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Public Programs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Newfields

Public Programs Specialist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$22/hr

Public Programs Specialist Specialist Reports To: Senior Manager of Family & Community Programs Salary or Hourly: Hourly Hourly Rate: $22 Responsibilities: * With the Senior Manager of Family ...

NY History

Manager of Public Programs

New York, NY · On-site

$126K - $127K/yr

Public Programs REPORTS TO: Senior Manager of Public Programs ABOUT THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL New York's first museum, The New York Historical is a leading cultural institution documenting over 400 ...

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How much do public programs jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public programs in the United States is $55,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Public Programs vs Public Policy?

AspectPublic ProgramsPublic Policy
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in public administration, social sciences, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related areas
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, community organizationsGovernment offices, think tanks, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageImplementing services and programs for the publicFormulating, analyzing, and influencing policies
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Programs vs Public Policy

Public Programs focus on executing and managing services for communities, while Public Policy involves developing and analyzing policies that guide those programs. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or non-profit sectors, but their core functions differ: one implements, the other strategizes and influences policy decisions.

What are public programs?

Public programs are organized initiatives, events, or services offered by government agencies, museums, libraries, or other institutions to serve the public interest. These programs can include educational workshops, cultural events, community outreach, and informational sessions designed to engage, inform, and benefit the community. The goal of public programs is to foster learning, cultural enrichment, and community engagement. They are often free or low-cost to ensure accessibility for a wide audience.

What types of teams and departments do Public Programs professionals typically collaborate with, and how does this impact daily work?

Public Programs professionals often work closely with departments such as education, marketing, communications, and curatorial teams, especially in cultural institutions like museums or community organizations. Their role involves coordinating events, workshops, and outreach initiatives, which requires frequent cross-departmental communication to ensure programs align with institutional goals and audience needs. This collaboration fosters a dynamic work environment where adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are critical, as professionals must balance creative ideas with logistical and budgetary considerations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Public Programs, and why are they important?

To thrive in Public Programs, you need a background in program development, event planning, and community engagement, often supported by a degree in education, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools, data tracking systems, and event management software is typically required. Exceptional communication, organizational skills, and cultural sensitivity help professionals connect with diverse audiences and stakeholders. These skills are vital to effectively design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet community needs and achieve organizational goals.
What cities are hiring for Public Programs jobs? Cities with the most Public Programs job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Programs jobs? The most popular types of Public Programs jobs are:
What states have the most Public Programs jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Programs jobs include:
Public Programs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Programs job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,998 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Manager of Public Programs

The New York Historical

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$127K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Manager of Public Programs
DEPARTMENT: Public Programs
REPORTS TO: Senior Manager of Public Programs
ABOUT THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL
New York’s first museum, The New York Historical is a leading cultural institution documenting over 400 years of American history through a peerless collection of art, documents, and artifacts. Our offerings span groundbreaking exhibitions; acclaimed educational programs for teachers and students nationwide; and thought-provoking conversations among leading scholars, journalists, and thinkers about the past, present, and future of the American experiment. The New York Historical is a museum of museums and a collection of collections. We are home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, the Center for Women’s History, the Reiss Family Graduate Institute for Constitutional History, the Dorothy Tapper Goldman Center for Teaching Democracy, the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, and the future American LGBTQ+ Museum. We elevate the perspectives and scholarship that define the United States’ democratic heritage and challenge us all to shape our ongoing history for the better.
JOB SUMMARY
The Manager of Public Programs is responsible for working with the Senior Manager of Public Programs and the program management team in the planning, promotion, and production of evening and daytime public programs throughout the calendar year. The position is full-time and requires evening work 2-4 times per week, as well as select weekend dates.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
1. Assist in Planning and Implementing Programs
  • Manage evening events, walking tours, and weekend programs. This includes but is not limited to: supervision of front- and back-of-house flow, setting up reception and book signing events, providing audience and speaker assistance, etc.;
  • Oversee planning and scheduling of seasonal gallery and walking tours, under the direction of the Senior Manager of Public Programs;
  • Assist in the production of broadcast recordings for PBS History with David Rubenstein television series (~12 tapings per year) and For the Ages podcast series (~40 episodes per year); ensure editorial producer and editor receive deliverables;
  • Supervise execution of program records and reports on program sales and attendance;
  • Attend weekly logistics meetings;
  • Project management and coordination of volunteer program, including monthly assignment scheduling, correspondence, and logging of hours;
  • Assist program team in the research and planning of programming, including evening and morning lectures, walking and gallery tours, and films;
  • Assist with researching books, authors, films, and speakers;
  • Assist with hiring and management of external support staff for programs.
2. Budget Management
  • Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring alignment with departmental and institutional financial goals;​
  • Track expenses, process invoices, and monitor revenue projections across multiple programs and events;
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining high-quality program execution;
  • Manage vendor contracts, payment schedules, and budget-related documentation;
  • Monitor ticket sales, sponsorship revenue, and expense trends to inform future planning;
  • Support annual budgeting and long-range financial planning for public programs and special events.
3. Managing Ticketing Software for Department
  • Oversee daily use and administration of departmental ticketing software;
  • Create and manage event listings, pricing structures, discount codes, and seating configurations;
  • Monitor ticket sales and registration data to track performance and attendance trends;
  • Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to ensure accurate event information across platforms;
  • Troubleshoot ticketing issues and provide customer support related to registrations and purchases
  • Generate sales, attendance, and revenue reports for internal stakeholders and leadership;
  • Maintain accurate patron records and ensure data integrity within the ticketing system;
  • Train staff and collaborators on ticketing procedures, platform updates, and best practices;
  • Evaluate ticketing workflows and recommend system improvements to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
4. Assist in Publication Development
  • Research books, authors, and speakers and prepare text for program descriptions and speaker biographies. Assist in gathering information from collaborators, publishers, and speakers;
  • Review and edit all text and copy for printed and online publications;
  • Coordinate list management functions for the Public Programs Department.
5. Department—Office Administration
  • Work with Public Programs team to monitor and respond to complaints or problems, as they arise;
  • Assist in the management of program events and prepare periodic status reports on projects for the Senior Manager of Public Programs and CFO;
  • Respond to public inquiries via telephone and email. Field inquiries from publishers, authors, and others interested in holding programs;
  • Provide administrative support for Public Programs department, as needed;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Arts Administration, History, or related field;
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully handle a variety of management and administrative duties and work creatively under pressure;
  • Strong writing, editing, and time-management skills required;
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to create and manage complex spreadsheets, analyze data, and develop reports and tracking systems;
  • Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office; knowledge of Zoom, Tessitura, and Zkipster is a plus;
  • Successfully demonstrated attention to detail and excellent organizational skills;
  • Knowledge of public programs at other cultural institutions preferred;
  • Ability to complete projects, both on a team and individually, in a fast-paced environment;
  • Excellent interpersonal and oral communications skills;
  • Experience in event planning is required; must display good judgment to make decisions spontaneously and independently to adapt to event execution;
  • Must work well with the public and be a team player.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position may require the employee to lift (up to 25 lbs.), bend, stoop, walk, run, speak and stand for up to 5 hours in a day, during program execution. Sedentary computer work is also required.
COMPENSATION amp; BENEFITS
The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. The successful candidate will be offered a salary based on specific factors such as their individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

New York Historical provides a generous benefits package for eligible employees to support their health and wellbeing, which includes:
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal days, and holidays observed by the Museum;
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance;
  • Short and long-term disability coverage options;
  • 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for employer contributions following one year of full-time service;
  • Flexible spending accounts for health-related expenses, dependent care, and parking and transit expenses;
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees and their families;
  • 20% discount at the NYHistory Store, Café Clara and Clara restaurant, located within the Museum;
  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions across the city.
The New York Historical is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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