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Public Programs Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager of Public Programs

New York, NY · On-site

$126K - $127K/yr

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 ...

Manager of Film Programs Education & Public Programs JOB SUMMARY Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Public Programs, Film, Music, and Gallery Learning, the Manager of Film Programs leads ...

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Public Programs Manager information

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$11K

$48.6K

$60.5K

How much do public programs manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public programs manager in the United States is $48,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Public Programs Manager vs Community Outreach Coordinator?

AspectPublic Programs ManagerCommunity Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in public administration, communications, or related field; experience in program managementBachelor's degree; experience in community engagement or outreach
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with fieldwork for community eventsPrimarily community-facing, organizing events and outreach activities
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsNon-profits, government, social service organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in public program managementComparing community engagement roles

The Public Programs Manager oversees the planning and execution of public initiatives, often managing teams and budgets. The Community Outreach Coordinator focuses on engaging with communities directly, organizing events, and building relationships. While both roles involve community interaction, the manager has broader program oversight, whereas the coordinator emphasizes grassroots engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Programs Managers when planning community events?

Public Programs Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse community interests, managing tight budgets, and ensuring logistical details run smoothly. They must coordinate with multiple stakeholders—including vendors, local officials, and partner organizations—to deliver engaging and accessible programs. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are crucial, as unforeseen issues like weather changes or last-minute cancellations may arise. Successful managers proactively communicate with their teams and adapt plans to meet both organizational goals and community needs.

What are Public Programs Managers?

Public Programs Managers are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing educational or community-focused events and initiatives, often within museums, cultural organizations, nonprofits, or government agencies. They coordinate public outreach activities, manage budgets, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure programs meet organizational goals and serve the community effectively. Their work involves strategic planning, team leadership, and evaluating program success to enhance audience engagement.

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

To thrive as a Public Programs Manager, you need expertise in program development, event planning, and community engagement, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public administration, education, or arts management. Familiarity with project management tools, CRM systems, and event management software is typically required. Outstanding communication, organizational, and leadership skills help you effectively collaborate with stakeholders and manage diverse teams. These competencies are vital for delivering impactful public programs that meet organizational goals and serve community needs.
More about Public Programs Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Programs Manager jobs? Cities with the most Public Programs Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Programs jobs? The most popular types of Public Programs jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Programs Manager jobs? The top employers for Public Programs Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Public Programs Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Programs Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Public Programs Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,613 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Public Programs Manager, Film Programming and Budget Management

Public Programs Manager, Film Programming and Budget Management

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$66K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Public Programs Manager, Film Programming and Budget Management
Department
SVC - Public Programs - 051
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
The Public Programs department is seeking a full-time Public Programs Manager, Film Programming and Budget Management to serve as a senior producer and operational leader. Reporting to the Director of Public Programs, this role carries lead producer responsibility for a portfolio of public-facing programs spanning science, culture, conversation, and community, while also serving as the department's operational anchor for event systems and cross-program logistics. The Manager brings both a producer's creative instincts and a systems-oriented mindset to one of the country's most dynamic public programming environments.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Serve as lead producer for an assigned portfolio of public programs, managing all aspects of programming from concept to execution. This Manager's portfolio will include the Margaret Mead Film Festival.
    • Organize film submissions, programmer coordination and support personnel and guest logistics in collaboration with the festival team and other relevant Museum departments for the Margaret Mead Film Festival, including festival-specific agreements, vendor contracts, and reporting. Work with Finance to support the department's creation and maintenance of the Festival budget.
    • Source, cultivate, and book scientists, artists, scholars, and thought leaders in alignment with Museum priorities and audience interests.
    • Manage event logistics, production timelines, vendor relationships, and day-of execution across the full assigned slate.
    • Handle all agreements, internal meeting coordination, and partner communications for assigned programs.
    • Track attendance, collect feedback, and prepare program reports.
    • Create and manage program budgets, creatively maximizing impact while ensuring accurate accounting.
  • Contribute as a collaborative and onsite support across the broader Public Programs slate. Support colleagues on large-scale or high-complexity events as needed. Manage strategy, planning, and impact meetings across the Museum.
  • Own and manage team meetings, including organizing agendas and leading scheduling and next steps. Manage departmental needs including departmental orders and software license management. Ensure administrative workflows are efficient, documented, and consistently followed. Help manage and maintain project management tools.
  • Support the department in creating and maintaining the annual budget, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission across all program areas.
  • Manage interns, fellows, and other departmental staff from hiring, scheduling, and portfolio to post-program support.
  • Actively scout local and national organizations, artists, scientists, and cultural figures to build a robust pipeline of potential collaborators and program ideas.
  • Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with external partners, community organizations, and industry peers. Stay current with trends in public programming, museum practice, and relevant fields through performances, conversations, screenings, convenings, and professional networks.

The expected salary range for the Public Programs Manager, Film Programming and Budget Management is $66,500/annual - $70,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years experience in public programming, live event production, or cultural institution management.
  • Experience in the film industry and/or cultural programming.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead high-volume programs across multiple concurrent projects and varied program types.
  • Strong organizational and proactive problem-solving skills, with experience owning event logistics systems and administrative processes.
  • Experience with event management and/or project management tools.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or associate degree in a relevant field.
  • Demonstrated interest in all aspects of public programming (e.g., adult lectures, family workshops, festivals, cultural events).
  • Familiarity with ticketing systems.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, online video platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) and databases.

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
  • Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and up to 15 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:
    • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
    • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.

Category
Full-Time
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$66,500/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$70,000/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4798
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS1010P
Open Date
06/11/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants