Program Assistant Jobs in Lowell, MA (NOW HIRING)

PUAM Program Assistant

Salem, MA 

Why Work for North Shore CDC? 

North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC) is a regional, nonprofit organization committed to investing in neighborhoods to create thriving communities. We envision a North Shore where every neighborhood is one of choice and opportunity. Our neighborhood revitalization model focuses on projects that have lasting benefits for entire neighborhoods with need-based programs that build future city leaders and self-sufficient residents. Our diverse staff are passionate and committed to helping our communities thrive and grow. For more information visit us at: www.northshorecdc.org, www.puntourbanartmuseum.org, @northshorecdc and @urban.art.museum. 

NSCDC began using the arts as a community engagement strategy in 2012 to 2013 through the award-winning Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan, developed in partnership with the Point Neighborhood Association and the City of Salem to strengthen quality of life in the Point. Building on that work, NSCDC launched Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM) in 2017, which has grown into an internationally recognized, award winning public art initiative grounded in community development and neighborhood investment. PUAM was created to connect the Point neighborhood with the broader Salem and North Shore community by building understanding and strengthening connections across communities.

PUAM now reaches both local and international audiences, featuring more than 75 murals and two program spaces within a four-block area in the Point, with installations extending throughout Salem and up to Gloucester. The collection reflects the vibrancy of the neighborhood and serves as a source of pride for residents and local businesses, while also supporting local economic activity. We believe artists are a critical part of the community ecosystem, helping to activate spaces, strengthen identity, and bring places to life.

About the Role

We are seeking a self-motivated, resourceful, and passionate individual who thrives in an independent, fast-paced environment and is deeply committed to supporting artists in a coworking environment. This role requires someone who can manage tasks with minimal supervision, think creatively to solve problems, and navigate complex systems to connect artists with the resources.

The PUAM Program Assistant will coordinate arts-oriented events & activities designed to provide educational & economic opportunities for Hawthorne Lofts residents. This position will serve as a Hawthorne Lofts-focused point person for the PUAM and NSCDC team.  They will be in a position to leverage their capacity to bring in together not just the Hawthorne Lofts residents, but also community members, and PUAM / NSCDC colleagues as needed for events and programming.

PUAM Program Assistant, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position is a part-time, hourly position, compensation is $25.00 per hour with an expectation to be available in-person for 10 hours per week with flexibility for increased hours as programming requires.

Their primary activities will include:

• Serve as an NSCDC/PUAM contact for the Auditorium and for artists using the on-site studios and facilities by both resident and non-resident artists.

• Manage and oversee rental of micro-studios by artists, alongside PUAM Director.

• Work with PUAM staff to coordinate bi-annual Hawthorne Lofts Open Studios and PUAM-led community engagement and programming for residents and community members.

• Act as first point of contact alongside our Resident Services team for all constituents utilizing Hawthorne Lofts coworking auditorium while maintaining a friendly, welcoming environment.

• Maintain positive relations and open communication with residents of Hawthorne Lofts, artists renting micro-studios, auditorium visitors, and all North Shore CDC staff.

• Collaborates with internal PUAM and NSCDC Staff to help proactively grow community engagement partnerships and programming.

• Be an active member of the site team, working collaboratively with the property manager and PUAM Director to meet property needs and resolve resident problems. 

• Work with artist residents to resolve conflicts with residents, artists, and visitors.

Administration 

• Manage rental agreements for the micro-studio with resident and non-resident artists including securing monthly invoicing and securing rental payments.

• Complete reports on programmatic goals/outcomes.

Other Duties

• Identify and cultivate new relationships with community organizations, resident artists, residents, and PUAM/NSCDC staff to foster new opportunities for the program.

• Attend workshops, trainings, staff meetings and community/NSCDC events.

• Work possible early morning shifts and/or late nights and programming events.

• Provide production support for events and maintenance in the auditorium, as necessary. This may include painting, cleaning, building, maintaining, setting up, operating, and breaking down various on-site equipment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Minimum of two years in arts administration capacity, studio manager or arts program coordinator role.

• Experience overseeing or working in a similar arts studio coworking space.

Specific Skills

• Excellent interpersonal communication, crisis management, and writing skills.

• Experience developing and leading arts-based programming.

• Have a person first lens using strengths-based practice methods with a keen understanding of how to gauge and address the needs of artists and creatives.

• Technical skills including familiarity with Google Platform, Microsoft Suite, and similar platforms to do tasks like create reports, track expenses, invoice artists, et cetera.

To Apply: 

Please submit a resume/cv and cover letter to Saniego Sanchez, Director, Punto Urban Art Museum at nscdcjobs@oppcommunities.org 

Opportunity Communities (OppCo) provides human resources for TND. OppCo and its members, North Shore CDC, Nuestra Comunidad and TND are equal opportunity organizations. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This is a program of North Shore Community Development Coalition and North Shore Housing Action Group (NSHAG) with grant funding provided by Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development.

Disclaimer Statement: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Labor policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, military status, veteran status, or genetic information. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.