Rural Program Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Rural Program Coordinator 

POSITION STATUS: Part-Time (21 hours per week)

SALARY:  $26.44/hr

REPORTS TO: Rural Director

LOCATION: Fergus Falls, MN

DEADLINE: Wednesday August 26th, at 11:59pm

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD FOR THE ARTS

Founded in 1991, Springboard for the Arts works at the intersection of arts and economic and community development, helping local artists and communities thrive together. Springboard for the Arts' mission is to support artists with the tools to make a living and a life, and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection. Our vision is of a world where artists are essential; local economies are vibrant and just; and the systems that surround us are human-centered. We see these three parts of our vision as interdependent.

Our work is deeply rooted in both an urban and rural context, with headquarters in Saint Paul and Fergus Falls, MN, and we build rural-urban solidarity through shared resources that meet common needs. Springboard works nationally, regionally and locally. From our home bases, we deliver direct programming, and in other places, we share models, resources, consult and convene networks. Springboard’s work prioritizes individual artists, particularly those who have been historically and systemically under-resourced: artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, Native artists, artists living in rural places and underinvested urban neighborhoods, artists identifying as LGBTQIA+, and artists with disabilities.

Springboard fosters a culture of responsiveness, communication, and collaboration. We are recognized for our agility and ability to adapt to both immediate and future needs. The staff at Springboard are artists themselves, drawing on their experience and connections to inform the organization's work in support of artists and communities. In addition to the specific responsibilities of a position, all Springboard staff participate in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, in-person and virtually, at Springboard spaces, activities and events.

Position Overview

The Rural Program Coordinator supports the planning, execution, and logistics of Springboard for the Arts’ events and programs in Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County, occasionally supporting statewide or national programming. This position ensures that activities are well-organized, inclusive, and accessible while upholding our values of hospitality, consistency, and community care. 

Areas of support include coordinating logistics for visiting artists through the Falls Community Arts Exchange, assisting with the annual Rural Futures Summit, and supporting the annual Rural Regenerator Fellowship retreat, along with other rural program activities throughout the year.

This is an in-person position based in Fergus Falls. Regularly scheduled on-site work is required to support daily operations, events, and community engagement. Occasional evening, weekend, and regional travel is also required.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Coordination & Hosting (40%)
  
  
  
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute in-person and virtual events and workshops, including artist bookings, venue logistics, vendor coordination and staffing/volunteer oversight.
  
  
  • Oversee event execution, ensuring smooth operations, hospitality, and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
  
  
  • Comfortable with physical tasks, such as setting up event spaces.
  
  
  • Work occasional evenings and weekends, and occasional regional travel.
  
  
  
  


• Administrative & Program Support (30%)
  
  
  
  • Assist Rural Program Manager with day to day operations in Fergus Falls, including regularly scheduled staffing of the front desk.
  
  
  • Support visiting artists with check-in procedures and orientation. 
  
  
  • Field general questions from artists and the public and direct to appropriate program staff.
  
  
  
  


• Community Engagement & Relationship Building (20%)
  
  
  
  • Support connections between Springboard, artists, and community partners.
  
  
  • Actively listen for trends and emerging needs within the community to inform future programming.
  
  
  
  


• Organizational participation (10%)
  
  
  
  • Participate actively in team and organizational meetings and assignments.
  
  
  • Engage in continuous professional development opportunities.
  
  
  • Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  
  

Essential Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in event and project coordination.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Experience using event registration systems, virtual platforms (Zoom), and project management tools (Google Suite, Canva, Formstack, Customer Relationship Management systems, Dropbox).


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.


• Experience in the rural arts community is preferred; practicing artists are encouraged to apply.


• Ability to be present for an in-office schedule and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends per event schedule; reliable transportation desired

Preferred Qualifications 

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Highly relational and energized by making things run smoothly.


• Organized, resourceful, and proactive in problem-solving.


• Engaging and able to communicate effectively with artists, vendors, and community partners.


• Empathetic, patient, steady, and able to navigate dynamic event environments.


• Experience with accessibility strategies to support inclusive participation and accessible event design

Hours, compensation and benefits

• Part time, 21 hours per week


• Salary: $26.44/hr


• Benefits: 100% employer-paid health insurance options available for employees and 50% employer-paid for family members


• 100% employer-paid dental insurance for employee


• 403(b) with 5% employer contribution match


• Paid time off, which includes: sick and safe time, vacation, holidays, and week-long summer and winter breaks.


• Flexible work environment based on role and priorities set with supervisor


• Professional development opportunities and allowance


• Creative, artist-led work environment 

NEXT STEPS

Please submit a resume and cover letter about why you are interested in this role by Wednesday August 26th, at 11:59pm to our application site.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received.  We anticipate conducting three stages of interviews; our ideal start date is mid to late September. 

A Note to Potential Candidates:

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and Native, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. If you see yourself in this position but feel you may not meet the full range of qualifications or would bring transferable skills in other areas, please apply and tell us more about yourself.

Springboard for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity employer. We actively welcome and encourage people who identify as Native, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities to apply.

Questions about this position or requests for application accommodations may be emailed to Laura Wilhelm, Operations Manager, at [email protected] or [email protected].