NOW HIRING:
• Director of Program Operations
• Teen Arts Center Program Assistant
Director of Program Operations
Position Summary
The Director of Program Operations will serve as a core leader in advancing the mission of Palenke Arts by overseeing program execution, managing financial operations, and supporting organizational effectiveness. This role integrates artistic programming with administrative and fiscal systems to ensure the organization runs smoothly and sustainably. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director will provide strategic support across programming, finance, data reporting, and community engagement.
Work Location: 530 Elm Ave, Seaside, CA
Reports to: Executive Director
Key Responsibilities and Essential Duties
Operations & Administration
Program Oversight (40%)
Lead the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Palenke’s multicultural arts education and public programming.
Collaborate with teaching artists, administrative staff, and volunteers to ensure high-quality classes and community events.
Develop and manage program schedules, calendars, and class logistics.
Support curriculum development aligned with Palenke's mission and values.
Coordinate with external partners, schools, and community stakeholders to deepen engagement.
Financial Operations (35%)
Manage day-to-day financial functions including budget tracking, expense reporting, accounts payable/receivable, and reimbursements.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and accountant on monthly reconciliations, audits, and financial forecasting.
Assist with preparation of grant budgets, invoicing, and financial reporting to funders.
Monitor program budgets to ensure alignment with grant and contract compliance.
Program & Grant Data Management (10%)
Collect, analyze, and maintain program data for evaluation and funder reporting.
Coordinate with staff to ensure accurate attendance, participation, and outcome tracking.
Prepare summaries and reports for grants, board meetings, and strategic planning sessions.
Organizational Leadership & Communication (10%)
Participate in leadership meetings, strategic initiatives, and board engagement efforts.
Support internal communication practices that promote collaboration and alignment.
Represent Palenke Arts at community events, funder meetings, and professional gatherings.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement (5%)
Foster strong relationships with community partners, local government agencies, and arts organizations.
Represent Palenke Arts at community events, meetings, and forums as needed.
Support marketing and outreach efforts to increase participation and awareness of programs.
Qualifications & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, education, or related field.
Minimum 3 years of experience in program or operations management in nonprofit or arts organizations.
Bilingual and bi-literate in English/Spanish required.
Strong understanding of multicultural arts programming and community-based work.
Demonstrated financial literacy and experience managing program budgets.
Proficiency in Google Suite, Excel, and financial reporting tools (e.g., QuickBooks or similar).
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
Flexible schedule, including availability for evening and weekend events.
Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Experienced working with a diverse set of community-based organizations, residents, and stakeholders
Compensation & Benefits
Full-Time, 40 hours/week (includes occasional evening and weekend work). Exempt (205 days/year)
Salary Range: $68,640–$75,000 annually, with medical benefits and paid sick/personal leave
Benefits include [health insurance, paid time off, professional development opportunities,
Typically, indoor work environments with occasional loud music
Candidates must be open to working a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends
Physical Effort and Work Environment
Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position
Mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions
Manual dexterity sufficient to write, and use the telephone, computer, calculator and office machines at the required speed and accuracy
Vision sufficient to read handwritten and printed materials and the display screen of various office equipment and machines
Hearing sufficient to communicate in person and hold telephone conversations in normal range (approximately 60 decibels)
Speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversational distances on the telephone and addressing groups
Physical agility to sit, stand, kneel, walk, push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead
Physical stamina sufficient to sustain light physical labor for up to 8 hours, sit and/or walk for prolonged periods
Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment (office, District, school site to site) for sustained periods on hard flooring, climb slopes, stairs, and ramps, and respond to emergencies
Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 25 pounds of materials or supplies; occasionally lift 40 or more pounds with assistance
Occasionally push and/or pull a variety of tools, equipment, or objects weighing 80 or more pounds, with assistance
Typically, indoor work environments with occasional loud music
To Apply
Submit your cover letter, resume, and three references as ONE PDF attachment to info@palenkearts.org. Please include “Director of Program Operations Application” in the subject line.
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Teen Arts Center Program Assistant
Position Summary
The primary responsibility of the Teen Arts Center Program Assistant is to provide onsite administrative and operational support to the Teen Arts Center Coordinator and the Executive Director. The person in this position will assist in the facilitation of and/or management of Palenke Arts’ Teen Arts Center operations: including, but not limited to classes, events, communications, interaction and engagement with students, parents and the public. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and passionate about the arts and our community of Seaside and believes in our vision of transforming the community through the arts!
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be a responsible, mature, positive and energetic person.
• Must have a minimum of two years’ experience working with youth.
• Must have strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must be Computer Proficient (i.e. Google Docs, Social Media Platforms, Microsoft Suite, etc.).
• Effective and efficient work habits including organization of work, punctuality and dependability, industry, and good practices.
• Must be bilingual, biliterate (English/Spanish).
• Strong creative background preferred (visual arts, digital arts, drama, music, dance, etc.).
• College educated, BS/BA preferred or equivalent.
• Proven record working with diverse communities
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and perform duties in a fast-paced environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Serve as first point of contact at our Teen Arts Center, making students, parents and visitors feel welcome
• Conduct routine check in/check-out procedures for students
• Communicate with parents and the general public in a professional and effective manner.
• Initiate and complete setup of the Teen Arts Center.
• Clean or sanitize work areas.
• Assist with supervision of program participants.
• Mentor youth in artistic and educational tasks.
• Assist with paperwork/documentation/databases/ as needed.
• Perform online advocacy, community-outreach efforts, promotions, etc.
• Monitor trends in social media tools and coordinate the appropriate response in a timely, effective manner.
• Assist with event management and preparation.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Assist with proper handling of instruments, art materials and computer equipment.
• Work a regular schedule Monday-Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours for special events
• Assist and at times lead recruitment efforts off-site through tabling, presentations and public and private events.
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Walking, sitting, bending, crouching, kneeling and stooping to perform any and all general duties.
• Pushing, pulling, carrying or lifting items weighing a minimum of 35 pounds
• Communication skills required include clear speech and hearing ability.
• Lifting of instructional equipment and supplies, sitting on chairs or floor, leaning over for prolonged periods of time, reaching in all directions, and working outdoors for prolonged periods of time.
• Working on the computer for long periods of time
• Able to deal with loud noises on occasion
PROSPECTIVE SCHEDULE(PLEASE NOTE: This can change at any time with or without notice based on business demands.) Monday-Friday 10:30 am -7 pm with occasional weekend and evening work
STATUS: Full-time - 40 hours/week (includes occasional evening and weekend work)
COMPENSATION $22.00-$27.00/hr or $3,813-$4,329/month Commensurate with experience. Paid leave and medical benefits are available after a 3-month probationary period.
Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week (includes occasional evening and weekend work).
Candidates must be open to working a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends. Current project hours are Monday-Friday from 10:30 am-7:00 pm
Work calendar modeled after MPUSD school calendar, 184 days/year. Additional work days will be available depending on additional programming needs.
To apply for this position, please email your resumé, cover letter and two professional references to Juan L. Sánchez, Executive Director at info@palenkearts.org with TEEN CENTER ASSISTANT in the subject line