Position Overview

The Head of Projects plays a vital role in shaping ICA SF’s public presence and is responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating all partnerships, production, and timelines for all exhibitions and programming. The Head of Projects has strong interpersonal skills and works collaboratively with colleagues, artists, vendors and other external partners. Reporting to the Deputy Director, and working closely with the Executive Director and Chief Curator, the Head of Projects is a creative and strategic thinker with strong project management abilities and a passion for contemporary art and civic impact.

About ICA SF

The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF) is a non-collecting art museum that offers artists from around the world an opportunity to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and take risks. We believe in the power of art to explore the most critical social, political, and cultural questions of our time and are committed to expanding the art historical canon of the future. Building upon the lessons learned in our early start-up years, ICA SF remains continuously “under construction,” embracing a nimbleness rarely found in art institutions. This approach allows us to respond dynamically to the city’s evolving needs and to generate cultural momentum that catalyzes positive lasting change in neighborhoods and communities. We seek to make contemporary art relevant and meaningful for all audiences. Admission is always free.

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with the leadership team to plan and execute all artist and exhibitions projects from concept to completion including: create timelines and schedules; manage all vendor relationships; maintain gallery and artist communication; manage all partnership details and agreements; other responsibilities necessary to realize ambitious projects
Work closely with the CFO on budgets
Collaborate with artists and creative teams to translate ideas into actionable goals, with project milestones and set shared expectations
Develop partnerships and serve as the main liaison with key stakeholders across projects
Work collaboratively with communications teams to inform integrated marketing plans for exhibitions, programs, and initiatives; implement corresponding website updates
Negotiate project contracts and establish budgets with project partners. Manage, and report on project budget; oversee all project expenditures
Create and oversee project calendars and monitor milestones and content deadlines for production, engagement, and programming
Identify opportunities for collaboration and contributions across all departments, including potential fundraising and in-kind sponsorship opportunities
Lead plans for permitting, project installation, maintenance, onsite staffing, and de-installation
Maintain relationships with current, previous, and future artists and partners
Establish and maintain relationships with other cultural organizations, city and state agencies, and property owners, in order to realize complex projects at the highest level

Qualifications

5+ years of professional experience in project management, exhibition management, and/or project production and fabrication
Demonstrated ability realizing ambitious projects and working with and between artists/creators, site owners/managers, fabricators/builders, and curators/conceivers
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contractors, and teams
Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to balance multiple deadlines and taking initiative
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
Entrepreneurial, professional, confident self-starter who brings best practices
Collaborative mindset with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics
Proficiency in Google Suite, familiarity with Asana, Google Sketch-up, CAD, and Photoshop is a plus
Passion for contemporary art, culture, and community-building

Employment Information

This could be a contractor or a full-time, exempt position based in San Francisco, CA with an in-person, Monday–Friday schedule and occasional evenings or weekends as needed. Salary range is $80-110K, commensurate with experience. Full time benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; generous vacation and a retirement plan

ICA SF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

This is an at-will position, which means employment can be ended by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@icasf.org.

Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco

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