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Public Programs Manager Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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Public Programs Manager information

See Massachusetts salary details

$11.8K

$52.2K

$64.9K

How much do public programs manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for public programs manager in Massachusetts is $52,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,911.00 and $61,684.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public programs manager?

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 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Public Programs jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Public Programs jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Programs Manager jobs in Massachusetts?

For Public Programs Manager jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Public Programs Manager jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Public Programs Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Programs Manager job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,151 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Coordinator of Public Programs

Boston, MA • On-site

Museum of Fine Arts
Real Estate • 51 - 200 employees

$28.60 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Position Overview:

Under the general direction of the Director of Public Programs, the Coordinator will support the Public Programs team by assisting with administrative duties related to the day-to-day running of the department. They will coordinate department logistics, communications, contracts, and correspondence with speakers and performers. Administrative and financial responsibilities include processing invoices and payment requests, preparing statistical information, and helping enter and maintain content on mfa.org.

Essential Functions:

Administration and Financial Coordination:

Works with Visitor Experience team to generate box office reports using Tessitura ticketing system. In coordination with the Director, processes invoices and payment requests for lectures, courses, concerts, films, Late Nites, and other events.

Prepares statistical information on program finances and attendance, including weekly ticket sales and attendance reports.

Assists with entering and maintaining lectures, courses, and concerts program content for mfa.org, including program and course descriptions, updates, ticketing information, images, and schedules.

Programming and Event Management:

Develops and processes financial contractual agreements and correspondence with speakers, bands, and/or their agents; arranges lodging and processes all corresponding travel invoices for payment.

Assists in research associated with a busy programming department, including finding information on future speakers, bands, and topics.

Communications

Collaborates with the Curator and the Communications Division on the promotion of the lecture, course, and concert programs, including developing and collating materials necessary for the promotion of events.

Intra-Museum Coordination:

Places internal work orders and books rooms for programs and meetings via EMS. Works with Media Services to ensure that all programs have the necessary technical equipment. Works with Facilities on room set-up for all programs. Works with the Museum’s food service to provide hospitality as needed. Coordinates with Visitor Experience to ensure successful programs.

Secondary Functions:

Order office and course supplies.

Office management.

Requirements and Characteristics:

● Bachelor of Arts in related discipline or related experience

● 1 to 3 years of related experience

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

● Experience supporting successful public events

● Quantitative ease for processing payments, reviewing contracts, and monitoring costs

● Must be a resourceful and detail-oriented planner

● Must be able to work in a high-paced, demanding environment without compromising accuracy or high standards

● Must be self-motivated, energetic and a strong collaborator with an ability to effectively manage internal and external relationships at all levels

● Outstanding communicator with solid verbal, written and presentation skills

● Strong organizational and follow-through skills

● A commitment to supporting the Museum’s values related to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)

The Museum reserves the right to change job descriptions. While this job description is intended to include essential duties, it is conceivable that job duties may change before the job description is officially revised.



SALARY RANGE:

Part-time salary, 28 hours per week

Hourly range: $28.60 - $30.00 commensurate with experience

This position is affiliated with the UAW Union


The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment, or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.