Assistant Vice President, Public Programs, Music, Film & Gallery Learning (Regular, Full-Time)

Education & Public Programs

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the role oversees a dynamic portfolio of programs that connect audiences of all ages to art through gallery experiences, artmaking, music, film, and live events—both on campus and in communities across Los Angeles. This position is responsible for advancing the museum’s mission through innovative and inclusive programming, strategic partnerships, and high-performing teams.

The AVP plays a critical role in ensuring programs are relevant and responsive to LACMA’s special exhibitions, permanent collection, and diverse audiences. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership skills, a commitment to equity, a record of collaboration and innovation, and the ability to cultivate new audiences while deepening engagement with current ones.

Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership and Program Strategy (75%)

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for gallery learning, public programs, music, and film in alignment with the museum’s mission and values.
• Evaluate existing programs across content, format, audience, and impact; identify and implement innovative approaches to deepen and expand public engagement.
• Lead quarterly planning for public programs—including talks, performances, wellness events, and cross-disciplinary collaborations—and ensure alignment with exhibitions and collections.
• Establish streamlined processes for program planning, implementation, and evaluation to support effective cross-departmental collaboration and long-term impact.
• Work closely with Development to cultivate donors and secure funding for programs; assist with budget forecasting and stewardship.
• Manage annual budgets for all areas under supervision, including cost-efficiency analysis and revenue projections for fee-based and fundraising programs.
• Supervise a team of 8-10 full-time and 3 part-time staff, conducting annual performance reviews, promoting professional growth, and ensuring accountability.
• Identify and implement audience development strategies with a particular focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and community relevance.
  
  

Gallery Learning and Docent Management

• Review the training and evaluation of school and public tour docents, in collaboration with the Director of Gallery Learning.
• Attend all Docent Council Executive and General Board meetings and serve as departmental liaison.
• Manage internal communication systems for the docent program and maintain an online resource platform.
• Strengthen docent engagement, retention, and diversity through recruitment efforts and a robust continuing education program.
  
  

Public Programs

• Lead development of engaging adult programs that reflect current discourse in art, culture, and community—spanning artist talks, lectures, panel discussions, and interdisciplinary experiences.
• Ensure all programs follow best practices in accessibility, evaluation, and equity.
• Build partnerships with scholars, artists, and thought leaders to expand programmatic reach and depth.
• Represent the museum publicly through events, conferences, and partnership initiatives.
  
  

Music

• Oversee all aspects of LACMA’s music programs, including Jazz at LACMA, Latin Sounds, and Classical Around Town.
• Develop annual season calendars that are diverse, community-oriented, and aligned with the museum’s public engagement goals.
• Maintain artist relationships and collaborate with musicians, cultural partners, and guest curators to ensure high-quality, mission-aligned programming.
• Oversee music program budgets, technical needs, and evaluation strategies to ensure sustainability and audience satisfaction.
• Serve as an internal advocate for the arts as a tool of civic connection, creative expression, and cultural celebration.
  
  

Film

• Support the development of LACMA’s film initiatives, including film revenue generating screenings in collaboration with the Membership department, exhibition related film programs and curated series, conversations, and educational opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Curator of Film to implement Aspect Ratio, LACMA’s film education program for emerging filmmakers.
• Oversee film program logistics, budgets, marketing coordination, and audience engagement strategies.
• Ensure that film offerings reflect the diversity of L.A.’s creative communities and support emerging talent and underrepresented voices.
  
  

Community Engagement and Partnerships (25%)

• Develop and nurture community-based partnerships in South Los Angeles, MacArthur Park, and other areas across Los Angeles County.
• Collaborate with civic, cultural, and educational organizations to design off-site and on-campus programs that meet community needs and expand access to the arts.
• Represent LACMA at public events, conferences, donor gatherings, and strategic planning meetings related to education and engagement.
• Foster and support a diverse staff and audience base through inclusive hiring, programming, and partnership practices.
  
  

Benefits

• The expected annual salary for this Los Angeles, CA based position is $117,000.00- $127,000.00 subject to change, and the position is eligible for LACMA’s comprehensive benefits package, including pension plan.
• LACMA is committed to providing its employees with valuable and competitive benefits as a core part of a strong overall employee experience.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Museum Education, Museum Studies, Art History, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in museum education, public programming, or cultural production, with demonstrated leadership and staff management experience.
• Strong background in strategic planning, cross-departmental collaboration, and supervision of complex program portfolios.
• Proven ability to develop and implement programs that engage broad and diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing budgets and securing program funding through philanthropy or earned revenue.
• Deep knowledge of gallery teaching methods, adult learning theories, and studio practice.
• Track record of working collaboratively with curators, educators, artists, development professionals, and external partners.
• Familiarity with the performing arts and film as vehicles for cultural engagement and community building.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and advocacy.