Public Programs Coordinator

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information: 

Hourly Rate: $24.40 - $31.37 

New Hires are typically placed between Tier I and Tier III within the range, $24.40 - $25.79 per hour 

Hours per week: 30 

Job Classification: Part-Time, Nonexempt 

Job Location Type: Onsite 

Location: deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, Lincoln, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

As the Public Programs Coordinator at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, you will help connect people to contemporary art and nature, through programs rooted in place, creativity, and shared experience. Your work will support meaningful engagement with the sculpture park and museum, fostering community connections and inviting visitors to see art and landscape in new ways. 

The Role: 

As the Public Programs Coordinator, your primary role will be to support and implement public programming and events at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA., the largest sculpture park in New England. Public Programs at deCordova range from concerts to moonlit walks in the sculpture park, to intergenerational sculpture building; all offer the opportunity for visitors of any age to deepen their connection to art, nature, and the themes explored in carefully curated exhibitions. Successful candidates will have a passion for sharing contemporary art and nature with a diverse public audience, as well as a deep commitment to providing a spectacular experience for all visitors to deCordova. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Coordinate programs currently on the calendar, including but not limited to: special exhibition programming, deCordova Summer Performance Series, Solstice Evenings, Picnic Nights, Yoga in the Park, classes and workshops.  

• Collaborate with the Senior Regional Engagement Manager for the MetroWest and coordinate and communicate programming plans with deCordova’s on-site team. 

• Plan and implement events and programs, including tasks such as setting up event space, welcoming participants, coordinating teachers and/or performers, supervising volunteers, and event break-down. 

• Provide exceptional customer service by welcoming visitors, answering questions, and offering directions, as needed.   

• Assist with event listings and actively promote programs via social media, online platforms, and print materials. 

• Track ticket sales and registration for events and communicate with attendees in advance of events.    

• Be familiar with and enforce property rules and regulations. 

This is a part-time, nonexempt position working 30 hours per week reporting directly to the Senior Regional Engagement Manager.  

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience: 

• 3-5 years of experience in the arts, non-profits, event planning, educational programming, and/or customer service, with museum experience preferred.   

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred. 

• Enthusiasm and understanding for the mission of The Trustees and deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.   

• Curiosity about contemporary art and museums. Ability to shape programs in ways that elevate art and the natural world. 

• Outstanding customer service skills, with the ability to remain confident and calm when confronted by challenging visitors and when handling emergencies.   

• Strong written and verbal skills, including public speaking. 

• Ability to juggle and prioritize projects while meeting deadlines. 

• Extremely reliable and able to work independently, as well as the ability to work within a close-knit team.    

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new technology systems including acme ticketing.    

• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and occasional holidays.  

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Questions? Contact our People team at [email protected] 

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time: 15 days per year 

• Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated) 

• 12 observed holidays, 3 floating 

• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance 

• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave 

• Life Insurance  

• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment 

• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  

• Reciprocity: Enjoy access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions for Trustees Staff, Volunteers and Interns. 

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property 

• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity. 

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].