• Evaluate Co:Lab program participation, audience engagement, and overall program effectiveness using established metrics and data analysis to assess impact, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform future program development

Additional Responsibilities

• Strong technical skills - collaborate with teaching artists, partners, and internal departments such as IT and facilities to coordinate programs and events
• Create documentation for all classes to be shared internally with key stakeholders and the Director
• Develop collaborative and trusted relationships internally and externally to support program and partnership development and implementation. Internally work closely with colleagues in LCP, Curatorial, Visitor Services, Membership, Development, and Protection Services
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervisory duties include: recruitment, performance management, training, oversight and coaching of independent teaching artist contractors and consultants, Animation Labs teaching artist(s), 3-4 work-study students and Summer Camp Assistants
• Facilitates educational contractor hiring and oversees individual instructors for classes, camp, and workshops from curriculum management through wrap
• In partnership with the director, develop and manage annual program budgets and earned revenue goals, monitoring financial performance, establishing pricing strategies, and identifying opportunities to increase revenue while ensuring program sustainability
• Partially accountable for long term planning, while working with the Director of PAM CUT and Associate Director of Operations

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Arts Administration, Education, or a related field
• A minimum of five years of experience in arts education and public program management, preferably within media arts, non-profit, or a related field
• Extensive national experience in media arts, with a background in animation or new media preferred
• Experience recruiting, hiring, managing, and effectively liaising with colleagues, volunteers, and community at all levels; strong interpersonal skills
• Skilled at planning, organizing, managing, and executing revenue-generating projects
• Knowledge of youth safety standards, compliance, and best practices for minor-focused programming and camp administration
• Adapt to rapidly shifting priorities and strategies
• Excellent verbal/written communication, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively to meet goals
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, ACTIVE, video conferencing platforms, POS and ticketing systems, etc

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.

Job conditions & physical activities 

• Schedule/Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (35 hours per week)
• Occasional evening and weekend hours; for weeks when classes take place on evenings and weekends outside of business hours, accommodated hours will apply
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment,
• Frequently communicates with team members or clients
• Frequently move about the building
• Occasionally lift/pull/push up to 15-20lbs
• Occasionally set up tables and chairs

This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.

Benefits

• This role is exempt/salaried and full-time
• The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade H ($50,889.12 minimum - $59,523.01 midpoint - $68,156.90 maximum), based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match 
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee perks and discounts 

Application Process for the Program Manager of Co:Laboratory

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled. 

Application deadline

We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.